The iBeacons Project

Project Description

A pilot project to trial a new approach to delivering heritage information for visitors through the establishment of a number of Ibeacon networks with the county, which will be easily updated on a regular basis without the need to install more static interpretation panels/boards that can be prone to graffiti and unsocial behavior or simply deteriorate or become outdated over time. iBeacons are small, wireless transmitters which use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to ‘push’ information to devices based on their location.

What will the project achieve?

• To pilot a new approach to delivering heritage information to visitors
• To establish a number of ibeacon networks within the rural landscape of N.E.Wales
• To be easily updated without the need to install static interpretation panels 
• Information  to be displayed on visitor’s smart devices when in the vicinity of the ibeacon
• Information displayed can be either audio/text/photos/pdfs etc.

Who are the project beneficiaries?

• Flintshire: Mold, Holywell, Brynford, Ysceifiog, Point of Ayr, Leeswood
• Denbighshire: Llangollen Railway, Corwen, Rhuddlan, St. Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin Castle
• Wrexham: Chirk, Cefn Mawr, Brymbo, Holt, Bersham, Ceiriog Valley.

What was the result of the project?

The project development began by -

• Six communities / groups sought from each county 
• Each group provided match funding to take part in project
• Volunteers from each group worked with ibeacon team to launch
• Learning how to use system and manage it for the future
• Ibeacon team providing back-up.

The project was launched in July 2018. The ‘North East Wales Digital Trails’ App is now fully available to download through the App Store and Google Play, just by searching ‘North East Wales’.

Further development comprised

• Engagement with local businesses
• Training to be provided
• PR and public awareness
• Expansion of the network
• Apply for exterior funding for Non-RDP communities.

How the project is working 

Volunteers from participating communities have worked with the appointed consultants to bring together interpretative information for the project. Volunteers were taught how to put this information onto the ibeacon system. Volunteers were taught how to manage and look after this content for the future - take ownership.