NEWBURY PARK, Calif. - Smartphone users at select sites in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area can now scan a Quick Response Code for a free digital map. The pilot program is believed to be the first of its kind within the National Park Service.
Commonly known as QR codes, the technology allows visitors to save the map as a picture and store it on their phone for future reference. Numerous QR code readers are available as free smartphone applications.
"Now that QR codes are becoming more commonplace, this is another way we can connect with visitors while minimizing the amount of paper and potential waste in our parklands," said Park Ranger Mike Theune.
Theune launched the program this week at the two Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa trailheads and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. He hopes to place additional QR codes over the next six months at park sites with strong cell signals.
For those who prefer hard copies, paper maps are still available either at the trailhead or at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. Alternatively, site maps are available on the park website, www.nps.gov/samo, under "Plan Your Visit."
About SMMNRA: The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. It comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
