Guide to the TCD Sense Map
The TCD Sense Map is an interactive digital tool that provides students, staff and visitors access to updated information about Trinity College Dublin’s campus, with a focus on student-perspective, facilities available, and the sensory experience of the university.
This guide provides all the information relating to the Sense Map and how to access it.
For any questions or concerns relating to the TCD Sense Map and Project please contact klewis@tcd.ie.
The map is found online at https://tcdsensemap.ie/
You can also access the PDF version of this page here.
Guide Overview
Directory for all the information regarding using the Sense Map.
Map Basics
When you first load onto the map, you’ll be greeted with a familiar outline of the main trinity campus and its buildings, you’ll also notice lots of colourful symbols that represent the location of student spaces. The TCD Sense Map makes use of many commonly used symbols while also providing many new or specific meanings to symbols within the context of the map and its functions.
Figure 1, The TCD Sense Map showing the buildings on trinity's main campus and colourful icons to represent student spaces, July 2024.
Map Colours & Design
The foundation map consists of a simple colour scheme that represent Buildings, Pathways and Grasslands.
Figure 3, A section of the map highlighting foundational colours—green for grass, blue for buildings, and yellow for pathways.
Student Space Icons
Figure 2, A selection of icons representing different types of student spaces within the college.
Interacting with the Map
You can move around the map, zoom in and out, and interact with buildings or space icons. More information can appear when you zoom in, giving you more details, building names and locations of spaces. You will also find buttons on the edge of the screen, one for controlling visible layers in the top right, and one for accessing the Search Engine. You can also find jump pads, which can be used to travel to areas far away from the main campus, such as Trinity Halls.
Zoom & Labels
You can use the zoom button, your mouse wheel, or by pinching on touch screen devices to, to zoom into the map and enhance your view of some of the smaller details on offer.
As you get closer you will see labels for buildings and other facilities appear. Most core buildings should appear first, with other building labels appearing once you are much closer.
You can interact with a building by pressing on it or hovering over it. The colour of the building will change from blue to pink when selected.
Figure 4, Diagrams illustrating the effects of zooming in and out on map details, and how to interact with buildings.
Map Buttons
Figure 5, A diagram showing functional buttons positioned in the four corners of the map.
There are many buttons found in the corners of the map that can make finding the right information much easier.
These buttons include controls for the Zoom, Layers, and access to the Map Search Page as well as a Legend for the Map.
Layers
You can use the layer controls to filter spaces by type, allowing you to clearly see spaces across the map.
Map Search Page
The map has a built-in search engine for finding buildings and spaces. You can also filter your options to only show areas with specific facilities. You can then click on one of the results to open the page of that building or space.
Figure 7, An explanation of the features on the Search Page, including the search bar, filter options, results, and space facilities.
Jump Pads
You might spot these pink arrows on the map, they are here to allow you to jump across to an area that is far away from the main campus, such as the Trinity Halls or the Trinity St. James’ campus.
Figure 8, An image of two jump pads on the map, providing quick access to St. James Campus and Trinity Halls.
Building Pages
All buildings that can be interacted with on the Map or found in on the search page have their own Building Page. This page provides detailed information on buildings, the sensory and physical environment, as well as facilities and resources found within the building.
Figure 9, An explanation of the Building Page features, including a photo of the building, description, and the spaces and facilities within.
The top of the page contains the basic information on what the front of the building looks like, some description of what commonly used teaching spaces or facilities are within, and a button to highlight where the building can be found on the map.
There is also an interactive list of all the spaces housed within the building, you can select these to go to their space pages. These are accompanied by facility indicators which are useful in informing on what’s available within the space.
Space Types
Spaces are usually notable sites across the campus that may provide some function or resource for students. Spaces are categorised based on their primary purpose and style of usage, these categories try to capture the ideal and observed nature of the spaces. Here are the categories and what they mean.
Study Spaces
These are spaces where students can study and work on assignments, these areas are usually quiet and may have access to resources such as books or computers. Generally, you shouldn’t socialise or have lunch in these areas, and while they are quiet the strict atmosphere may not be relaxing to all. These spaces are usually within Libraries, or dedicated study spaces.
