Problem Statement - Top End Heritage

In a nutshell: Conveyance of information to a group of individuals in a location that does not or will not necessarily have connectivity. That is, information must be able to be stored and retrieved in a non-connected environment. This is the visual equivalent of an MP3 self-guided tour (such as is available at the Desert Park in Alice Springs and museums, etc, around the country).

Specifically: providing information in support of the spoken word to a group of people in an external (outdoors) setting. The group could be tourists, students, industry professionals, a gardening club, etc. The setting could be East Point Military fortifications, N'Dhala Gorge or the banks of the Victoria River.

At a minimum: a slide show (please not PowerPoint) or other system of presentation whereby individuals can see an image, call up a reference number or icon easily. Some of these groups should be assumed to be those for whom English is not a first language. Definitely the capacity for images to be reproduced, but also the capacity for facts and figures if relevant. This should be useable in daylight or in darkness (so reflective screens are out for daytime viewing). It would be useful if the technology could also be incorporated into an MP4 file (or similar) for remote delivery (eg presenter in Darwin, audience in Alice Springs). It is acknowledged that this latter scenario will require connectivity.

What is not required: this is not about an app that people can load onto their own devices. Some material will be copyright and therefore not available for general distribution, but for use only on the tour/expedition/seminar/workshop/whatever it is.

Other capabilities if possible: Rather than using individual devices (such as a tablet), the ability to project the visuals onto an external surface (eg a wall or riverbank or cliff face) within a reasonable distance. Once again, this should be available in daylight or at night (although broad daylight poses some problems if the projection surface is not in shade). Holograms may also be a possibility, but let's stick with easy things in the first instance.

Questions: would such an idea require a stock of tablets for distribution to group members? How do these devices respond to a range of weather conditions (ie very hot and dry to very hot and sticky)? What maintenance do they require? Are they required at all or is there some other way of delivering the information?

To discuss this problem and potential solutions you may be able to offer, contact Dr Robyn Smith from Top End Heritage on 0408 505 898 or email Robyn here.

This opportunity is presented through the Digital Partnership Program. To find out more about this program please email innovation@nt.gov.au, call 8999 5511 or visit innovation.nt.gov.au