ANNAPOLIS — A new interactive map portraying the state’s rich collection of natural, cultural, heritage and recreational resources was unveiled Friday when Gov. Martin O’Malley held his “Capital for a Day” program in Silver Spring, Montgomery County.
Developed by the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development in collaboration with the Department of Planning, the map highlights Maryland Scenic Byways, Heritage Areas, Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment Districts, Civil War Trails, agritourism businesses, state and national parks, historical and cultural museums, art venues, master artists in the Maryland Traditions program, national register historic districts and other visitor-friendly places.
“Maryland has invested in its arts, cultural, heritage, natural and recreational infrastructure through state-funded programs like Maryland Heritage Areas, Maryland Byways, Main Streets and Arts and Entertainment Districts, which significantly enhance our quality of life and attract visitors who support our booming tourism economy,” said O’Malley. “Promoting these assets to the consumer, both Maryland residents and visitors, is a priority.”
Inspired by interactive maps using ARC GIS software to present Maryland information, such as Greenprint and Agprint, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development partnered with the Maryland Department of Planning to develop a consumer-directed interactive map that promotes and markets these assets. The platform provides one place to see the various systems of assets layer and inter-relate, and provides a virtual touring map of Maryland. “Recent research shows that byways and the unique cultural and history found in Heritage Areas are positively perceived by Maryland residents and visitors, yet they need to be promoted in a way that emphasizes fun and excitement,” said DBED’s secretary, Christian S. Johansson.
Later phases will add lodging, attractions, restaurants, wine trails, fishing spots, antique shops, water trails, Chesapeake Bay boating access points, beaches, sporting venues, regionally-recognized trails, interpretive signs along the Civil War Trails and Historic National Road, and other Maryland assets.
During future phases, DBED and MDP will add features to provide interactive point-to-point drive or biking times, program logos, a save feature with printable pdf files, videos that preview travel experiences, sound clips, trip itinerary planner capability, street view, a walking radius measurement tool, search for nearby attractions within a mileage radius with the ability to highlight, zoom in and list search results, complex-queries that are interest and location based, visitor input/comment capability and analytic software.
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