The Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) plans to install electronic touch-screen directory systems throughout the Sandton CBD.
The Scout Project, developed by outdoor advertising company Smile Media, consists of a wireless network of public information kiosks to be rolled out early next year. The prototype will be placed outside of the Sandton Convention Centre.
The devices will feature an 18-inch screen, with an electronic map, and will provide information on Sandton central hotels, shops, restaurants, banks and places of interest, as well as community news. In addition, each kiosk will be programmed with a list of emergency contact numbers, as well as a panic button.
According to Cara Reilly, SCMD marketing manager, the system forms part of the ambition to transform Johannesburg into a world-class African city, and to assist local residents and international tourists in time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Reilly says there has been a substantial growth in the number of pedestrians within Sandton central, particularly in the past eight to 12 months. She attributes this to recent security investments in the area, which includes the deployment of SCMD public safety officers. Reilly believes people feel safer to walk the streets.
Adding functionality
Reilly points out: “In the future, based on the success of the project, we are considering installing CCTV cameras in the units. We first want to get the infrastructure up and running, and from there we can build services and features onto it.”
Initially, SCMD plans to start with 11 or 12 units during the first phase of the project. While Reilly acknowledged vandalism of the devices is a threat, she says public safety officers will be deployed within 100m of each unit to keep a watchful eye.
Should the system ever go down, a static map will be included at every kiosk as backup, she notes. Reilly is hopeful the project will be successful, based on the innovative way people will be able to interact with the technology and fully utilise Sandton's services.
Rowan Reibeck, Smile Media MD, says the project has taken three years to develop. “The project is essentially an information service using the latest touch-screen technology and software that will house information on Sandton central projects, as well as provide important contact details and information on emergency management services. We are currently in the process of manufacturing our first prototype.”
According to Reibeck, funding for the project will be generated through sponsors advertising on the units. He points out that it makes sense for SCMD to have the service because the area is the tourist hub of Johannesburg. Plans are in place to install four different languages on the system, he adds.
Smile Media will install, maintain, update and monitor the “Scouts”, while SCMD will control the content.
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