Salisbury, Md. - The Salisbury Zoo's interactive map, which allows visitors to see where they are in the Zoo while learning more about nearby animals, was the 2024 winner for Map App at the Delmarva GIS Conference.

Kyla Cupp, GIS analyst for the City of Salisbury, presented the project at the May conference.

"Working on this project was a fascinating and rewarding experience from start to finish," she said.

There was no existing GIS map of the park, so City of Salisbury GIS Technician Matt Blades used high-resolution imagery, GPS data collected in the field, and CAD drawings to create one. Then, Blades and Cupp enhanced the map with clickable icons that led to images, facts, and links to learn more.

The new map was launched on Earth Day 2023, coinciding with the launch of a new logo and branding for the Salisbury Zoo, and it has had more than 12,000 views since. Providing an interactive map saves paper and allows it to be updated as changes take place at the Zoo.

The time and effort that went into this project is well worth it, Cupp said.

"The end result is an interactive, up-to-date, and environmentally friendly map app that enhances visitors' experience at the park," she said.

A large printed version of the map is displayed on four signs at the Zoo, each featuring a QR code leading to the interactive map. The interactive map is also accessible via the Salisbury Zoo's website, SalisburyZoo.org.

"Our interactive map is a great asset to Salisbury Zoo visitors," said Zoo Director Chuck Eicholz. "Give it a try next time you visit the Zoo."