Kathryn Franklin works on a 3D model of campus that begins in 1838 and continues to 2010. The undergraduate applied science student developed the project in her free time.

An undergraduate applied science student has created an online tool that will give people a better understanding of the physical changes and developments on Queen’s main campus over the years.

“I believe users of this tool will be fascinated to discover how the campus has evolved. Alumni around the world will also see how the main campus has changed since they graduated,” says Kathryn Franklin, a fourth-year geological engineering student.

Using the programs Google Earth and SketchUp, Ms Franklin has created a 3D model of campus that begins in 1838 and continues to 2010. In Google Earth, viewers can adjust the time scale to see what buildings existed at a particular point in time.

Ms Franklin was working last year on a research project led by Geology professor Rob Harrap when she decided to pursue the 3D model of campus as a side project. She has spent countless hours conducting research in cooperation with staff at the Queen’s Archives and consulting historical maps at Physical Plant Services.

“I encourage students to explore and try different things. I am impressed how elaborate this project has become under Kathryn’s direction,” says Professor Harrap.

Ms Franklin plans to give the public access to the Queen’s timeline in Google Earth this spring. A feedback section will allow viewers to offer their contributions so that the tool continues to grow and evolve. Ms Franklin hopes other students pick up the project and expand the tool to include West Campus and the area around main campus.

The tool has other applications such as helping campus planners understand the sub-surface of campus before proceeding with construction projects. Furthermore, there is potential for the tool to be incorporated into the current campus map or used as part of a self-guided orientation tour.

Physical Plant Services staff member Joe deGroot and Queen’s Archives assisted Ms Franklin during her research. Fellow students Matt Thompson and Matt Quick also helped build the 3D models, which are geometrically correct but don’t reflect the actual detailed façades of the buildings.