Innovative Application Will Assist Those with Physical and Visual Disabilities in Navigating the Flagstaff Campus
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., October 6, 2020 – Quantum Spatial, Inc., an NV5 company and the nation’s largest geospatial data firm, today announced that it has embarked on a project in coordination with Northern Arizona University to develop a campus accessibility map that helps individuals with mobility issues easily navigate the campus. Quantum Spatial, working in partnership with the university’s GIS and astronomy departments and the Commission on Disability Access and Design, is conducting a lidar survey across the Flagstaff, Ariz., campus and will develop high-resolution maps that are programmed to work with assistive technology, such as screen readers.
“NAU is committed to campus accessibility that goes beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of this, we had the idea to develop an innovative tool that not only provides a fully accessible map of the campus, but also makes an inherently visual solution available to those with visual impairments,” said Lauren Copeland-Glenn, program manager with the Equity and Access Office at NAU. “Quantum Spatial, with its extensive experience in advanced geospatial mapping and developing unique customer applications using this data, is a pivotal partner in making this concept a reality.”
Quantum Spatial is currently collecting data via drone and terrestrial laser scanner to create a full 3-dimensional map of the 400-acre campus. The resulting high-resolution map will enable the university to provide accurate information about slope and other path-of-travel features to determine the best routes for those who use wheelchairs or want to avoid stairs. Once this first stage is complete, NAU will enhance the map by integrating audio assistive technologies for those with vision impairments.
“The Quantum Spatial team thrives when given the opportunity to discover new and interesting ways to apply the geospatial information we collect, which is why the NAU project is so compelling,” said Scott Nowicki, lead R&D scientist at Quantum Spatial. “This project developing a uniquely-detailed high-resolution model of the exterior campus environment will provide all students, staff and visitors with a valuable resource to help them easily navigate the sprawling campus.”
About Quantum Spatial, Inc.
Quantum Spatial, Inc., an NV5 company, is North America’s largest geospatial services firm, providing insights to organizations that need geospatial intelligence to mitigate risk, plan for growth, better manage resources and advance scientific understanding. We combine the widest array of advanced remote sensing technologies with proprietary processes, analytics tools, algorithms, and analysis. Quantum Spatial goes beyond data acquisition and measurement, transforming high-quality, accurate data into usable information tailored to meet our clients’ needs. Major government agencies, the military, and corporate organizations of all sizes, including utilities, oil and gas producers, engineering and construction firms, depend on Quantum Spatial to revolutionize the way they use and value geospatial data through end-to-end solutions that push the boundaries of data and analytics. For more information visit quantumspatial.com, join us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @QuantumSpatial.
About Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a high-research university with a statewide enrollment of close to 30,000 students. More than 20,000 students attend the Flagstaff campus, with more than 8,000 students enrolled online and at community campuses throughout the state. Research in genetics, forestry and ecology has drawn international recognition to the university, which also is highly regarded for its education, business and engineering programs. NAU’s student population represents 127 tribal nations and is on its way to becoming the nation’s leading university serving Native American/Alaskan and Hawaiian Native cultures. NAU launched competency-based Personalized Learning in 2013, the first self-paced, online education program that cuts the cost and time to an undergraduate degree. For more information, visit nau.edu. Follow NAU on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.