Golf Course Management & Promotion
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a way of mapping data and associated attributes. Poggemeyer Design Group is pleased to bring GIS to the world of golf through ArcGIS Online mapping that is available on any computer, tablet, or phone. This interactive mapping will allow for more effective golf course management and play. To demonstrate the capabilities of GIS an example has been constructed featuring holes 2-8 of Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The example is available at this link https://arcg.is/1yrHmr and in the screenshots over the following pages.
The basic interface of the map. On the right the layer list has been selected, with layers that can be turned on and of.
If you click on an object, such as a fairway, green, or bunker, a pop-up box will appear with information about the object. This information can lead to more effective course management.
The location of sprinklers and related information.
Contours provide a sense of the slope found on the course.
A key opportunity of GIS as it relates to golf is player performance. The following screenshots illustrate how the use of GIS during a round can lead to lower scores. Players can access the map on their phones, or via tablets rented out by the course.
The ideal way to play each hole is illustrated via dashed lines that show the distance and location of each shot.
Lines indicating the distance to the front of each green.
Points showing the ideal landing spot for potential hole locations.
The measurement tool allows players to determine the distance between points.
The location tool shows the player’s position with a blue dot. This can become quite powerful when combined with other tools, such as the measurement tool.
GIS can also help promote golf courses through the use of Story Maps. As shown in the example below (http://arcg.is/mTLzy), a photo and description of each hole is spatially referenced, allowing potential customers to get a sense of what the course is like.
After reviewing this material we hope you have a better understanding of how GIS can be beneficial to golf and golf courses. Please let us know if you would to discuss GIS solutions for your situation.