Biscuit Factory exhibition set to trial latest technology

Aug 14 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE latest mobile phone technology is now marching into the down-to-earth world of walking in the countryside.

Durham University is trialling the technology at an exhibition at The Biscuit Factory in Stoddart Street in Newcastle to illustrate the beauty and diversity of Northumberland National Park.

The exhibition features more than 70 images of the park by top North East photographers Simon Fraser, Roger Clegg and Allan Potts.

Next to 10 of the pictures is a two-inch square, two-dimensional bar code tile. Using a smart phone with a camera and internet access, visitors can decode information from the tile about the location where the picture was taken and walks which take in the view.

The exhibition, which runs until the end of the month, includes a more orthodox map showing the location of the scenes in the pictures.

Mandy Roberts, national park engagement officer, said: “The exhibition in Newcastle is about the wonderful sights in the national park which are on people’s doorsteps.

“People will look at the photographs and say: ‘That’s a beautiful place but where is it?’

“Many people want instant information and the quick codes next to the pictures are for the more technology-minded person who can download the details.”