The Spatial Edge covers teaching, research and campus operations
Esri has released The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Education, a new book on how universities use geographic information system technology across academic and operational work.
Aimed at administrators, educators and campus leaders, the guide presents GIS as more than a tool for geography, planning or environmental studies.
Through real-world case studies, the book shows how spatial thinking can connect departments, improve decision-making and help institutions solve campus and community challenges.
According to Esri, the book covers teaching, student engagement, interdisciplinary research, campus planning, operations and community partnerships.
It also stresses workforce readiness, arguing that geospatial skills are in demand across many industries and can help graduates prepare for work after university.
Examples in the guide include using GIS to enhance teaching, advance research, improve facilities planning, strengthen local partnerships and support operational decisions.
From the classroom to facilities management, The Spatial Edge describes how a geographic approach can create shared understanding across institutions.
As a result, campuses can make better choices and respond more proactively to current challenges across teaching, research and day-to-day operations.
U-Spatial Centre and Minnesota Design Centre
Thomas Fisher and Len Kne wrote the book.
Fisher is director of the Minnesota Design Centre and Dayton Hudson Chair in Urban Design.
He is also a widely published author and educator who has written on design, practice and ethics.
Meanwhile, Kne directs the U-Spatial Centre at the University of Minnesota, where he supports geospatial work across more than 150 departments.
Kne also brings GIS experience from academia, government and industry.
The paperback edition carries ISBN 9781589488953 and costs US$24.99.
An ebook edition is also available with ISBN 9781589488977 at the same US$24.99 price.
Readers can buy the title from most online retailers worldwide, while retailers can contact Ingram Publisher Services, the Esri Press distributor.
Esri says the book shows how GIS can bridge disciplines, improve operations and help higher education institutions respond to complex challenges.
