First Welsh language augmented reality map brings ‘prydferthwch Cymru’ (‘the beauty of Wales’) to tourists

Welsh heritage campaigners Mynyddoedd Pawb (Everyone’s Mountains) have joined forces with Cwmni Galactig, Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Dee Valley Water to create Wales’ first Welsh-language augmented reality (AR) map, ‘Tro’.

Using funding from the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 Grant, the map, aimed at the outdoor industry, local people, schools and tourists of all ages will provide a choice of four walks in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area.

Displayed through your mobile phone screen, ‘Tro’ will overlay walking routes and location names over the view from your mobile device’s camera. You’ll be able to hear place names pronounced in Welsh, as well as reading stories and local legends about the surrounding area.

With all place names in Welsh, all other information is bilingual so easy to use for tourists and locals alike.

The AR map will work exclusively in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area, with a view to extend to other areas across Wales.

Mari Gwent of Mynyddoedd Pawb explains,

“We hope that ‘Tro’ will stimulate interest in the Welsh language not only locally, but for visitors to the area too. We also hope to increase the sense of belonging within our local communities.

“We want to drive awareness of the richness of our local Welsh heritage, which is of course helping locals and tourists alike have access to walks and stories, as well as being a guide to Welsh pronunciation across the area.

“We’re excited to launch ‘Tro’ as we hope it will be a great tool that people use to become more engaged with our area of great natural beauty.”

This project has been made possible thanks to the help of the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 Grant contribution of £18,250.

The Cymraeg 2050 Grant is a key element of the Welsh language strategy, Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers. It’s provided funds to innovative, short-term projects which aim to increase people’s daily use of the language and to promote technology which supports the use of Welsh.

Minister for the Welsh Language and Lifelong learning Eluned Morgan commented,

“We’re delighted to be able to help Mynyddoedd Pawb and their partners Galactig, Clywdian Range AONB and Dee Valley Water to carry on the important work they continually do to preserve Welsh heritage.

“Not only do we hope this app will encourage users to engage in their environment, but it is also a chance to learn about the rich heritage Wales has to offer. It’s also a fantastic piece of technology that encourages familiarity with and the use of the Welsh language.”

With a total of £425,000 awarded across 26 innovative projects, other key funding includes projects from the Welsh Rugby Union, RNIB and the National Trust.