This project used GIS to create updated map layers, spatial analyses, and visualizations for UC San Diego’s emergency assembly areas. With increasing wildfire risk, more extreme weather, and a growing campus population, the existing point-based assembly maps were no longer sufficient for detailed safety planning.
Using existing point feature layers for most assembly locations (updated through 2024), I created new polygon layers that represent the full usable area of each assembly site. High-resolution aerial imagery from Nearmap,along with field verification, was used to ensure these polygons reflected real-world conditions.
To meet safety and regulatory requirements, assembly areas needed to maintain adequate clearance (50ft buffer) from nearby buildings. I combined the assembly polygons with campus building footprints sourced from an Enterprise REST service and applied building buffers to remove unsafe or constrained space.
A major challenge was ensuring that assembly areas were not counted as fully usable when they overlapped with building buffers, since those spaces may be inaccessible or unsafe during a fire evacuation.
Using tools in ArcGIS Pro, I calculated the usable area of each assembly location and estimated maximum capacity by applying a standard factor of five square feet per person. This allowed planners to compare coverage across campus and identify locations where assembly capacity may be insufficient.
This project is currently under review by the Fire Marshal and Environment, Health & Safety. A live demo will be available here once it is approved and published.