“Internet of Things” (IoT) technology is tried and tested in cities such as Barcelona and resorts like Disneyland but it has not been used to any great extent in remote rural areas. In assessing methods to manage visitor numbers at ‘hotspot’ locations, SkyeConnect realised there was an opportunity to harness and link a range of real-time data sources including traffic sensors, car park ticket machines and footpath counters. This data linked to the MySkyetime APP provides real-time information for tourists planning a visit to an attraction and, if heavily congested, would suggest alternatives locations.
The MySkyetime APP offers significant benefit to both the visitor and SkyeConnect Members. Visitors have a complete guide to Skye in their smartphone and can use the map to zoom in on locations to find out about specific locations and individual attractions and businesses linked to SkyeConnect. The App also provides essential information on the location of hospitals, police stations and even every Defibrillator point on Skye. The real-time data feeds into carbon emissions analysis, enabling the impact of vehicle movement and congestion to be seen by users of the APP. The MySkyetime APP is currently being treated as a prototype or BETA version. The experience gained will shape the next iteration which will be a PWA (Progressive Web App) enabling much easier updating across a range of media platforms as new data sources become available and technology evolves. In parallel with the development of the PWA a complete restructuring and categorisation of content will be implemented based on existing APP user feedback, member feedback and the operation experience of SkyeConnect The PWA will enable the commercialisation of the tool in terms of driving SkyeConnect membership and providing a booking platform for visitors.
The MySkyetime APP is currently being treated as a prototype or BETA version. The experience gained will shape the next iteration which will be a PWA (Progressive Web App) enabling much easier updating across a range of media platforms as new data sources become available and technology evolves. In parallel with the technical IT developments SkyeConnect is working with Highland Council Roads departments to install additional road sensors with additional data collection capacities in other areas of Skye to enable blanket cover of all of the island by the system that will grow the detailed real time coverage from the existing 4 popular locations to a total of 12. The benefits of this are not only for visitors having access to more information but the tool will spread the economic benefits of the visitor economy across the area rather than focussing it on just popular locations. There are additional environmental benefits to this strategy as it is believed that this will reduce environmental pressure at key locations. The project has also involved developing relations ships with Transport Scotland to enable access to data from embedded road sensors + sensors on the Skye Bridge. This increases the accuracy of the real time live data.
The biggest issue has been, and still is, the number of people involved in the project. There are many moving parts. The project has had to negotiate with Edinburgh University Business School - technical support/consultants Cairn Consulting - software developers THC Traffic Management and Control (based in Inverness) THC - Roads Skye THC - Car Parks THC - Designers THC - Roads Lighting Department (based in Ft William) THC - Commercial & Efficiency (Storr Car Park) THC - Ranger Service Out Door Access Trust for Scotland - (Fairy Pools Car Park) Transport Scotland SSE - power supply + wayleave agreements SGRIPD - funding vehicle sensors, CalMac - Access to Sleat Road Dynamic Message Board Dunvegan Estate Communities / Common Grazings Committees - 3 RINGO - car park ticketing supplier THC car parks Transport Scotland - access to infrastructure for vehicle sensors at SkyeBridge and Uig Lucky2bhere Radio Skye suppliers Vivacity - vehicle sensors + battery packs for switch power supply sites - Skye Bridge and Uig. Digital Management System (DMS) - touch screen sensor screen supplier Negotiating with 8 different departments within the Highlands Council is not easy. Ongoing challenges include obtaining wayleave agreements with landowners and power supplies from SSE for Vivacity traffic sensors in remote locations. Procurement via DMS factory in Slovenia for touch screen devices, including delivery and budget challenges to get the devices to Skye.