PLUS Campus Map: Orientation for the University of Salzburg; [PLUS Campus Map: Orientierung für die Universität Salzburg]

Abstract

This article presents the PLUS Campus Map as a practical geospatial solution for orientation at the University of Salzburg. University campuses contain a wide range of buildings, entrances, lecture rooms, pathways, facilities and service locations, which can make navigation difficult for students, employees and visitors. A digital campus map can bring these elements together in one spatial environment and provide users with a clearer understanding of the campus. The article focuses on how location-based information can support everyday orientation and improve access to university facilities. Interactive mapping allows users to search for places, identify buildings and understand connections between different parts of the campus. Such systems can be especially useful for people who are visiting the university for the first time or who need to find a specific facility quickly. A campus map can also support accessibility by providing information about routes and important points of interest. From a technical perspective, the project demonstrates how geodata can be organized into a user-friendly application rather than being presented only as traditional maps. The value of the system depends on accurate building information, clear cartographic presentation and regular updates when the campus changes. The PLUS Campus Map therefore illustrates a simple but effective use of GIS and digital cartography in an institutional environment. It shows how spatial information can become an everyday service that connects people with their surroundings and makes complex campus environments easier to understand and navigate. This perspective is also relevant for organizations that are planning long-term digital transformation and need practical information rather than technology in isolation. It shows how geospatial methods can connect operational needs with clearer, evidence-based decisions.