This article explores the idea of smart phone (e.g., a BlackBerry, iPhone or Android mobile device) and the Internet adding value to an outdoor activity, helping to promote participation. The value can be demonstrated by examining two emerging trends in computing:
- social- and location-aware mobile devices; and
- improved online mapping and collaboration (social networking) tools.
When the features of these types of tools are combined, they can actually enable increased ‘community building’ around outdoor activities, potentially contributing to increased physical activity among the general population.