Webcams Beta at WUSTL.edu

May 26th, 2011 | Posted in Tactics

Last week, our digital communications marketing office at Washington University in St. Louis launched a webcams beta. During this summer, we will debut even more webcam locations and expanded video and photo offerings on wustl.edu. Our goal is to “share the vibrancy of campus life with the entire WUSTL community.”

Rationale

We seek to give audiences an experience of the beautiful Danforth Campus and its active community by bringing sights and sounds to wustl.edu — including more video and imagery. The webcams launch is part of this larger effort. Our goal is to have most of these new features deployed in July 2011.

Although the University has had other webcams installed over the past decade, these have become defunct due to their age and condition. Additionally, specific findings from our recent user satisfaction research and frequent requests by visitors to wustl.edu pointed us toward updating the webcam service.

Implementation

The webcams displayed on wustl.edu are low resolution and wide-angle in order to present live images of campus without the ability to identify any individuals. Unlike security cameras, these cannot be used to zoom in on people or buildings, and are solely intended for use by general University audiences.

The use of low-res, wide-angle webcams on university campuses is very common, and is widely practiced as a way for alumni, prospective students and their families, and the community to view key, well-trafficked locations. At Washington University in Saint Louis, the webcams give visitors a real-time digital conduit to our nearly 200 acres, on which are located more than 100 buildings, dozens of sidewalks and many streets.

Outcomes to Date

Launched on May 18, these webcams have already been accessed by thousands of people. So far, they have given users the ability to watch people gathering for last week’s Commencement and even to see some impressive weather-related events.

So many people love the campus and many others have yet to experience it. Our new webcams are intended to showcase real life at Washington University. We invite you to take a look.

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