Abstract

Paper
GIS Training of Undergraduates: Campus Stormwater Mapping
Track: Teaching with GIS in Higher Education
Authors: Joanne Logan, Tim Prather, Seth Benge, Gordie Bennett

Undergraduate students in most majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources take only one GIS class during their undergraduate education. To provide a richer, more interactive learning environment, the class participated in a campus stormwater mapping project as part of the University of Tennessee Campus Environmental Action Plan. Students collected GPS data of stormwater features such as outlets and storm drains. They also developed a map of stormwater management units based on surface cover, stormwater features, slope, and drainage. They modeled runoff scenarios based on 10 years of daily rainfall data collected on campus. Their data will be used by UT Facilities Services to help develop a stormwater management plan for campus.