Presented project of 3D tourist map of Split-Dalmatia County. A project that will redefine tourism promotion

The Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County presented a new pilot project on Thursday 3D tourist maps, through which the entire area of ​​the Split-Dalmatia County is mapped and presented in a unique digital form.

With this project, digital technology is put at the service of complete tourism and the presentation of hidden beauties that have not been shown until now. Director of the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County Ivana Vladović she said that she has been working on this project for six months.

"Using modern technologies, we simplified the visuals and showed what was most attractive. A special technology was developed and we started the process of creating an interactive three-dimensional visualization of Dalmatia.", states Vladović.

Digitization in the true sense. This is something that no one in Croatia has done yet, not even close, and as far as I personally know and follow, not even in the world. There are various VR and AR versions, as well as 3D animation, but I have not yet seen that someone has digitized the entire wider region through 3D animation. And what's more, at such a high-quality level of visualization. 

"The idea is to map everything we can, over a hundred beaches, excursions, bike paths, historical heritage, nautical tourism trips, attractions and that in one modern digital form. Each model will have its own photos from several parts, a video with additional instructions and useful information. Also, all topics will be searchable by interests, from cultural routes to excursions and attractions," adds Vladović.

By the beginning of April, the most important destinations will be entered in the 3D map, and next year's map will contain at least five hundred locations and will be posted on the official website of the TZ Split-Dalmatia County (dalmatia.hr) as well as on the pages of each city and municipal tourist board. 

The Prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County Blaženko Boban pointed out that such projects are one part of a series of factors in the preparation of the tourist season, which he hopes will be successful.

"I believe that the introduction of the euro and the accession to Schengen made it much easier for tourists to come and stay in Croatia. From all European destinations, people can come here, to the heart of the beauty of Europe without stopping. This tool presented to tourists today will be a clear indication of what they can see on our area", said prefect Boban.

He is the author of the project Darko Puharić, who points out that they were driven by enthusiasm in this project. "We will present all these beauties in a modern way. We used six different programs for visualization and model creation. The first level is a 3D relief with natural features such as the sea, lakes, rivers... The second level is the most recognizable objects, from fortresses to churches. Now we are working on the TOP 100 beaches of Central Dalmatia out of 367 of them. Generally, we create the entire database of Central Dalmatia in 3D form where we can peek into every corner. The entire work is author's, we started from scratch and everything is of film quality. What is important is that the copyright remains with the County. ", emphasized Puharić.

It is an interdisciplinary approach because the base will be a new website (platform) that is under construction, and on which the entire 3D relief of Central Dalmatia will be presented. The key is that this is not another 3D animation through video, but everything will be interactive and as a medium. Namely, as already mentioned in the article, through the website users will be able to search for things to see and experience through various interests. If we are talking about active vacations or cultural tourism, 3D models, i.e. maps, will be used for this purpose as the main element.

When the user selects one of the points of interest on the 3D tourist map, he will have additional information. From texts, images and video films to all other information that we want to put with the object, activity or destination on the platform. In conclusion, it is not just a new web station of TZ Splitsko-dalmatinska, but a platform on which the entire offer of Central Dalmatia will be presented through a 3D tourist map and all additional information. 

It is important to emphasize that everything is the author's work, nothing was downloaded or purchased, but everything was made from the first point and line to the last 3D rendering. Thus, the whole structure remains as a phenomenal 3D base for further future implementation. From coloring books, individual routes that agencies can make, different presentation methods to digital games and applications. The possibilities are great, precisely thanks to the fact that everything is made from scratch and owned by the County. 

Central Dalmatia as a brand

Another big step that went under the radar, and is extremely crucial in promotion and branding. Central Dalmatia as a brand, not Split Dalmatian County. From the first day of the HrTurizam.hr portal, I have emphasized the importance of branding tourist regions and sub-brands, not counties. Tourism knows no borders, neither county nor city or municipal, nor even national. Especially now since we are in the Schengen area. But recognize the tourist regions. 

Now, finally, the Tourist Board of SD is making a turn in communication and is starting to use Central Dalmatia as its brand, and not the name of the county.