Professor

Chris Seeger

Professor, Landscape Architecture
Extension Specialist, Extension
Extension Specialist, Landscape Architecture

Education

BLA, North Dakota State University, 1995
BS, Environmental Design, North Dakota State University, 1995
MLA, Iowa State University, 1997
Certificates and Registrations:
Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) 2008
Registered Landscape Architect (2004  Iowa #444)
 

On the Web

LinkedIn

Research Interests

The role the built environment plays on physical activity and individual health; Public participation in the design and planning process using online multimedia and GIS tools; Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) and civic engagement; Interactive landscape visualization and modeling using GIS and 3D animation;

Current Projects

Geographic visulaization of Texas Youth Fitness Study for the Cooper Institute. Thematic maps developed in a variety of formats including KML. http://www.texasyouthfitnessstudy.org/

Iowa DOT Safe Routes to Schools: Develop online mapping tool to collect information regarding the routes kids actually use to get to school so this information can be used to create a better SRTS plan.

Mapping the Barriers: Online tool allows communities to identify and discuss barriers in the built and social environment that affect the safety, connectedness and accessibility of trails, parks and other recreational activities.

Current Scholarship

• Iowa ASLA Chapter Award of Excellence, 04/01/2008
  http://www.design.iastate.edu/stories.php?ARTICLEID=222
• Specialist Meeting on Volunteered Geographic Information, 12/13/2007

  Invited to attend.

  Upham Hotel, Santa Barbara, December 13–14, 2007

• Iowa DOT Safe Routes to Schools, 08/01/2007

  "Mapping Safe Routes to School and Identifying Barriers"

  Online mapping tool that allows schools to survey the routes used by kids to get to school and tehn collectively map this information so it can be used to create a more accurate SRTS plan.

• Kent Park Campground Visualization, 02/15/2007
  Kent Park located in Johnson County provides over 100 campsites for RVs. However the site has very steep terrain and several of the sites suffer from severe slope. This project is providing 3D visualization showing how the campground can be improved.
  
• The Urban Forest: A Contributor to Physical Activity Levels in the Built Environment?, 07/01/2005
  From: The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council 2005 Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program

  Amount: $48,102

  Role: PI

  Co-PI's Susan Erickson, Landscape Architecture; Gary Hightshoe, Landscape Architecture; Greg Welk, Human Health and Performance

  
  

  Fewer than 40% of Americans get the recommended amount of physical activity in their daily lives. This has prompted increased interest in the built environment’s effect on physical activity levels of the population. However, little research has been done relating vegetation patterns to outdoor recreation preferences. This study will track three population groups who regularly walk or run and will monitor their activity using GPS technology to determine their preference for routes along vegetated areas . Findings from this study will inform elected officials, planners and recreation designers about the role of the urban forest in promoting physical activity and healthier residents.