Smart Campus Map Application

With 223 buildings spread over an area of 4,109,000 square metre campus, SNU’s Gwanak campus can be quite a challenge to get around. Even seniors have been known to stare blank-faced when asked for directions to some obscure or remote location. In addition to presenting problems for students, Gwanak campus’ mountainous maze is a popular destination for visitors, who also find it difficult to navigate. However, thanks to a new smartphone app, we can put aside our fears of exploring the campus. Smart Campus Map, designed by SNU Information Systems & Technology, includes a host of useful features that make navigating our sprawling campus easier.

Firstly, Smart Campus Map gives a list of facilities located near the user, and provides directions to a chosen destination giving options for bus, car, and walking. It also provides information on parking locations and facilities for the disabled.

Another great feature is the Campus Tour, which provides three different courses for different touring purposes. The Season Course (50 minutes) is for those who want to enjoy the campus’ scenic landscape. The Exhibition Course (40 minutes) highlights the cultural aspects of SNU by taking the visitors on a tour of the campus’ museums and cultural centres. Finally, the ‘SNU-At-a-Glance’ Course (60 minutes) takes one on a tour through the different colleges and important buildings.

One of the most exciting features of the app is the Beacon, wireless communications equipment installed at main venues. Using Bluetooth, which senses signals from the apparatus, the Beacon provides information and explanations on specific buildings and locations.

Further features include the ability to receive information via Bluetooth on events taking place around campus, and to save them on your Favourites tab.

SNU Information Systems & Technology announced that this application has been in operation experimentally during July, and will be launched officially on August 1.

Smart Campus Map will be available on smartphone app stores.

Written by Hye Bin Lee, SNU English Editor, hahahybes@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr