Daring Outdoor App Debuts Globally, Focused on Saving Lives During Expeditions
In a groundbreaking move, MSC has launched a new free trip planning app called Plan My Walk, designed specifically for walking or tramping adventures in New Zealand. This world-first app is set to revolutionise the way Kiwis explore the great outdoors, offering a comprehensive suite of features to improve user safety and encourage new discoveries.
MSC has invested over 1000 hours in research and development to create this innovative app. Plan My Walk allows users to create a trip plan, add group members, assign an emergency contact, and share the plan with others, ensuring that everyone stays connected and informed during their outdoor adventures.
The app includes over 1000 Department of Conservation tracks, MetService weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, and track-specific alerts. This extensive data ensures users are well-prepared for their journeys, helping to mitigate 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.
Plan My Walk also addresses the issues of being unprepared for the weather conditions and inadequate clothing. The incident causation analysis of tramping search and rescue operations showed that being unprepared for the weather caused 12% of operations, and a lack of warm layered clothing and/or a waterproof jacket caused 13%. To combat these issues, the app includes features for users to leave track reviews and comment on track conditions, as well as offering interactive gear lists and other useful planning advice.
MSC Chief Executive expresses excitement about the app's potential to support walkers and trampers' safety in New Zealand's outdoors. Daisley, from MSC, also expresses confidence in the app's ability to improve user safety and encourage users to discover new walking and hiking opportunities in New Zealand.
Plan My Walk is available for download from the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, or can be found online at www.planmywalk.nz. The app is believed to be a world-first in its kind and is set to make a significant impact on New Zealand's outdoor community.
For more information about Plan My Walk, tune into TVNZ Sunday Story following the survival of an injured tramper (Sep 2021). Plan My Walk is intended to help more than one million adult New Zealanders find suitable places for their outdoor adventures and ensure they have a safe experience. Embrace the great outdoors with Plan My Walk - your ultimate companion for adventure!
