INFORMATION about some of Fremantle’s most recognised and important sites could be available at your fingertips if the Fremantle Society carry out a proposed QR mapping project of the port city’s sites.
The QR code, or quick response code, is a type of barcode that can be scanned by smart mobile phones and the Fremantle Society is aiming to place these codes on a large number of city locations to provide more information for education and tourism purposes.
Fremantle Society president Roel Loopers said the benefits would be vast.
“It gives information about the location one is in and there is no need to look up anything in a brochure, book or Google it – so it’s a fast simple and very modern way of information collection,” he said.
“Anyone can do it at their own leisure and time because there is no need to join an often boring tour group.”
Mr Loopers said there was already an array of information available on sites such as Bathers Beach, the Prison and the Round House, which meant the QR codes only needed to be printed on metal and attached to the buildings, something he was hoping could be achieved by the end of the year.
City of Fremantle Economic Development and Marketing manager Andrew Eastick said the city supported the idea but that it needed further discussion. “Some planning is required from the City’s perspective,” he said.
“Any technology that allows visitors to easily access city information would be major benefit.
“The City is already utilising QR technology for the window display advertising at Fremantle Visitor Centre and we will continue to explore ways to use this technology to provide information to visitors and benefit local businesses.”
Fremantle councillor Josh Wilson said he thought the proposal represented a “potentially fantastic” combination of Fremantle’s history and character with their appetite for innovation.
“It could transform Fremantle into a living multimedia gallery and enrich the experience of visitors and locals alike.”