Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

C. Grant Head

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

University campus maps are not generally designed for navigational purposes. However, they are often employed by universities for image-building purposes. A collection of campus maps of universities across Canada have been examined with regards to navigation and image-building. The final focus of this thesis is on the Wilfrid Laurier University campus map.

In order to understand the importance of the navigational process on the campus, it is necessary to examine the professions that depend upon maps to navigate through the environment. Children, orienteers and marine navigators provide us with the basic foundations and some of the finer details of employing a map when travelling though the environment. The most significant finding of the research revealed the importance of landmarks for navigational purposes; if employed correctly these landmarks can also be used for image building.

Unfortunately, some conflicts arise when attempting to satisfy both navigational and image-building requirements. In order to produce a successful campus map for navigation, the navigational requirements must be met first. Image-building features can be added, however they must not interfere with the primary purpose of the campus map—navigation.

Convocation Year

1992

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Included in

Geography Commons

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