Information Station System
Virginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks
The Virginia State Parks Information Stations and the corresponding Virginia Outdoors website are the first, state-wide, integrated information and interpretation solution in any park system in the world.
Mr. Fisher led the design and content development effort for this project after an extensive prototype evaluation in Wisconsin. Mr. Joe Elton, Director of Virginia's State Parks took a bold step by committing to implement a state-wide system of outdoor information stations that utilized interactive media to deliver extensive natural science, geographic, historical, and recreational information to guests of the parks. As a second phase of the project, the client envisioned a corresponding web portal to access much of the same information and to enable friends and guests of the parks to participate in social media and information sharing.
The Information Stations include GPS and GIS integrated trail information, wildlife spotting guides, in-depth information on park amenities, printable guides and maps, program descriptions, schedules and more. The stations also provide interactive virtual tours of every trail in each of the parks selected for the project. These video tours play concurrent with an animated trail map that is also printable or available for download for use on the trail. This digital information has been transferred to the website and, in the future should be available via downloads for GPS and PDA applications.
A unique element of the project is the ability to offset operating costs through advertising, sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and attractions that cater to state park visitors. These partners range from locally owned and operated shops and attractions to national brands. The project was executed in collaboration with a team of software application developers and a kiosk fabricator in Wisconsin.
Mr. Fisher led the design and content development effort for this project after an extensive prototype evaluation in Wisconsin. Mr. Joe Elton, Director of Virginia's State Parks took a bold step by committing to implement a state-wide system of outdoor information stations that utilized interactive media to deliver extensive natural science, geographic, historical, and recreational information to guests of the parks. As a second phase of the project, the client envisioned a corresponding web portal to access much of the same information and to enable friends and guests of the parks to participate in social media and information sharing.
The Information Stations include GPS and GIS integrated trail information, wildlife spotting guides, in-depth information on park amenities, printable guides and maps, program descriptions, schedules and more. The stations also provide interactive virtual tours of every trail in each of the parks selected for the project. These video tours play concurrent with an animated trail map that is also printable or available for download for use on the trail. This digital information has been transferred to the website and, in the future should be available via downloads for GPS and PDA applications.
A unique element of the project is the ability to offset operating costs through advertising, sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and attractions that cater to state park visitors. These partners range from locally owned and operated shops and attractions to national brands. The project was executed in collaboration with a team of software application developers and a kiosk fabricator in Wisconsin.
Information Station at First Landing State Park
Introductory Video for Wilderness Road State Park
Screen Capture of Trail Description at First Landing State Park
Trail Overview video for the Osprey Trail at First Landing State Park, Virginia.