Calgary Municipal Land Corporation · C+E Access Map
Enhancing the C+E District experience with an immersive access map
In our ongoing partnership with CMLC, we've taken the Culture + Entertainment District's Access Map to new heights. Version two of this interactive tool now offers a fully immersive, 3D experience that empowers users to explore the district like never before.
This was our second attempt at a map—our first being a static, image-based solution with significant limitations. Built by Field helped us evolve it into a much more responsive, dynamic, and dimensional tool that provides real-time updates and enhanced usability.
The enhanced Access Map features custom 3D models of the area's buildings, providing a strikingly realistic representation of the district's layout. This visual upgrade not only improves the map's aesthetic appeal but also boosts user engagement and understanding. Visitors can now virtually navigate the space, gaining clearer insights into building locations, access points, and potential obstacles, ultimately facilitating better planning and wayfinding.
Beyond navigation, the new map allows us to integrate storytelling, create unique maps tailored for different partner audiences, and plan for future construction impact updates and distinct user modes.
To further elevate the user experience, we've introduced an innovative "Stories" feature. This powerful tool allows CMLC to create and share guided narratives that lead users through curated journeys within the map. By crafting these Stories, CMLC can highlight key features, developments, and accessibility information, offering a more structured and informative exploration of the virtual district.
The impact was immediate—within the first month, views increased by 700%, jumping from 2,500 to 20,000, and engagement time grew by 13%, from 30 to 34 seconds.
The Stories feature empowers CMLC to tailor the user experience, showcasing specific routes, points of interest, or ongoing initiatives. This level of control ensures that visitors engage with the district's offerings in a meaningful way, while also enhancing CMLC's ability to communicate their vision and impact effectively.
The result is a seamless, informative experience that enhances confidence in the district’s accessibility and progress while maximizing visibility for our partners.
By combining cutting-edge 3D visualization with guided storytelling, the enhanced C+E Access Map sets a new standard for interactive urban exploration tools. Launched in October 2024, this immersive platform leverages technologies like React, Vite, MapLibre GL JS, and Sanity CMS to deliver a seamless, informative, and engaging user experience that brings the Culture + Entertainment District to life in the digital realm.
Details
- Year
- 2024
- Work
- Interactive maps, Interaction design, Interface design
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