Visitor Counters – Tracking Visitor Numbers For Heritage Sites

We often get asked “How best can we estimate the number of visitors to a large outdoor site which has multiple access points?”, in fact that’s the exact question we recently saw popping up again causing a discussion in the AHI (association for heritage interpretation) group on ‘Linkedin’. The person asking the question went further and wondered if there was a way to distinguish the numbers in different parts of the site and at different times of the year.

The ability to (at best) estimate the amount of visitors to your site(s) is very important. It can be used to better focus rejuvenation projects, delay works during busier times, successfully petition for increased funds with accurate statistical evidence etc.

We already include usage statistics with our U-Turn Round and Solar Audio Post, and are in the process of implementing this feature for our Audio Sign Touch and Turn. Which means the play count of each/all messages is recorded for later assessment. Although not the most accurate way of observing footfall in an area, the play numbers are a good indication of how busy an area can be, with the ability to track the overall play count and also track usage from one period to another it allows you to monitor the usage statistics for a set amount of time without losing the overall statistics.

A bespoke PIR activated Solar Audio Post is especially good at doubling as a visitor counter, each time a person passes the message is automatically played, this doesn’t account for groups (unless everybody activates the message!) but is still useful for estimating the amount of visitors in any given location.

The real benefit of these devices is they are first and foremost listening points allowing the interpretation of various forms of audio information to visitors, it could be information regarding the local bird population, oral histories of the area, even combining Solar Audio Posts for the creation of an audio trail throughout the site. The fact they can also provide discernible usage statistics is a useful bonus.

When it comes to more accurate visitor statistics we also offer bespoke options such as incorporating standalone visitor tracking devices into our standard product range. We are currently involved in a project in which a client wondered if it was possible to add a counter to our U-Turn Round. The elegant solution was to instead build a visitor counter into the plinth in which the U-Turn is to be installed.

Other options include specific PIR visitor counters, pressure pads or even metal detectors for counting cars or mountain bikes along trails. For bespoke projects involving visitor counters at your museum or heritage site please don’t hesitate to contact us.