Online map will support tourists and locals alike
A new interactive map and tourist guide for Perth and Kinross has been launched in response to the massive influx of visitors during Covid lockdown.
The Explore Outdoors Map highlights points of interest and practical information – including the location of public toilets and car parks.
Users can also select their own interests – such as looking for wildlife – and the map will inform them of the best spots to visit.
Accessible online, it also highlights different walking routes, categorised by location, difficulty and length.
Sensors have also been installed at Loch Tay and Kinloch Rannoch to provide realtime information on whether car parks and roads at these locations are at capacity.
Councillor Andrew Parrott, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee, said: “We’re always looking at ways to make sure Perth and Kinross is a memorable holiday destination.
“This new map will not only provide a handy guide to our many attractions as well as our towns and villages, it also gives practical advice on where campers and motorhome users can access the facilities they need.
“As the map can be accessed through a smartphone, it means visitors will be able to carry this guide and map with them at all times.
“Even better, as it is wholly digital it can be updated if there are things like road closures that visitors need to be aware of.”
The map has been developed by Whereverly, a Scottish company that uses digital technology to promote tourism.
It forms part of a Civtech challenge, which was created in response to the issues experienced in the pandemic when lockdown easing saw thousands of visitors flocking to the countryside.
Although most visitors behaved responsibly, the huge influx of visitors created issues with traffic, litter and fires in some areas, as well as some irresponsible behaviour.
The challenge – which involves the council working with Whereverly and Stirling Council; Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park; CENSIS (Scotland’s innovation centre for sensors, imaging systems, and IOT technologies); Scottish Government and the Digital Office for Local Government – has been installing sensors to monitor vehicle and people movements at various sites for monitoring purposes.
The new map will complement Perth and Kinross Council’s Visitor Ranger service, which has been in place since 2021 to help promote responsible tourism.
Cllr Parrott added: “I’m sure that many of our residents will find it just as useful as those who come here on holiday.
“Hopefully, it will be used by everyone exploring our beautiful countryside.”
The map can be viewed at www.perthcity. co.uk/explore-outdoors-map