Winner: Clare Sport Partnership
Development of a pioneering digital system, empowering trail managers and users to assess and evaluate trail accessibility in advance.
The judges said: “This innovative use of technology enables trail management organisations to evaluate the accessibility of their trails against national criteria, this adds further value to the Waywyser Digital Trail Management System. Even more exciting is how potential trail users are empowered to make an informed decision on the suitability of a trail by viewing any possible barriers to accessibility via the 360 video or 3D modelling.”
Pictured: Eoin Hogan, Clare Local Development Company and John Sweeney Clare Sports Partnership receiving their ORN Success Award from Kevin Lafferty, Paths for All.
This project enables trail managers to assess and improve trail accessibility using the criteria from “Great Outdoors – a guide for accessibility” by Sports Ireland, the Irish Wheelchair Association, and Active Disability Ireland. The project uses digital technology, such as app-based surveys, GPS, and geolocated photography, to enhance data collection and output accuracy.
Features:
- 3D Interactive Map: Displays the trail and surrounding areas with added accessibility points for users to assess if the trail suits their abilities.
- 360-Degree Video: Provides a virtual walkthrough of the trail, allowing users to view specific accessibility hotspots (e.g., steps, steep areas) from all angles to evaluate their approach and difficulty.
Challenges:
The current national grading system does not provide adequate information for people with limited mobility to assess trail suitability. Traditional accessibility assessments were manual, involving handwritten reports, separate photos, and GPS, making it difficult to update or share this information with potential trail users.
Solution:
Clare Sports Partnership, alongside the Clare Rural Recreation Officer, digitized the accessibility guide with funding from Sports Ireland. The new system includes:
- Digitized Self-Assessment: Trail managers can survey and assess trails using an app-based survey system, attaching geolocated photos and generating reports that match the original format.
- 3D Drone Mapping: A demo site in Ennistymon was recorded with drone mapping, allowing users to view the trail with overlaid accessibility points for easier assessment.
- 360-Degree Trail Recording: Full trail recordings enable users to virtually explore the trail, focusing on key accessibility areas before visiting in person.
Outcomes and Benefits:
- Improved Efficiency: The digital system streamlines the accessibility assessment process, with reports that can be easily updated and shared.
- Enhanced Decision Making: Trail users can view 3D maps and 360-degree videos to assess accessibility before visiting, making it easier for those with mobility challenges to decide if the trail is suitable.
- Task Management: Trail managers can assign and track tasks to address accessibility issues, using before-and-after photos to report improvements.
- Nationwide Application: The system is available to Rural Recreation Officers, offering a standardized tool for improving trail accessibility across Ireland.
This project has created a valuable digital tool for improving trail accessibility and empowering both trail managers and users to make informed decisions.
Digital Trail management System: www.waywyser.com
3D model of demo site Ennistymon town and adjoining trail
Accessibility report and 360 degree video recording
Where can I find out more?
- Website: https://claresports.ie/