A new free application that provides official information on hiking trails, hunting areas statewide has made its debut.
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is the latest state agency to adopt the OuterSpatial platform to provide current and official information about trails and other outdoor recreation spots, and hunting seasons, rules, areas, and check-ins/checkouts.
In a press release DOFAW Wildlife Biologist Jason Omick said the genesis of the app was to have a more proficient way to collect hunter harvest data. “We found a lot of people wanted to be able to check-in electronically. With this mobile app they can do that and more.”
Users can download their trail or route prior to taking off and even if your phone drops cell service, the app will continue to provide your location via the phone’s GPS. This will give people a sense of security when they’re in the field. Even when you are off-line, you will be able to navigate State Forest Reserves and trails in the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access system with confidence,” Omick said.
The app has social media integration and users can take and share photos and report trail hazards and problems to DOFAW or other state agencies.
For land and resource managers the application is expected to provide metrics which will better inform management decisions, such as when to open and close trails.
DOFAW managers say the app’s applications are limitless and they plan to make it more robust over time.
App development cost an estimated $140,000 and there is a $10,000 annual charge from OuterSpatial.
