Every year the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park welcomes visitors from across the U.S. and world. According to the National Park Service, 1.2 million people visited the missions in 2018 alone. In today’s technology-focused world, how can the tourism industry, especially historic sites, improve their offering to make experiences more engaging? Working together with San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, Computer Solutions devised an IoT project to establish wireless connectivity and improve the visitor experience.
The Client
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas. As a historical site, it was not only crucial, but required, that any technology solutions respected the integrity of the interiors and exteriors and could preserve the maintenance efforts and restoration of the buildings.
Project Scope & Challenge
We worked as the lead solutions integrator at Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion with the deployment of San Antonio World Heritage wireless connectivity in all public space surrounding the Mission’s grounds to allow for interactive, self-guided audio tours. This included providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing product that would not damage or structurally change the missions themselves.
Integration Process
We began the project by working closely with our client to understand the challenges of the project and customize an IoT solution and integration strategy that would complement the color aesthetics and natural environment. We worked onsite with an archeologist and members of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department to discern where around the mission grounds hardware could be installed in order to still be concealed to the public.
We designed the following:
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- Wireless point-to-multipoint IoT solution providing network connectivity to the main complex.
- Floating roof mounted system with integrated power and fiber-optic cable for deployment of wireless access points and antennas to different locations through the mission.
- Equipment and antennas were hidden or color-matched to blend into each Mission’s color scheme.
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The Outcome
Following the installation, we worked with our client to train them on the management and system operations in order for them to seamlessly takeover ongoing management. Our project resulted in a high-speed Wi-Fi solution throughout the mission grounds that allows visitors and tourists to engage with self-guided tours and with the San Antonio World Heritage websites to access more information about the history of the San Antonio Missions. Our solutions allowed for greater community outreach without compromising the environment resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing experience.
Have a business need for IoT? We love a challenge. Contact us today for a consultation.
