New Esri Press Book Shows That GIS Can Transform the Entire Campus, Starting at the Classroom

The Spatial Edge Reveals How Spatial Thinking Drives Innovation, Efficiency, and Collaboration Across Higher Education  Esri releases The Spatial Edge, a new book demonstrating how GIS technology unifies academic and operational functions across higher education institutions. The book highlights how universities use spatial thinking to enhance teaching, advance interdisciplinary research, and improve campus planning and operations across departments. Through real-world case studies, The Spatial Edge shows how GIS strengthens decision-making, connects disciplines, and supports institutions in solving complex campus and community challenges. Designed for administrators and educators, the guide emphasizes workforce readiness by equipping graduates with in-demand geospatial skills across diverse industries.

Esri has released The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Education, a practical and accessible guide that demonstrates how geographic information system (GIS) technology can unify campuses academically and operationally.

While GIS is often associated with disciplines such as geography, planning, and environmental studies, The Spatial Edge expands that view through real-world case examples. The book shows how spatial thinking can connect departments; strengthen decision-making; and help institutions address complex challenges across teaching, research, and campus operations.

Designed for administrators, educators, and campus leaders, the guide highlights GIS being used across higher education to:

• Enhance teaching and student engagement
• Advance interdisciplinary research
• Improve campus planning and operations
• Strengthen community partnerships
• Prepare graduates with in-demand geospatial skills

From the classroom to facilities management, The Spatial Edge illustrates how taking a geographic approach creates shared understanding and drives better outcomes across institutions.

This book demonstrates that GIS can bring campuses together by bridging disciplines, improving operations, and helping higher education organizations respond proactively to today’s challenges.

About the Authors:

Thomas Fisher is director of the Minnesota Design Center and Dayton Hudson Chair in Urban Design. A widely published author and educator, he has written extensively on design, practice, and ethics.

Len Kne is director of the U-Spatial Center at the University of Minnesota, supporting geospatial work across more than 150 departments. He brings deep experience in GIS across academia, government, and industry.

The Spatial Edge: The Strategic Advantage of GIS Skills Across Higher Educationis available in paperback (ISBN: 9781589488953, US$24.99), and as an ebook (ISBN: 9781589488977, US$24.99). This book can be obtained from most online retailers worldwide. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

About Esri

Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.

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