Florida Tech Modernizes Campus Experience with Accessible, Dynamic Interactive Map
About Florida Tech:
Florida Institute of Technology, located in Melbourne, Florida, is a private research university known for its strong focus on STEM education, aerospace, and innovation. With a student body of approximately 9,300 undergraduate and graduate students, they attract a diverse, global student population and emphasize hands-on research, industry partnerships, and career-ready programs in high-demand fields.
Challenge: A Static, Inaccessible, and Outdated Map
Before adopting Concept3D, Florida Tech relied on a homegrown map built on a basic Google Maps overlay. Originally developed by a now-departed IT staff member, the tool lacked scalability, accessibility, and ease of maintenance. “It had limited features, was challenging to update, and wasn’t accessible at all,” shared Robert Buttner, Web and Compliance Manager at Florida Tech.
Beyond maintenance concerns, the map lacked any analytics and failed to meet growing digital accessibility expectations. The below-par compliance issues were troubling and present inherent risk, “It was unacceptable. It was definitely a liability sitting out there,” stated Buttner.
Solution: A Dynamic, Campus-Wide Communication Platform
Florida Tech selected Concept3D for a complete overhaul of its interactive mapping experience. The team felt motivated by the platform’s intuitive CMS, powerful customization features, and commitment to digital accessibility.
After a quick and efficient onboarding, Concept3D’s Interactive Map replaced the legacy solution with a sleek, responsive interface featuring branded 3D renderings, integrated virtual tours and SEO optimization functionality. Departments across campus—from facilities to public safety—were granted tailored access to update their own content, reducing bottlenecks and increasing collaboration.
“Flat out, we would not be a customer if the platform wasn’t accessible. The legal landscape is quickly catching up, and it’s not a ‘should do’ anymore, it’s a must. Concept3D stood head and shoulders above the other products we evaluated.”
Robert Buttner, Web Content and Compliance Manager
Eliminating Redundant Vendors
By integrating self-guided virtual tours directly into the Concept3D Interactive Map, Florida Tech was able to retire a separate vendor altogether.
“We’ve made use of the Concept3D tours feature that actually let us eliminate a whole other vendor relationship. We’re really excited that was part of the platform—it makes that way easier for our users,” Robert exclaimed.
Putting their virtual tour and interactive campus map under one vendor created a seamless experience for university staff who could not previously rely on one primary point of contact for direct communication.
Real-Time Communication, Early Adoption, and Enthusiastic Buy-In
Cross-functional campus teams quickly leaned in to maximizing their new Interactive Map in a variety of use cases. For commencement, Florida Tech created temporary layers to highlight parking zones, check-in areas, and accessibility pathways.
The security team proactively built internal-only categories to support emergency planning and infrastructure mapping while the facilities crew used the map to highlight current and future construction projects. “Access control and collaboration opportunities really stand out. Our security team has gone crazy—they’ve set up different categories and internal info to help them do their jobs. People have been quick to embrace it.” says Robert Buttner.
Looking Ahead
Florida Tech views its Concept3D Interactive Map as a dynamic, digital hub for campus communication that will continue to drive impact across marketing, admissions and enrollment team goals. With more renderings in progress and department-level content contributions growing, the university is building a long-term strategy around the map’s flexibility and impact.
“The general user experience is a world’s difference. It’s easier to help people find where they’re going and the information they need. It’s serving the core function of a map very well—and so much more”
Robert Buttner, Web Content and Compliance Manager
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