DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF A PERVASIVE WEB APPLICATION INTERFACE

by PITKIN, SCOTT GARRETT

In an urban park system, pervasive computing promises to supplement all aspects of a park visit with relevant information resources. The result is an understanding of the park system that facilitates visitation and the integrated, educational experience of nature.This thesis explores the development of on-line information resources for Cincinnati Parks. A Park Finder and Park Guide are utilities designed for the desktop and mobile computing environments, respectively. The Park Finder matches user interests with the available parks and opportunities. Interactive maps are used to display layers of information such as the parks that have hiking or the location of a trail at a specific park. The Park Guide enhances the actual park visit. After selecting a park, electronic nature guides provide information about trails, birds, flowers and many other topics. Both utilities work together, at different stages of the park visit, to provide contextually purposed information.