The Arc of Wayfinding
What would a walk through a trail in your favorite national park be without the typical signage about that specific tree or that iconic waterfall? Over the past half century or so, we have become accustomed to visitor centers, maps, signs, and road markers guide us through our natural experiences. Where campers once relied solely on compasses (and the seasoned ones probably still do), many of us have traded them in for more information: more maps, schedules, and guides to navigate the unknown forests and natural wonders of our world.
Increasingly over the past year, we have more and more chances to trade in all of those bulky paper-based systems for location-based apps. The likes of Big Escapes, National Goegraphic, Cartosoft, and other similar companies and academic teams are in the process of covering terra incognita with new products that link mobile mapping and way-finding with interpretive programming.
This is an emerging product and service industry that is just warming up – especially for places that benefit from maximizing natural authenticity and minimizing structural interventions. However, successful mobile technology will depend on stellar ICT infrastructure and sustained connectivity. Yosemite is among US national parks that are committed to improving park-wide communications technology.
Image via Apple