Bemidji State University students enrolled in the cartography course developed a cutting-edge app that allows users to navigate the campus tunnel system directly from their phones.

The project began after numerous student senate proposals aimed to make the tunnels more accessible. After exploring different options, they partnered with Bemidji State’s cartography course to outline accessible routes for students who may not be able to use parts of the tunnels that have stairs.

Elise Monson, a graduate assistant and Jerry Smith, assistant professor of geography, started the project in the spring semester of Smith’s cartography course and completed it in the fall of 2024.

“I had the student senate come in and present the problem to the class and the students worked on how to create a solution. The students in the spring semester were able to deep dive into collecting the data, whereas the fall course looked at rethinking the project and fixing the critiques that were given to them.”

Smith reflected on the start of the project, saying, “The whole project really brought to light some aspects I never had to think about. Bringing students in the tunnels to see where others may have problems was very eye-opening and was a rewarding part—to see students put in the hard work to structure everything and create an excellent product.”

Cartography students created a map of the entire campus showing the tunnel system through both the academic and residential sides. The app highlights the tunnel system with a blue line. The line is solid where it is fully accessible and appears as blue dots where stairs or other barriers make the tunnels inaccessible. Students marked alternative outdoor routes in orange for those who may need them.

Cartography students also partnered with Mitch Blessing’s wayfinding course. Wayfinding students updated tunnel signage and assisted the project by suggesting signage placements and offering critiques.

Monson said having students create the tunnel map was a collaborative effort.

“It was a great opportunity to have students create the tunnel maps and collaborate with another class on the project.”

Monson was a student senate member when the tunnel map was first introduced and later returned as a graduate assistant in the fall to help bring the project full circle.