Groundbreaking Outdoor Application Set on Life-Saving Mission Debuts Globally
New Free Trip Planning App Launched to Boost Walkers' Safety
A new app, Plan My Walk, has been launched to help support the safety of walkers and trampers in New Zealand. Developed by MSC, the app is designed to address common incident causation factors such as overambitious choice of route, a lack of sufficient fitness, and people taking longer than expected to reach their destination.
The app includes a variety of features to aid in trip planning and preparation. Users can create a trip plan, assign an emergency contact, and share intel about track conditions. This feature, according to MSC's Chief Executive, is a revolutionary step forward in supporting walkers and trampers' safety.
One of the key features of Plan My Walk is the ability to leave track reviews and comment on track conditions. This is expected to help build a strong community vibe and enable more effective preparation. The app also includes interactive gear lists and other useful planning advice.
Plan My Walk aims to encourage people to find new walking and hiking opportunities and discover parts of New Zealand they may not have gone to before. The app currently includes more than 1000 Department of Conservation tracks, with more tracks being added throughout the year as local council track data becomes available.
According to an incident causation analysis, being unprepared for the weather conditions caused 12% of tramping search and rescue operations, while a lack of warm layered clothing and/or a waterproof jacket caused 13%. These three factors combined cause 30% of all tramping SAR operations. To address this, the app includes MetService weather forecasts and severe weather warnings.
Plan My Walk is available for free download on the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and online at www.planmywalk.nz. With more than one million adult New Zealanders expected to benefit from the app, it is set to revolutionise the way Kiwis plan their walks and tramps.
MSC spent over 1000 hours in research and development for the Plan My Walk app, ensuring it is a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for walkers and trampers. Find out more about the Plan My Walk app and start planning your next adventure today!
