Application for Student Computer and Technology Fee
Innovative Project Grant1

Unit. College/School/Department:

College of Technology and Computer Science

Department of Planning

In Cooperation with (Optional):
	(Name of Cooperating Unit)

Name of Project Director:

Al Burne

Campus Address:

122 Rawl

Phone Number:

328-1273

E-Mail:

burnea@mail.ecu.edu

Total Funding Request:

$ 8,385

Project Title:

Utilization of GPS Technology to Support Local Planning and Development

Please obtain the appropriate authorization to submit this proposal (unit head), which includes acknowledging the conditions specified below. Identify the person authorizing submission of the proposal. That person will be contacted to confirm the authorization.

The unit accepts the following responsibilities and obligations if full or partial funding of its Student Computer and Technology Fee proposal is awarded:

1. The Student Computer and Technology Fee monies fund proposals which are for departmental facilities for student use in instructional settings. Any faculty use must be incidental, such as in a student laboratory setting.

2. The project or items of a project cannot be substantively changed once the award is made.

3. The unit is to provide insurance for the hardware or technological equipment.

4. The unit is responsible for repairs to hardware or technological equipment that are beyond the warranty period.

5. The unit is to provide security and adequate supervision for the hardware or technological equipment and software.

6. The unit is to maintain the hardware or technological equipment and software in the area described by the proposal.

7. No unit is permitted to submit more than one proposal in a given year.

Name of Unit Head:

Dr. Mulatu Wubneh

Campus Address:

119 Rawl

Phone Number:

328-1272

Goal Statement

Urban planners manage the world's cities. In order to manage this huge responsibility, they must rely on accurate mapping for the essential decision-making and planning that make the world's cities and towns function efficiently. In the field of urban and regional planning, GPS is an essential tool for many planning tasks. For example, I am undertaking a University Sponsored project for Pitt County’s Planning Department to draft a County Greenway Plan that will involve student assistance and field work to be completed by the Fall of 2004. A critical section of the Plan will include utilizing GPS technology to:

1) Inventory location of resources (natural and historic areas) and landmarks within the County that would serve as potential attractions along the Greenway

2) The identification of “hubs” as possible locations for either active recreational use, passive recreational uses, or land conservation.

3) Delineate potential trails, pedestrian links, and “connectors” along the proposed greenway.

Students and Courses Affected

The standards of the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) require that the planning curriculum provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for becoming competent professional planners. It is very important that we provide students with instruction and experience so that they have proficiency with current technology used in the multi-disciplinary field of planning. In addition to our GPS course listed below, I have also integrated GPS instruction, on a limited basis, into the following existing courses:

· PLAN 3051: Introduction to GIS in Planning

· PLAN 4021: Advanced GIS Applications in Planning

· PLAN 4041: GPS Applications in Planning

· PLAN 6301: GIS and CAD Applications in Planning

Current Facilities

The Department of Planning uses a Studio that contains nine computers for students to use for processing GPS data and to integrate with GIS software for mapping purposes. At the present, the Department has two older (+5 years) hand-held GPS models. This equipment is better than nothing, but additional, newer units are and will be needed as well, so that more students can have more invaluable “hands-on” experience with the GPS devices.

Materials Obtained by Routine SCTR Request

Request is pending.

Equipment and Software Requested

3 Trimble GPS XM handheld receivers. Software is bundled with equipment.

Support for the Project

No additional support for the project will be needed. TECS system administrators will install the GPS software. There are no known major compatibility issues with the software and Windows operating systems or other software programs.

Assessment of the Educational Impact of the Project

Students will utilize GPS technology to collect data and analyze the accuracy of the data. Students will then integrate the results of their GPS data with GIS to generate maps to assist with the development of the Greenway Plan project. The instructor, professional planners, and county officials will evaluate the work of the students when the plan is presented to the County.

Budget: Submit quotes for the materials requested, using as much space as needed, starting on page 4 of this form.

Deliver one electronic copy of the application as an attachment to email to: FacultySenate@mail.ecu.edu. In the subject line of the email enter “Innovative Project Proposal from <name of unit, name of director>.”

This proposal was funded in the amount of $8,385.