Using an Interactive Computer Program to Communicate With the Wilderness Visitor

Abstract

The Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Office, identified a need for a tool to communicate with wilderness visitors, managers, and decisionmakers regarding wilderness values and existing resource information in 87 wilderness study areas. An interactive computer program was developed using a portable Macintosh computer, a touch screen monitor, and laser disk player. The program allows the user to randomly and instantaneously access and review descriptive text, color slide and video tape files, and numerous maps and graphic displays. The program has been used successfully in a variety of settings to communicate with individuals and groups seeking information on proposed wilderness areas. This "cutting edge" technology provides wilderness and recreation resource managing agencies with a powerful new tool for communicating with those seeking information on wilderness resources and recreational opportunities.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the Symposium on Social Aspects and Recreation Research, February 19-22, 1992, Ontario, California

Citation

Harmon, David W. 1992. Using an Interactive Computer Program to Communicate With the Wilderness Visitor. In: Chavez, Deborah J., technical coordinator. 1992. Proceedings of the Symposium on Social Aspects and Recreation Research, February 19-22, 1992, Ontario, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-132. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 60