News
Issue 17 April 2013 Chancellor’s Fund at the University of Glasgow
Welcome from the Chancellor Your gifts to the Chancellor’s Fund support four priority areas – enhancing the learning environment, developing excellence, preserving our heritage and supporting our students.
Searching for the right location The Chancellor’s Fund has awarded the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences £13,250 to produce a comprehensive geospatial database of the University’s Gilmorehill campus which will be used to facilitate searches for specific locations on campus and be the basis for developing a new range of maps, including disability access information. Dr David Forrest is leading the project: ‘The data for our campus is complex – sometimes buildings are known by multiple names or are occupied by more than one school or service. For a user to find the appropriate location we wanted to provide a facility for a more comprehensive search than the current non-interactive campus maps or external Google Maps-based campus map.’ A user-needs analysis which consulted the Estates & Buildings service, staff, students, visitors and those with disabled access requirements has already been completed as part of an MSc project and a model will now be created and populated with data about the campus and key facilities. From this a variety of maps including hard
copy and interactive web maps will be produced including new disability access maps of the campus. It is also hoped that a searchable campus map in a format designed specifically for mobile devices can also be implemented. Professor Maggie Cusack is Head of the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences: ‘Once the project is complete the University will have a valuable resource which can easily be regularly updated to remain current. Map design is a particular strength of the school with students and academic and technical staff winning awards, so it is fitting to use these skills for the wider body of students, staff and visitors.’
In this issue we feature two projects that aim to preserve the heritage of the University. I hope you agree that a comprehensive and searchable map of our beautiful Gilmorehill campus will be very worthwhile – useful for students, staff and visitors alike. I hope you also enjoy reading about a project to celebrate the historical link the University has with Frederick Soddy. He discovered chemical isotopes, and this project hopes to re-establish Glasgow’s place in this key discovery. We also highlight awards from the Chancellor’s Fund enhancing the learning environment and supporting our students in music and the visual arts. From the Creative Practice Fund for student performances to the Chapel Choir tour and participation in the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts, a wealth of activity is currently underway. Glasgow is a vibrant University with a huge amount to offer prospective students. Gifts from alumni and friends really do make a difference and we continue to be very grateful for your generosity.
Professor Kenneth Calman Chancellor