New paths through the screen – Savonia UAS explores whether the experience of nature can also be experienced digitally
Forest is more than a view – it’s a space for moving, thinking and exploring. But what if you can’t reach the forest – or if you want to save it from erosion? Virtual nature tourism offers new ways of experiencing nature, complementing your own experiences and opening opportunities for those for whom a real forest trail is out of reach. Research shows that digital nature experiences can also have similar well-being effects as physical nature walks.
Dark green forest all around, sandy beach and lake view in front. I kneel down to pick berries from a patch. A day in nature? No, but an immersive nature experience. With VR glasses on and controllers in my hands, I enter the berry forest in Lake Tiilikkajärvi National Park, although in reality I am standing in the XR-Center at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The 3D modeling is still rough in general appearance, but it already gives an idea of what virtual nature tourism could be like.
– A study by the Natural Resources Institute Finland shows that spending time in virtual nature also has a welfare-enhancing effect. Participants in the study showed increased recovery and reduced stress levels and negative emotions during exposure to virtual nature, says Katariina Moilanen, Project Manager.
This is good news for people such as the elderly and people with reduced mobility who may not have access to nature.
A saved memory of nature
Virtual tourism is not yet mainstream, but the environmental aspect is relevant here and now. National parks and popular hiking trails are under pressure as hikers head for sensitive natural areas. And climate change threatens to permanently alter our landscapes. What will Finnish nature look like in a few decades? Will snowy winters be a rarity?
– At the request of Metsähallitus, we digitised the area of Lake Tiilikkajärvi in the area of Pumpulikirkko, which has already suffered from hiking. We have also used 360 cameras and laser scanners to film the nature trails of Tahko and Puijo, Moilanen says.
The virtual nature experience both saves and preserves nature for future generations.
– Climate change and other disasters are constantly shaping our environment. It is important that we get these experiences archived, so that in the future the seniors can return to the landscapes of their youth and the new generations can see what nature was like before, says RDI expert Kalle Sievänen.
Opportunities for tourism businesses?
Savonia UAS is exploring the commercial potential of virtual nature experiences. Creating a profitable business focused entirely on virtual experiences is still a challenging task, but there is real potential.
– Older people are the most promising target group. But the biggest potential for tourism could be found in Asia. Although the market is not yet ready, we want to encourage businesses to keep up with the trend. As virtual tourism becomes more widespread, it is worth being at the forefront of offering nature experiences, says Sievänen.
Businesses have taken a keen interest in the topic. For example, Puijo has conducted various experiments and developed virtual products.
– We livestreamed a nature tour for international students from Puijo and tested the technical requirements for the virtual tour. The students have also been testing the VR nature experience, Moilanen says.
As an example of the experience, when the blueberry forest of Lake Tiilikkajärvi opened up in front of their eyes, one of the testers was so impressed that she took off the controllers to pick berries.
– At least the taste of berries is not transmitted through the glasses!
Read more and discover virtual nature experiences: