Our Saimaa Seal LIFE project
Our Saimaa Sel LIFE project is led by Metsähallitus and funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The project supports the protection of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal by, for example, testing alternative nesting methods to help the species adapt to climate change, and by developing new population monitoring techniques. It also aims to raise awareness and increase public support for protection efforts.
An interactive experience was desired to support nature conservation
One of the objectives of Metsähallitus’ LIFE project was to increase the distribution of Saimaa ringed seal conservation knowledge across the Saimaa region via tourism companies. The project aimed to install AR elements at seal information points located in seven different businesses in the area. The goal was to offer travelers an easy way to learn about the Saimaa ringed seal and its conservation, thereby raising awareness of this endangered species.
Metsähallitus specifically wanted a web-based AR 3D map that wouldn’t require downloading a separate app but would instead be easily accessible through the traveler’s own smartphone. The goal of using AR technology was to provide an interactive and visual way to learn—something more impactful than traditional text-based bulletins or info boards. Ultimately, this would help increase acceptance of protection measures and lead to better protection of the seal’s natural habitat.
The AR application was built to be accessible and easy to use
The project resulted in the development of a web-based AR 3D terrain map that offers travelers an easy way to explore the Saimaa ringed seal and its natural habitat.
As the final outcome, an A2-sized physical marker image was delivered to tourism company premises. Users first scan a QR code on the image, which opens the norpanvesilla.fi website.
From the site, the marker image is scanned using a mobile phone camera, after which users can interactively explore the seal’s environment and topics related to its conservation.
AR application project step by step
Projektin alkuvaiheessa tarkemmaksi lähestymiskulmaksi valittiin saimaannorpan ja ihmisten yhteiselo Saimaalla, tarjoamalla sovelluksen käyttäjille tietoa saimaannorpan elämästä sekä kuinka ihmisten tulisi ottaa huomioon saimaannorpan tarpeet eri vuodenaikoina. Ratkaisu toteutettiin vuosikellona, joka on jaettu vuodenaikojen mukaisesti. Jokainen osio sisältää erilaisia vuodenaikaan sopivia 3D-malleja (esim. ihmisiä, vene, mökki, teltta) sekä muuta havainnollistavaa sisältöä, kuten tekstiä, äänitiedostoja, kuvia ja videoita.
Toteutuksen alussa suunniteltiin herätekuva, jonka matkailija lukee ensin siirryttyään osoitteeseen norpanvesilla.fi. Herätekuvan pohjalta suunniteltiin 3D-tasokartta. Herätekuvan lukemisen jälkeen avautuu 3D-tasokartta, josta matkailija voi tutkia neljää eri vuodenaikaa ja tutustua niihin liitettyihin sisältöihin. 3D-tasokarttaa tehostettiin jokaiseen vuodenaikaan sopivalla norppa-animaatiolla.
During the project’s kick-off meeting, we reviewed key details and potential approaches for implementation. The project was carried out using agile development methods, and regular reviews were held with the client throughout the process. A shared Figjam board was used, allowing both Hurja’s and the client’s teams to add comments and materials. The client was able to begin testing the solution at an early stage, as small, completed components were delivered regularly for testing during the project.
In the kick-off meeting, the overall direction of the web application was decided, and more detailed aspects were addressed in sprints. The first step was to build a so-called walking skeleton — a minimal implementation containing only the essential features: language selection, user guidance, and reading the marker image to display the 3D model.
After that, the project progressed sprint by sprint, focusing on the following areas:
- Activating 3D content, displaying it, and styling the views
- Refining 3D details and animations
- Lighting the 3D environment and adding other visual effects
- Designing the marker image, refining content details, and managing translations
From the beginning, we tested the site on both new and older devices to ensure good performance across the most typical user environments.
To ensure that as many users as possible can use the AR application, we made sure it is easy to operate for everyone — including users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers or keyboard navigation. Typically, AR implementations offer very few built-in accessibility solutions, so at Hurja, we paid special attention to accessibility.
We enhanced usability by adding various shortcuts and custom controls for navigating between views, making it easier to use the application with buttons as well. Due to the visual nature of AR, it was especially important that screen readers provide clear guidance on how to navigate the application, and that all images include descriptive alt texts to inform visually impaired users about their content.
The application is designed for mobile use with a marker image, but you can also test it on the norpanvesillä website without the marker by clicking the 3D button in the bottom right corner. Testing requires a device with a camera. Try the application at norpanvesilla.fi.
The application enhances understanding and provides concrete support for conservation efforts
The implemented AR application offers travelers and anyone interested the opportunity to learn about the Saimaa ringed seal and its habitat in an interactive and visual way.
The application helps users understand how they can contribute to protecting the seal and its environment throughout the different seasons. Through 3D models and other content, users can virtually experience what it’s like to live alongside the Saimaa ringed seal. This raises awareness about seal conservation and supports users in making responsible choices to help protect the species.
The application supports conservation efforts in several ways:
- With the AR application, users can learn more about the Saimaa ringed seal and its needs during each season. This can lead to a better understanding of how people should behave in the seal’s habitat depending on the time of year and help prevent disturbances and harm to the seal.
- The AR application helps increase awareness of the Saimaa ringed seal’s endangered status and the importance of its protection, which supports more effective conservation and contributes to the species’ long-term survival.
- The application also raises awareness of the seal’s ecosystem and its role in Finnish nature. This enhances understanding of how all parts of nature are interconnected, encouraging people to act more responsibly and sustainably toward the environment.
As an augmented reality experience, the AR application is an effective tool for advancing the project’s goals, as it allows users to explore the Saimaa ringed seal’s habitat and behavior in an engaging and illustrative way.
The AR application also encourages user participation in seal conservation by providing information on how individuals can contribute to protecting the seal and how the species impacts the surrounding ecosystem.
By increasing awareness of the Saimaa ringed seal and the importance of its protection, the AR application plays a valuable role in supporting the seal and Finnish nature.
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City of Mikkeli’s Municipal Enterprise Otavia
