Natalie Almond, who graduated summa cum laude from Catawba College in May 2026 with a major in Environment and Sustainability and minors in Geographic, Information Systems (GIS) and Technology and Chemistry, recently developed a sidewalk gap prioritization report for the City of Salisbury. She was a member of Catawba’s cross country team and is no stranger to running the streets in the City of Salisbury and surrounding areas. Almond, a Locust, North Carolina native, completed the project under the guidance of her advisor, Dr. Andrew Jacobson, associate professor of GIS and conservation at Catawba College.
The project uses mapping and data analysis to identify areas where new sidewalks could have the greatest impact on connectivity, safety, and accessibility. Through the project, Almond worked closely with multiple City of Salisbury departments, including Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Neighborhoods. Her work evaluated existing sidewalk conditions and helped identify gaps in the city’s pedestrian network, creating a data-informed approach the city can use as it continues sidewalk improvements.
This report “is something that helps the city tremendously and can be put into action almost immediately,” said Levi Coldiron, GIS Manager with the City of Salisbury. “It’s not theoretical or a new line item on the budget that needs to get approved. We’re already creating new sidewalks, and Natalie has shown us where the existing budgeted money would be spent to have the most impact in our community.”
The project demonstrates the value of applied learning at Catawba, where students are encouraged to use their academic work to address real-world challenges and contribute to the surrounding community.
By combining GIS technology, local data, and collaboration with city staff, Almond’s work provides a clear example of how student research can support public planning and community improvement.
“This project reflects the kind of work we want our students to experience,” Jacobson said. “Natalie applied GIS tools and logical thinking to a real community need, and she did so in partnership with city professionals who can use the results. It is a strong example of how Catawba students can bring meaningful value to the region while building skills that prepare them for the future.”
Almond added, “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of something that can make a direct impact on the community. As a runner at Catawba, I have spent countless hours on City sidewalks, so I have seen firsthand the need for updated sidewalk infrastructure to improve safety and accessibility. This project has been a great experience for me and has built valuable skills while strengthened my passion for serving the community.”
The City of Salisbury continues to invest in sidewalk construction and pedestrian connectivity. Almond’s analysis gives staff an additional resource to help determine where improvements can provide the strongest benefit for residents, neighborhoods, and community access.
For Catawba, the project also reflects the College’s commitment to strengthening the region through collaboration, creativity, and purposeful student learning.
Almond’s sidewalk gap prioritization report is available through an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap you can view online at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c9f49fb82c3c40bab71e739e7a2bfaba
