May 26, 2011 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is adding new technology to an old favorite, the state transportation map. The latest edition of the map has all of the standard features motorists depend on, plus a new twist: QR codes.
What's on the map?
- QR codes for scanning with the camera on a smartphone. These take you to Web sites for Pure Michigan, Mi Drive, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- 17 city map insets
- Photos of Pure Michigan destinations
- Listing of state and national parks in Michigan
- Michigan traffic law information
To help you navigate your way around the new map, MDOT has produced two YouTube videos, one to introduce the new state map and a companion video about how QR codes work, available on the MDOT YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.
Don't have a smartphone? Don't worry, the printed map also lists the Web site addresses the QR codes connect to in order to help you plan a trip. Earlier this year, MDOT added QR codes to its annual printed construction map and brochures for major MDOT road and bridge projects and received positive feedback for doing so. The QR codes should work with most mobile devices, but results will vary depending on the phone or mobile device used.
"There's a wealth of information online, so adding QR codes to the state transportation map was an easy decision. MDOT and Pure Michigan want to make it as easy as possible for residents and visitors to get the information they need. MDOT is proud to have produced a state map since the 1920s," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.
"More travelers are discovering Michigan's vast pleasures, a testimony to all there is to see and do in our beautiful state. We've harnessed technology to make our state transportation map even more accessible with quick response codes that allow your smart phone to take you directly to several helpful Web sites. We hope the map encourages everyone to experience Pure Michigan in all four seasons," said Gov. Rick Snyder.
The new Michigan map provides direct access to Pure Michigan travel information on golf courses, snow sports, wineries and more," said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "It's a great resource for both Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors."
You can get printed maps at Michigan Welcome Centers and MDOT offices; a Web-based version has been posted online with 37 PDFs of city maps. The map is printed in Michigan by Johnston Lithograph, Inc. of Romulus. About 1.5 million maps will be produced this year, at a cost of 12 cents per copy. To view the online version of the state transportation map, request a free copy, get more details, or report a suspected error, go to: www.michigan.gov/statemap. Go to www.michigan.org, the state's official tourism and travel Web site, to plan your next trip.
MDOT says: Construction work zones need your undivided attention.
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