New 2012 transportation map connects travelers to Pure Michigan, MDOT social media sites

Contact: Jeff Cranson, MDOT Director of Communications 517-335-3084

Agency: Transportation

Fast Facts:
- New transportation map features QR codes to connect you to MDOT and Pure Michigan Web and social media sites for real-time travel and tourism information.
- New map has 17 city maps.
- For the first time ever, state forest locations are indicated on the map.

May 16, 2012 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today released the 2012 state transportation map. The latest edition of the map features a variety of QR codes linking travelers to social media sites that will assist them in planning their Michigan adventure, in addition to the standard map features Michigan motorists and visitors alike depend on. A video showing the new map and its features is available on the MDOT YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.

Links to the Pure Michigan Facebook, Twitter and Flickr sites allow visitors to join in real-time conversations, post photos of their travels, and ask other travelers' advice about must-do activities. Another QR code takes motorists to MDOT's popular Mi Drive traffic information Web site, featuring road construction and traffic information that will help them avoid delays and make the most of their time in Michigan. Connections to the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) also are available.

"The 2012 state map highlights all the wonders of Pure Michigan in four seasons and makes it easier for all to see how a reinvented Michigan has even more to offer," said Gov. Rick Snyder. "We continue to capitalize on technology to make the map even more accessible with quick response codes that allow your smartphone to take you directly to helpful Web sites."

"Through social media and these QR codes, travelers are immediately connected to travel experts throughout the state and have the ability to interact with some of Michigan's 77 million visitors," said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. "Travelers can now share their own experiences, as well as find out what's going on in every corner of the state."

Another new feature is a QR code that takes kids to a special site where they can play "Pure Michigan MiPick." This interactive site gives kids a choice between two Michigan products, landmarks or adventures and asks them to vote thumbs up or down, depending on which one they'd rather do. A few examples include:

- "Would you rather drive from Copper Harbor to New Buffalo listening to only Aretha Franklin than Eminen?"
- "Would you rather clean up after the horses on Mackinac Island than clean up after dogs at the Detroit Kennel Club Show? "
- "Would you rather be a musher in the UP 200 Sled Dog race than drive a NASCAR on the Michigan International Speedway?"

MDOT also worked with MDNR to mark state forest locations on the new map, using brown tree symbols. Exit numbers for US-10, which runs from Ludington to Bay City, also were added this year.

Don't have a smartphone? Don't worry, the printed map also lists the Web site addresses the QR codes connect to in order to help you plan a trip.

"MDOT and Pure Michigan are partnering to connect travelers with all the information they need to explore our great state," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.

Printed maps are available free of charge at Michigan Welcome Centers and MDOT offices; a Web-based version has been posted online with 37 PDFs of city maps. The map is printed in Michigan by Johnston Lithograph, Inc. of Romulus. About 1 million maps will be produced this year, at a cost of 12 cents per copy. To view the online version of the state transportation map, request a free copy, get more details, or report a suspected error, go to: www.michigan.gov/statemap. For Michigan travel news and updates, and to plan your next trip, visit www.michigan.org.

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