Published: August 10, 2009 07:23 pm      

West Virginia’s first interactive mapping site unveiled locally

BLUEFIELD — Visitors to Mercer County now have a new interactive guide to key attractions and trails across the region.

By combining computer and GPS technology, the state’s first interactive mapping and information site was launched Monday by the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“This innovative online component to our website will help future visitors make decisions and plan their trips to the area more easily and effectively,” CVB Director Beverly Wellman said. “Each point of interest features a picture, contact information and a link to their website allowing visitors to get a better feel for the region.”

The new site includes over 40 miles of interactive trails at Glenwood Park, Bluefield City Park, Princeton City Park, East River Mountain Overlook, Pipestem State Park, Camp Creek State Park and Forest,, Pinnacle Rock State Park and other local points of interest, including dining and restaurant facilities, lodging facilities, gas stations, grocery stores, cemeteries and other key attractions. Wellman said the planned expansion of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails into Mercer County also could be added to the site.

“What you are looking at is a combination of computer technology and GPS technology,” Joshua Chastain, of Cornerstone GIS, LLC., the firm that developed the interactive marketing campaign for the CVB, said. “It has tremendous marketing power. In our eyes, the return on investment here is quite possibly unmatched.”

Area business officials in attendance at Monday’s press conference also touted the new technology.

“I am just thrilled,” Jim Montgomery, of the Sleep Inn of Princeton, said. “You get pictures. You get detailed information.”

Frank Ratcliffe, superintendent of Pinnacle Rock State Park, said visitors are always looking for information on trails. He said the new GPS technology will give them a first-hand look at the trails at Pinnacle Rock.

“It was something we really saw the need for,” Ratcliffe said. “One of the reasons we are very pleased with it is through the years, the trails are always one of the highest if not the highest reason people choose us over something else.”

Wellman said the new interactive guide is the state’s first mapping site of its kind. Wellman said the map can expand. She said an online form allows businesses to submit their updated information as needed.

“The site, which is easy to navigate, provides GPS trail data that illustrates the county’s hiking, biking, walking and horseback riding recreational opportunities,” Candice Chastain, owner of Cornerstone and a native of Mercer County, said. “The trail systems in Mercer County are some of the most enjoyable and well planned we have encountered.”

Visitors can link to the interactive service at www.visitmercercounty.com/map

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com