First-Year Engineering Students’ Research Experience in Web Mapping

Abstract

Involving undergraduate students in research projects has been a growing trend in post-secondary education. This paper introduces three Web mapping applications developed by first-year engineering students at the University of Calgary. The projects were carried out over 16 weeks by students who did not have any previous knowledge of mapping or geospatial information systems. The outcomes clearly demonstrate the high competence and creativity of the students. According to the students’ reflections, these projects have been a unique learning experience and an excellent starting point in their academic career.