Photo: Magnus Bayer Brattli, Statskog, Norge
Information in map apps, map services and information portals often ends at the national border. The information is often static and there is a lack of updated information. The Interreg Aurora funded project Borderless and responsible hiking tourism will make it easier for hikers to travel in the border areas – in a safe, considerate and sustainable way. This is made possible by the sharing of up-to-date information and open data, that can then be used by third-party digital map services.
Objective
The main objective of the project is to identify and aggregate already existing information and then make it accessible to mountain tourists in the border areas between Norway and Sweden. This is an important step in further developing responsible mountain tourism in the border areas through better data sharing and automated solutions through existing map services.
Target groups
Through data sharing service, hikers can see up-to-date information seamlessly across national borders and can receive notifications about closed bridges, disturbance-sensitive areas, changes and warnings directly in their app or digital map service. For hikers, this means easier planning, increased safety and the opportunity to make safe and responsible route choices.
Information owners, such as managers of hiking trail infrastructure and cabins or reindeer herders, can activate and deactivate information for mountain hikers in the area in real time. For information owners, the service means a fast and efficient channel to reach hikers with important and current information.
The project is geographically limited to the border region of Norrbotten County in Sweden and and Nordland County in Norway. However, the goal is that the service should be usable across the entire Norwegian-Swedish border.
Dissemination
Information about the project and the results will be published on the website of the County Administrative Board’s website
Information and dialogue about the project’s progress and results will take place continuously during the project together with information and data owners, potential external partners and end users to ensure that the data sharing solution is developed and adapted in a way that makes it relevant, usable and robust.
Contact
Victoria Bystedt, County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, project manager Sweden, victoria.bystedt@lansstyrelsen.se
Åsmund Skjerve Revhaug, Salten Outdoor Recreation Council, project manager Norway, Asmund.Skjerve.Revhaug@salten.no
In addition the project organization also includes the Swedish Tourist Association AB (STF), Statskog SF and DNT Rana og omegn. Initially, two Sami villages and three reindeer herding districts will also participate. The project will also involve the general public, local communities and other affected Sami villages and reindeer herding districts in the area.
