Stirling is set to become the first fully augmented reality (AR) city in the world, following a new project involving Stirling Council, BT and Seymour Powell.
Software will transform the visitor experience, allowing people to explore the city in a unique way through their smartphone screen.
Virtual signs will respond to users’ needs, Stirling’s history will be brought to life and interactive games will unlock rewards.
To access the new AR environment, people need to download the free Stirling XP app and then hold up their phones as they navigate the city.
Stirling Council has invested £200,000 in the project, via funding from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme.
Stirling Council leader Chris Kane said: “The new free app will also open up a plethora of fantastic opportunities for local businesses and will make Stirling a more inclusive and accessible place that’s setting the world standard for next generation tourism.”
The city's investment in fibre broadband and BT’s rollout of 4G and 5G in the area has helped deliver the connectivity required to roll-out the technology.
Alan Lees, director for BT’s enterprise business in Scotland, said: “Tourism is vital to the Scottish economy and working with Stirling Council and Seymour Powell we're excited to be part of this brilliant app, helping to deliver a first of its kind experience which visitors will love.”
Seymour Powell, a tech company with an office at Codebase Stirling, developed the software in partnership with Stirling Council and BT.
Chris Doughty, head of immersive experiences at Seymour Powell, said: “Using Google’s new Geospatial platform, we were able to design a truly immersive experience that brings the city to life by revealing an exciting digital layer, gamifying local history and providing tourists with local challenges that encourage them to go out and explore the city.”
VisitScotland regional director Neil Christison added: “AR enables people from anywhere in the world to experience Stirling from the palm of their hands and learn more about this historic and vibrant city in an interactive way.
“It is also great to have a new platform that local businesses can take advantage of and a tool that visitors can use to plan their trips to Scotland.”
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