Using Geospatial Techniques to Address Institutional Objectives: St. Petersburg College Geo-Demographic Analysis
Phillip Morris, College of Education, University of Florida
Dr. Grant Thrall, Department of Geography, University of Florida

Abstract
Geographic analysis has been adopted by businesses, especially the retail sector, since the early 1990s (Thrall, 2002). Institutional research can receive the same benefits businesses have by adopting geographic analysis and technology. The commonalities between businesses and higher education institutions include the existence of trade areas, the provision of services to clients (students), and the identification of clients geographically by their addresses. Among the valuable information that institutions of higher education can create using business geography are psychographic profiles of student populations, commuting patterns, the underlying demographics of the institution’s trade area, and the ability to plan for new facilities to meet the needs of the market. Understanding these geographic characteristics can assist in identifying institutional objectives and planning how to best implement these objectives.

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