Respite Spaces
Respite spaces are dedicated, usually individual and sometimes bookable, rooms or small spaces where a student can go to relax and be at peace, either as part of their daily routine, or if the need arises. These spaces tend to be cosy, providing low stimulation, soft and relaxing furniture, with the aim of bringing peacefulness to students in need.
Social Spaces
Social spaces are areas where students can socialise, have some food, collaborate on projects, and engage in a higher-energy environment. These spaces tend to be larger, more open, and attract many students all day long, particularly during the lunch when students look for places to sit and eat, or catchup with friends.
Quiet Spaces
Quiet Spaces are areas that tend to have low levels of noise and provide peacefulness to students. Usually smaller, allowing students to socialise, study or have lunch in peace.
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor areas give students the space to connect with nature and feel more relaxed in the open fresh air. These areas would have seating of varying scales, allowing for versatile use. Students can socialise, eat, or just be at peace surrounded by nature.
Society Spaces
Society spaces are vibrant hubs where student societies gather to host events, socialize, and engage in various activities. These spaces are essential to campus life, offering dedicated areas for society members to collaborate, plan events, and connect with others who share similar interests. Whether it’s for meetings, workshops, or social events, these spaces play a crucial role in enriching the student experience and fostering a sense of community.
Sports Spaces
Sports spaces are areas dedicated to physical activities and fitness, where students can engage in sports, exercise, and recreational activities. These spaces include gyms, sports fields, and courts, providing facilities for both individual workouts and team sports. They are designed to support a healthy and active lifestyle, fostering a sense of community and well-being among students.
Space Pages
This page provides detailed information for spaces, the sensory and physical environment, as well as facilities and resources found within.
Figure 10, An overview of the Space Page, showing a photo of the space, description, and detailed information on its facilities.
The top of the page contains the basic information on what the space looks like, some description of what commonly used facility is within, and a button to highlight where the space can be found on the map. There is a detailed section that explores specific facilities, such as seating, electricity, eating, and the availability of kettles and microwaves.
Figure 11, Icons representing facilities within spaces, with green indicating availability and red indicating unavailability.
A detailed guide to the sensory environment and the physical access, information on wayfinding and usually a link to any wayfinding videos can be found lower down on the page for buildings and spaces.
Sensory Experience
This is a detailed description that aims to capture the core aspects of the sensory experience within this building or space. Depending on the page this might provide helpful guides on how to mitigate any known issues, or to prepare someone for that experience in advance.
Wayfinding
This offers an overview of how to navigate to this space or general orientation features within a building. It may provide practical tips for navigating the space, highlight any potential challenges, and suggest strategies for improving the overall wayfinding experience. There is usually a wayfinding video embedded or linked to accompany this information.
Physical Access
This provides an in-depth examination of the physical accessibility features present in this building or space. It covers essential aspects such as the availability of ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, as well as the design of pathways and entrances.
Opening, Closing and Access Information
This provides essential details about the operating hours and access protocols for this building or space. It includes information on regular opening and closing times, any variations for holidays or special events, and specific access requirements, such as a building that is only meant for postgraduate students.
It may also offer guidance on to access the area after hours or provide information for more unique situations across the diverse range of places on campus.
Figure 13, The Opening and Closing section of the Arts Building page (July 2024)
Access Tips
Access tips are core aspect of the student perspective that the TCD Sense Map is constructed around. These tips are submitted mainly by students, and provide a unique, and often missed piece of insight into how this area functions, breathing life into these pages.
This part of the page invites students to contribute to the information provided by submitted their own perspective and view on the area. It allows for reporting on issues, providing helpful tips, and suggesting improvements. You can submit your own tip to any page using the Submit a Tip link. Tips are reviewed before publishing onto the page, you can also get in touch with us for any questions regarding this process.
Figure 14, The Access Tips section of the Arts Building page (July 2024).
Further Information, Links and Gallery
Figure 15, The Further Information & Links section of a page.
This section provides a wealth of additional resources and visual insights related to this building or space. It includes a curated collection of images that showcase key features, layout, and ambiance, helping familiarise the environment. There is also a directory of external links to official department websites and other relevant materials for deeper exploration.
Gallery images are taken from college sources, however if you wish to add to the gallery please get in touch.
Figure 16, The Gallery section of a page.