The Tytyri project, a part of the Virtual Nature project, is transforming how visitors experience the historic Tytyri Mine in Lohja, Finland, through interactive digital technology. Here you get to know the development process, from the initial collaboration with tourism specialists to the creation of immersive, gamified features that enhance the Tytyri Mine Experience. By combining Finland’s natural and industrial heritage with virtual tools, the project aims to make local attractions more engaging and accessible, opening new opportunities for sustainable tourism in the Uusimaa region.
The making of the Virtual Nature – Tytyri Mine app.
The Virtual Nature project (Digitalisaatio ja asiantuntijayhteistyö kestävän luontomatkailun edistäjänä) is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing nature tourism in Uusimaa region, Finland, through digital innovation. It seeks to help local tourism companies to develop immersive experiences that combine the natural environment with advanced technology, making it easier for tourists to engage with Finland’s stunning landscapes both online and offline. By utilizing tools like interactive experiences, as well as virtual and augmented reality, the project aims to lower barriers to travel and attract more visitors to Finnish nature sites.
In recent years, the intersection of technology and tourism has opened new avenues for immersive experiences that engage visitors in unique ways. In the Virtual Nature project, we collaborate with companies to build pilot applications to test how virtual solutions could enhance the tourism sector. One such initiative is the Virtual Nature – Tytyri project, aimed at bringing the visitors an alternative way of exploring the Tytyri Mine Experience in Lohja with a gamified virtual element.
A Unique Concept for Exploration
The primary objective of the Virtual Nature – Tytyri project is to develop a map application that guides visitors through the tunnels of the Tytyri mine. This innovative application features an interactive 3D map that allows users to explore the cave’s tunnels and chambers. Utilizing a treasure hunt format, visitors can locate hidden codes strategically placed throughout the mine, which they can input into the app.
The enchanting subterranean world of the Tytyri Mine, featuring curated points designed to enhance tourism and educational exploration.
Successfully entering these codes unlocks animated scenes, information texts about interesting mine facts, enhancing the learning experience. As GPS is not working in the mine, the app gives a unique way of knowing where you are as soon as you will find a codeword and enter it successfully in the app. WebGL was used in development to provide seamless mobile access without requiring a dedicated installation. It offers engaging features, including an animated 3D model of the Rönni mascot, enhancing the user experience.
Development Process: From Concept to Reality
The Virtual Nature – Tytyri project’s development involved three trips to the Tytyri mine, where the team gathered insights, brainstormed ideas, and refined their approach for an engaging app. Also, visits focused on testing the application and filming promotional material, allowing the project to evolve through feedback.
The dedication of the team paid off, resulting in a WebGL build optimized for mobile browsers, accessible for both Android and iOS users. The application features an interactive 3D map that allows visitors to see the layout of the mine in 3D and unlock info in certain points with codewords.
Tytyri project app team on a visit to site.
The Rönni mascot accompanying visitors on their journey.
Key features of the final product include:
- Interactive 3D Map: Users can explore the mine virtually, ideally in parallel with their visit, zooming in on specific areas.
- Collectible Codes: As visitors discover codes throughout the real mine, they can input them into the app to unlock animations and additional information, enhancing the visitation and learning experience. In addition, the codes pinpoint their whereabouts in the map.
- Animated Mascot: The Rönni mascot adds a playful element to the application, guiding users and providing insights into the mine’s features.
Feedback and Future Prospects
The response from stakeholders regarding the Virtual Nature – Tytyri project has been overwhelmingly positive. Jarkko Koskenmäki, the tourism manager for Lohja, sees the app as a valuable addition to the visitor experience, potentially attracting more families and educational groups to the site. Project team members expressed their enthusiasm for the project’s success, with Niina Kahela noting, “This was like a dream project for me! I love caves and stylized 3D style and I got to design the whole mine layout and style myself. It taught me so much about optimization,” and Samuli Haltimo stating, “It was a learning experience. I made most of the functionality for the application.” Alma Hoque added, “The application looks amazing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on something so unique.”
A 3D model of the Tytyri Mine cave system, depicting its tunnel network and otherwordly geological features for use in the Virtual Nature app.
Janina Rannikko, the project manager, also praised the project: “Brilliant looking end product being a pilot for this kind of activity, with sufficient number of interactions for this scale.” While Emmi Isokirmo, the project lead, commented: “I had already visited the mine years ago and found it memorable. Being able to develop something for them felt personal in some small way.”
Next phase is to test the pilot application in the mine with visitors and collect feedback from users outside of the project. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for similar projects, which utilize for example more complex AR elements, are abound. The Tytyri app is an inspiring example for other tourism sites seeking to enhance visitor engagement through interactive and immersive experiences.
Key Stakeholders and Collaboration
Virtual Nature project is co-funded by the European Union and Uudenmaan liitto (2023-2025). The project brings together a talented team, including experts from Haaga-Helia UAS, Humak UAS, and Metropolia UAS.
Tytyri project was initiated with Pure Experience in collaboration with Tytyri Elämyskaivos.
On the Metropolia UAS side, the project was implemented by a dedicated team from the Helsinki XR Center led by Project Manager Janina Rannikko and Project Lead Emmi Isokirmo. Contributing their expertise were HXRC specialists Juho Puurunen, Mikko Höök, and Santeri Saarinen. Additionally, HXRC interns Alma Hoque, Niina Kahela, Samuli Haltimo, and Ville Varhala played key roles in developing the solution.
Virtual Nature is a collaboration of:
