New app identifies major landmarks from Mt Lofty

Locals and tourists visiting Mount Lofty Summit can now access a new high-tech tool to help them identify major landmarks and other points of interest on the Adelaide skyline.

The State Government, with the help of a local tech company, has developed the Lofty 360 augmented reality app to help visitors know what they are looking at when taking in the ever-changing views from the 727-metre high summit.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs launched the free interactive app today, which can be used on mobile devices to identify locations such as Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley from the summit, and provide more information about those locations.

“Mount Lofty Summit is a popular destination visited by 350,000 people a year, primarily for the spectacular views over Adelaide and across the Gulf St Vincent – and that makes it the perfect spot for such an app,” said Minister Speirs.

“Previously, visitors were able to view points of interest on the skyline using two onsite binoculars.

“However, the Department for Environment and Water recently decided to adopt a more high-tech approach, to give visitors an improved and more informative experience.

“The Lofty 360 app was developed right here in South Australia at the Tonsley Innovation District by tech company Lateral Vision.

“Visitors to Mount Lofty can now download the free app on their mobile device and the app will overlay information on their device’s camera, so as the device is moved around, icons appear over points of interest in the distance. So, for example, by pointing the camera on your device towards Victor Harbor or the Barossa, the app will provide information on how far away those places are and what the places of interest are in that vicinity.

“All the main tourist sites around Mount Lofty are visible and the department hopes to add more places of interest over the coming months.

“App users will also be able to access information about tourism sites such as Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Gaol, Naracoorte Caves, Seal Bay, the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and more. The app will also show various major international cities, and other local attractions.

“The app may be used from places other than the summit, giving users the full experience of the app and the places of interest to visit in South Australia.”

Visitors will be alerted about the free app via signage placed around the Mount Lofty Summit Gift Shop.

The app will also be promoted on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website and on the Department for Environment and Water’s Good Living Blog.