Before the internet, navigating a college campus required a physical map or directions from anyone to visit. Today, an interactive campus map transforms the campus experience for stakeholders, from visitors and students to faculty and facilities departments.
A virtual map allows discovering campus locations simply from one digital feature. You can also increase accessibility and engagement by promoting and controlling each campus hotspot visitors see.
Interactive campus maps are powerful tools that attract, engage, and enhance every stakeholder's digital experience. Below are the six ways interactive maps can improve relationships with stakeholders at your educational institution.
Interactive campus maps transform wayfinding on any college campus. Users can easily find buildings, amenities, and other points of interest by navigating the digital map. It's similar to a printed map, but the information is available in real time. Instead of searching for a building that is no longer there on an outdated map, a digital map provides current images of everything users will see while visiting the campus or attending the school.
The impact of wayfinding is significant. Any stakeholder can get to where they want to go. Alums can visit recreational facilities to reminisce about the fun times they had. Prospective students can find where their classes will take place if they apply for their academic program of interest.
Wayfinding is essential when it relates to accessibility. Many people have disabilities preventing them from visiting the campus in person or walking around for long periods to see every spot they're interested in.
You must incorporate accessibility features into your interactive map to attract an audience beyond your typical student body. The map should highlight accessible bathrooms, wheelchair ramps, and elevators. Incorporate information about opportunities you offer for the deaf and hard of hearing so they know they can participate without feeling limited or ignored.
Campus maps should offer more than wayfinding, accessibility, and digital management. They must also be a tool for engaging with others and developing relationships. You can integrate multimedia features, such as videos and 360-degree images, to provide an immersive digital experience.
A video viewbook is a beneficial way of showing off your college campus while boosting stakeholder engagement. You can tell your school's story and highlight the unique features that make you stand out from other colleges. Users can click on embedded videos to hear from faculty, learn about course offerings, and experience student life.
A virtual event allows attendees from anywhere to interact with each other in real time. Many people can't afford to travel. However, attendance increases when you offer the ability to participate in a virtual environment. You also allow in-person and online attendees to meet and engage in a virtual world that would otherwise be unavailable without the platform.
Promote upcoming events with your interactive campus map. Include information about parking, restaurants, and other spots to simplify your audience's lives. They can navigate your campus and the surrounding areas more easily. Virtual attendees can also get to know your school without leaving their homes.
Interactive campus maps benefit more than external audiences. They also improve digital management for internal users. Digital management employees and facilities can simplify logistical challenges with data they've acquired about users.
For example, you can plan for potential transportation and parking issues. The facilities department can highlight areas visitors can go to when they need help getting from one location on campus to the next. You can also include building safety features where someone could alert campus security. Users can feel safe on campus knowing how to contact someone to escort them back to their dorm or to and from an in-person event.
Tours are a significant aspect of college recruitment. Prospective students can tour the campus to get a feel for what life would be like if they attended. However, in-person visits aren't possible for some people. Attending on-campus events is challenging for some because of scheduling conflicts, health concerns about large groups, or financial limitations.
Offering a virtual tour allows anyone to visit from the comfort of their home. Instead of following a guide, they can be their own guide. They can tour the spots that interest them the most and get a sense of campus life through a fully immersive digital experience.
StudentBridge can customize a campus map suited to your college's brand, values, and story. We can promote your campus with interactive 3D maps that allow prospective students, faculty, alum, and others to take a virtual walk around campus using 360-degree images, embedded videos, and detailed descriptions.
Request a demo or contact us at (678) 824-8181 for more information about how we can help your college improve stakeholder relationships with a personalized and customized interactive campus map.