The Department of Tourism today, 10 May 2009, launched the Tourism Products Spatial Viewer at the Tourism Indaba in Durban at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
This web mapping portal is an interactive mapping tool that maps the locations of graded establishments as well as other tourism products and services within South Africa. This is a tool that will be used by tourists during the 2009 Confederation Cup, 2010 Soccer World Cup and beyond. The portal is intended for use by both international and domestic tourists. It could also be used by tourism stakeholders for planning purposes.
This unique web mapping application contains interactive maps, imagery and the details of more than 8000 accommodation establishments graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. In addition there are approximately 17 000 tourist related facilities that have been mapped onto the web based system.
The web based viewer allows users to navigate, get driving directions, view maps and search for accommodation and other tourist facilities. In addition to this the system can also generate directions to locations as specified by the user. This interactive mapping system even allows for the user to search for various tourist and other facilities from a specific location such as an accommodation point on the map.
The portal viewer is categorised into accommodation, tourist attractions, emergency services, stadiums, weather, local traffic reports, map functions, transport and entertainment. Tourists can also find the details of their embassies or consulates through the website. Up to date weather and traffic information is provided to users according to the specific vicinity that they are searching in.
In addition, the system provides a function that allows for directions and maps to be forwarded to your mobile phone.
The spatial data and mapping component of the portal is powered by Intiendo Mapserver, Intiendo Mapserver is a South African developed mapping application that enables interactive maps on websites and mobile phone applications.
The search facility allows for a variety of searches ranging from alphabetical to regional. The geographic data on the map will be updated on a quarterly basis.
The Tourism Products Spatial Viewer is located on www.touristmaps.co.za and can also be accessed through cell phones on www.touristmaps.co.za/mobi
For media enquiries contact:
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.environment.gov.za)
