Purple Line Corridor Coalition GIS Field Maps Application for Walking Routes

An intermediate GIS class in the School of Community Planning developed an app using ArcGIS Field Maps to help record data from the field and then produced six walking tour maps for the Purple Line Corridor Coalition.The Purple Line Corridor Coalition (PLCC) is actively working to help keep the areas around the future stations inclusive for all income levels while still encouraging investment and density. This has important distinctions for zoning in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties separately and across some specific stations. Students in the course developed an app using ArcGIS Field Maps to help the PLCC record data from the field and during asset mapping walking tours with community members. The maps show designated areas with routes for the PLCC walking tours

Exploring Public Access Along the Anacostia River Trail System

An exploration of the accessibility of the Anacostia River Trail System.URSP600: Qualitative Research Methods worked on a PALS project regarding the Anacostia River Trail System. The class partnered with Prince George’s County Planning Department to conduct a sweeping study of the trail system: its physical attributes, users, and history. Upon concluding initial research, the class agreed that their study would focus on potential barriers to trail access amongst Prince George’s County residents. Access refers to general access to the trail versus ADA compliance. The class then conducted various forms of research through demographic, economic, and archival analysis; physical, aural, and participant observations; and interviews and focus groups to better understand these potential barriers. At the end of the semester, the class produced a report with findings that suggest the three most significant barriers to trail access may be lack of awareness, safety concerns, and difficulties with physical access. The department can use this foundational analysis of the trail and its users as they undergo further efforts to improve the Anacostia River Trail System