mission · current research · bio sketches · visiting scholars 
research incentive · publication series · books · fellowships
  · contact ·  

Geographic Information Systems

Directors: William Huxhold, Associate Professor of Planning
Faculy Associates: Zhong-Ren Peng, Professor of Planning
Michael Greenwald, Assistant Professor of Planning

Since the GIS Program was introduce in 1988 at SARUP,  it has become the center of GIS education at UW-Milwaukee and enjoys national and international recognition. With eight 486 microcomputers connected to a Novell network that runs the latest version of Workstation Arch/Info and ArcView, the GIS laboratory is linked to the University's campus network allowing access to large databases containing city of Milwaukee digital map information and current and historical property attribute data. In addition to instruction in the applications and concepts of the technology, a certificate program is offered that provides "hands on" experiences with GIS data and software and experience in addressing local issues with a real client.

SARUP's GIS Program offers instructional workshops and consultant services to governmental and nonprofit agencies. These programs are tailored to the needs of specific groups.

Current and Recent Research

A Policy Tool for Local Governments
Investigator: William Huxhold

In recent years, Huxhold has worked with students in the GIS Certificate Program on a series of research projects for local governments employing GIS as a key analysis tool and training them in its use. He has also developed educational and analytical software and an extensive continuing education curriculum. Recently the Milwaukee Department of City Development provided the GIS lab with the citywide Milwaukee geographic data file in exchange for the conversion of this huge amount of data into manageable parcels. Access to these data files will greatly expand Huxhold and his students' capability of using GIS as a policy analysis tool.

GIS on the Internet
Investigator: Zhong-Ren Peng

The potential for the use of GIS mapping on the Internet is vast. Peng has done extensive research in this area and received funding from the Center for Urban Initiatives and Research to explore ways to improve the adaptability of GIS to the internet technology and expand its use as a research and analysis tool in Urban Planning

Implementing Urban Indicator Analysis Using GI Science in Senegal
Investigators: William Huxhold and Laxmi Ramasubramanian

This participatory action research and local capacity building initiative is one of eight projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS). SARUP in partnership with the City of Dakar, Senegal and its École Superieure Polytechnique will develop a web-based capacity a building program that will allow researchers and students in Senegal to use GIS concepts and ArcView software to map and analyze local indicator data. The researchers will also gain knowledge of the existing state of urban quality within Senegal through the mapping and analysis of a set of indicators relating to shelter, social development, environmental management, and economic development.

last updated on May 03, 2007