Wednesday, 16th April 2008 represents a proud and historic day for everyone at the TSSG as it marks the official launch to the public of one of our groundbreaking new projects – the Culloden Battlefield Guide. This is an innovative GPS-based PDA tour guide that enables visitors to the newly renovated Culloden visitor centre (also launched today) to roam freely around the site so that whenever they approach a point of interest, the guide automatically triggers some interactive content appropriate to that point.
This marriage of modern day technologies such GPS and PDA with such historic surroundings is quite something. It is easy to use and understand but also extremely informative and most of all, very enjoyable.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Culloden Battlefield, it is located in Inverness, Scotland and marks the ground upon which the famous Battle of Culloden took place in 1746 (most notably featuring Bonnie Prince Charlie).
The involvement of the TSSG was in the form of its latest spin-out, ZolkC Ltd.
Official Press Release
Ground-breaking technology will now make Scotland’s historical hills come to life like never before, as the recently renovated Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre unveils its new PDA tour guide today.
Through a GPS triggered electronic guide, a world first in its technological field, Culloden sightseers will experience the battlefield of Bonnie Prince Charlie through an infusion of multi-media information, including video and audio clips and fact-file data. In operation, the hand-held device will provide information automatically as visitors walk across the historic moor, creating an interactive and informative experience which does not disrupt the authenticity of the site.
Providing further engagement, the device comes equipped with a menu, which changes depending on the visitor’s location on the battlefield, to provide additional information options for historical enthusiasts.
This innovation is one aspect of the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre’s recent renovation, which saw the National Trust for Scotland spend £9million to enhance their facilities.
Developed by Zolk C, specialist providers of technological learning solutions, the battlefield guide is the most innovative of its kind currently in existence, due to the combination of PDA function with satellite technology.
Zolk C Director Bronwen Robinson, said:
“By designing, building, and deploying the new technology, we have created something that has not been done anywhere else in the world. It is truly ground-breaking.”
“At the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, our work has already enhanced the route to gaining insight into real Scottish history and the possibilities for application in other tourist, heritage sites and attractions are endless.”
“This development definitely has the potential to revolutionise the sightseers’ experience.”
The Trust’s Culloden project co-ordinator and Countryside and Islands Group Manager for the North East and Highlands, Alexander Bennett said:
“Technology is central to the whole concept of our new visitor centre and revamped battlefield at Culloden. We knew that using the latest technology well could really help us achieve our aim to bring the battle to life for our visitors.”
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