DAS Labs has partnered with UrWay, an AI/AR startup for the outdoor activities industry, on a project for the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado. Together, we set out to transform how visitors explore the "Switzerland of America." Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray has long been an ideal destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Now, with the release of the Visit Ouray app, visitors have an AI-powered, interactive way to discover the area's rich history, explore trails, and find activities offered by local businesses.
Conceptualizing an AI-First Tourism App
When the city of Ouray first approached us about building a tourism app, we had a few ideas. In one of the most beautiful places in the country, we wanted to empower visitors to spend as much time as possible taking in the sights. If a tourist needs to pull up a search engine to find their next activity, navigate to a trail, or even locate a lunch spot, they lose time they could spend being present in their surroundings.
What if searching for a shop or restaurant did not mean missing out on real life? We set out to make that a reality with AI at the core.
AI-Driven Development for Outdoor Recreation
DAS Labs used Google APIs to gain access to comprehensive databases of location information. We then deployed our proprietary Visual Global Positioning System to identify the user's location with high accuracy. On top of this foundation, UrWay's AI-driven algorithm powers personalized recommendations, analyzing context and user preferences to surface the most relevant activities.
The result, Visit Ouray, is a prime example of the AI-powered experiences we expect to see from UrWay and other forward-thinking developers in the coming years.
Key Features of the AI-Powered Tourism App
- AI-Enhanced Self-Guided Tours: UrWay's AI-driven algorithm highlights significant landmarks and offers rich historical and cultural information as you explore, providing the insights of a world-class tour guide.
- Visual Search for Activities and Points of Interest: Use the AR interface to search visually for activities, landmarks, and hidden gems. Scan your surroundings with your phone's camera, and the app guides you to experiences through on-screen overlays.
- Proprietary Global Visual Positioning System: UrWay's advanced positioning system precisely locates you whether you are exploring hiking trails or a busy town center, providing easy-to-follow directions.
- Location-Based Discounts and Specials: Get daily location-based deals and offers at nearby restaurants, attractions, and shops, all tailored to where you are.
The Future of AI in Outdoor Recreation
The potential for AI-driven tourism is enormous. The Visit Ouray app is just the beginning. This project has fueled our imagination about the range of cities and attractions that could benefit from similar AI-powered experiences.
If you have an outdoor recreation, travel, or tourism project that could benefit from AI, Book a 15-min call →