Overview
Texas A&M Forest Service contracted with Timmons Group for the development of Tree Trails, a new, educational mobile and desktop application designed to collect information about trees throughout the State of Texas.
The application was created to allow teachers, youth organization leaders, and the general public to create a custom tree trail and utilize the corresponding educational curriculum to learn about these trees, and share this information with others. This app provides an instructional approach while integrating language arts, math, science, social studies and technology with outdoor learning activities to create real and virtual arboretums at schools and other public spaces.
The web application is available through the Texas Forest Info Portal, which can be found here. It was built as its own site using HTML, CSS3, and JavaScript. This component was designed for desktop and laptop access to view statistics about the trees and trails collected, view trees and trails on a map, and add new trails or trees. Additionally, ten learning modules were created and are accessible through the web component.
The mobile component is a native iOS application for iPhone and iPad, allowing the classroom to move into the field for a more hands-on experience. Users can access the application from mobile devices sharing the same functional ability as the desktop, but the workflow was designed for the mobile experience. Features include the ability to navigate through maps of trails and trees, toggle between aerial and street views as well as GPS capabilities.
Apple iTunes
The Web Application
Tree Trails Demo from Timmons Group on Vimeo.
