Boosting Tourism with iGIS© and 360-Degree Photo Placement on The Mendota Trail in Washington County, Virginia

We are continuing our theme of how a web-based GIS can boost tourism.  If you missed last week’s blog, please check it out here.  We continue this week with a case study.

As tourism continues to evolve, leveraging innovative technology is key to providing visitors with immersive experiences. Web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as a powerful tool to enhance tourism, particularly when paired with 360-degree photo placement on maps. This combination offers a dynamic way for nature trail destinations to attract and engage outdoor enthusiasts.

The Mendota Trail is a scenic multi-use trail located in Washington County, Virginia – home to the towns of Abingdon, Damascus, Glade Spring and Saltville, the communities of Meadowview, Emory, Benhams and Mendota, as well as in Bristol, Virginia. Stretching approximately 12.5 miles, it follows the path of a former railroad line and is designed for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation, offering visitors beautiful views of the countryside, forests, creeks, and rolling hills.

Once fully completed with its extension to Scott County, the Mendota Trail will feature more than 25 miles of a combination of gravel, paved, and natural surfaces, providing a peaceful, rural setting for nature lovers. The trail was previously owned by the Mendota Trail Conservancy, is now being developed and maintained by Washington County, and is open for public use. Its proximity to the Virginia Creeper Trail and other outdoor attractions makes it an appealing destination for both locals and tourists seeking a quiet and picturesque escape in Southwest Virginia. Here is a preview video of the trail to get a glimpse what you would expect if visiting.

We partnered with King-Moore, Inc. to integrate 360-degree images into Washington County’s GIS maps where visitors can virtually explore trails and natural landmarks before ever setting foot on the ground. These immersive photos allow potential tourists to view the beauty and challenge of a trail, the surrounding scenery, and points of interest, giving them a sense of what to expect. This experience inspires confidence and excitement, which can lead to increased foot traffic at parks and nature reserves.

Check out this preview of iGIS© in action:

Want to try it out for yourself? Click here to access Washington County’s interactive map.

From a tourism management perspective, GIS software could provide trail operators with data-driven insights into visitor behavior and preferences. Detailed visual maps allow administrators to monitor the popularity of specific trail sections, plan maintenance, and improve signage and accessibility based on visitor needs.

Furthermore, web-based GIS can be accessed from any device, making it easy for visitors to plan their trips on the go. With the added functionality of 360-degree photography, this technology offers a unique marketing tool for nature-based destinations looking to stand out in a competitive tourism market. Incorporating web-based GIS and 360-degree photo placement can transform the way nature trails are marketed and managed, ultimately boosting tourism and enhancing visitor satisfaction.

Want to boost tourism in your area and looking for a completely customized web-GIS? Reach out to us for a free comprehensive demo that uses your data so you can thoroughly examine if iGIS is for you!