Story by: Zoe Marcum | FS Communications Student Assistant
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, maps are far more than just tools for finding your way to class. They are woven into the daily operations of UTK’s very own Facilities Services team, silently supporting everything from landscaping to energy management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has become an integral part of campus life, ensuring that Rocky Top runs efficiently for students, staff, and fans alike.
GIS, short for Geographic Information Systems, is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial data. In simple terms, it allows people to visualize information on a map; not just where things are located, but how they connect and interact. GIS is the backbone of modern mapping, combining layers of data to create a cohesive picture of the campus environment and layout.
Most of the satellite and drone images used across campus are “ortho” images, short for orthomosaic. An orthomosiac is a style of digital map captured in a 2D manner, where all features have an accurate “true ground” positioning. This is caputured using a method of drone imaging for maps, where the drone flies at least 200 feet in the air with the camera aimed at straight down. Think about a tree being captured by the drone, if there is just one picture of the tree, there’s a chance that there could be a smudge on the lens, or it could be blurry, or anything else that would make the image inaccurate. But if you have four to six different pictures overlapping the image, that reduces the chance for error significantly. The camera captures an image every second to second and a half, and the equipment UTFS uses can capture 16-20 acres at a time, that’s about equal to the footprint of Neyland Stadium. Adam Trent is the GIS Coordinator at UTFS, and he made a point of highlighting the importance of consistent, accurate results from the drone, “Accuracy is how accurate it is [once], but precise is being able to repeat that.” The more test flights they have, the more experience and data for the drone, the better.
The value of these images and maps extends far beyond simple navigation and landscape visualization. Within UTFS, they serve as a living blueprint of the university, allowing staff to visualize and manage the numerous systems that keep Rocky Top running. Each department can access specialized layers of the map that highlight the infrastructure most relevant to their work. For example, electrical crews can see where high and low voltage lines are located, while energy teams can trace the chilled water and geothermal networks that regulate heating and cooling across campus. Landscaping and irrigation staff rely on the same system to plan maintenance and ensure that green spaces remain healthy and sustainable. Instead of relying on paper records or scattered notes, these crews can pull up a precise digital map that shows them exactly what lies beneath the ground. This means fewer delays, fewer mistakes, and a safer environment for everyone who studies, works, or visits the university. It also allows departments to coordinate more effectively with one another.
As campus continues to grow and evolve, GIS ensures that every project, from the smallest repair to the largest construction effort, moves forward with clarity and confidence. What began as a tool for mapping has become a foundation for smarter decision-making, stronger collaboration, and a safer, more connected Rocky Top. This approach to mapping and data collection plays a key role in bringing the university’s Master Plan to life by giving teams the insight they need to build thoughtfully and intentionally. Behind every path paved and every building powered, GIS is quietly charting the course for the university’s future.
