Penn State’s fully interactive online campus maps have been upgraded with a feature that will come in handy for students looking for computer lab space.
Already capable of displaying more than 15 layers of information at a time -- including building and classroom locations, parking options and construction areas -- maps.psu.edu is now tracking computer lab usage across University Park, a helpful feature that’s debuted in time for finals week when labs are busiest.
Map users looking for computer lab availability can now get a real-time report of how many computers and what type, PCs or Macs, are being used in each lab on campus by selecting “computer labs” under the “Academic and Administration” tab in the navigation menu to the left of the map.
Penn State Information Technology Finance & Business partnered with Teaching and Learning with Technology’s Learning Applications and Technology group to test the lab usage function with students earlier this year.
Available for both desktop and mobile, maps for all commonwealth campuses include 3D views of campus and integrate with OpenStreetMap for surrounding areas.
The map project is a product of cross-unit collaboration and is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and Vice President for Strategic Communications. Led by a University-wide team of representatives from various academic and administrative units, the project highlights a core aspect of Penn State IT’s Reimagining IT initiative which seeks to leverage technology to help improve the experience of all members of the University community by providing greater support for students, faculty and staff with streamlined services and improved processes.
Future updates will include up-to-date information about campus events such as student arrival days, commencement, new student orientation, Homecoming and arts and athletic events. Map users are encouraged to check back often, as new features will continue to be added over time.