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I will not introduce the following info from the American Recreation Coalition other than to say is it frightfully important that you read it and understand its ramifications. They've provided a vision of a Brave New World for Outdoor Recreation.
Scott
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious." -Albert Einstein
"The tourist who buys access to his scenery misses it all together." -Aldo Leopold
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Examples of Opportunities to Apply Technology to Outdoor Recreation
Scenic Byways Virtual Tours: as you "fly" over a high-resolution aerial photograph on your computer screen, an audio narration describes the corridor and icons of key features - from trails to campgrounds to museums to boat ramps - appear. Clicking on any of the icons brings up detailed information and visual images - and even allows actions such as making a campground reservation. Go to http://demo.byways.org for a demonstration.
Trail and River Virtual Tours: the same concept as above, applied to trails and rivers and other corridors.
Webcams to provide real-time information on weather, foliage conditions, crowding, etc. Webcams are widely used by ski areas and are newly available for key national park sites.
PDA field guides to trees, flowers, wildlife downloaded for specific areas/sites: a 21st century adaptation of favorite printed guides. Santa Monica Mountains NRA and the Discovery Channel are working on a pilot of this concept.
GPS-triggered interpretation on DVDs/CDs
Downloadable up-to-the minute maps showing key features and restrictions (fires, motorized/mechanical activities, permits required, overnight camping, etc.)
Geo-caching: using GPS units to find hidden objects (and using the communications links vital to geo-caching to prevent disturbances of sensitive areas and to promote a cache-in/trash-out ethic). See http://www.geocaching.com/
Wildlife- and bird-watching databases (recording of observations by date/time/ location with GPS units and organized into GIS to provide visitor guidance on likely opportunities)
Software that integrates photos and sound clips with GPS-identified locations to create electronic trip tales
Wireless transmission of interpretive data to vehicles, phones and PDAs
Downloadable multi-lingual interpretive programs for PDAs at public lands portals
Multi-lingual CDs offered at entry points to key federal areas (sponsored by non-profit or for-profit partners) with interpretive information, safety and other information to be played in private vehicles driving through public lands
Audible and visual warnings through GPS units and GPS-enabled PDAs when crossing into zones with key restrictions (temporary or permanent), including fires, motorized/mechanical travel restrictions, etc. (rough analogy to invisible fences for pets)
IR systems along heavily used trails to allow "talking trees" (analogy to museums)
GPS units that can record travel during a visit and then be downloaded into a GIS system that can produce a map-based souvenir depiction of the visit, with information on distance traveled, ascent/descent information and more
Websites that use visuals (and especially video clips) to catalyze visits
Training classes at federal recreation sites on use of GPS, digital cameras, etc., and availability of rentals of needed equipment via permittees/concessioners
Downloadable tours for GPS units and GPS-enabled PDAs, especially for cultural and historic sites, that direct visitors without the cost and impact of signs, allow customization of tours, and can direct visitors away from threatened and overused sites
Integration of passes and mini-CDs into one item, giving the pass added value
Downloadable and unique "souvenirs" at key physical sites - such as photos or electronic postcards - which would be collected by avid outdoors enthusiasts
Source: American Recreation Coalition
(developed for Partners Outdoors 2004), 1/3/04
'We condition the masses to hate the country,' concluded the Director. 'But simultaneously we condition them to love all country sports. At the same time, we see to it that all country sports shall entail the use of elaborate apparatus. So that they consume manufactured articles as well as transport. Hence those electric shocks.'
'I see,' said the student, and was silent, lost in admiration. -quoted from Aldous Huxley, from Brave New World
"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view." -Edward Abbey
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- Outdoor recreation 
