The University of North Florida Through Time: An Evaluation of Land Use Through Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

The University of North Florida (UNF) was founded in 1972 on a 1000-acre tract of land in southeastern Jacksonville. Since then, the university has grown to 28 buildings, five residence halls, with an all-time high of 17,000 students. This study examines the comprehensive footprint growth of the UNF from 1970 to 2017. Utilizing remotely sensed aerial imagery and GIS techniques, we map and measure the expansion of infrastructure, as well as the loss of natural areas on campus. In light of the university’s approaching 50th anniversary, our geospatial analysis provides the framework by which we chronicle the history of UNF’s expansion.