National Park Service; Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, 360° Virtual Experience
To introduce the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve to audiences beyond the park, we created a guided 360° video experience that blends natural beauty with layered human history. A short narrative from the park ranger discovering forests and salt marshes to plantation grounds and historic riverbanks, the experience invites viewers to explore Theodore Roosevelt Area, Fort Caroline, Kingsley Plantation, and Cedar Point as if they were there. Ranger storytelling brings the history of culture, conflict, resilience, and preservation to life. At the same time, immersive visuals let audiences look, wander, and discover at their own pace, deepening their understanding of the park’s rich significance.
Designed for accessibility, education, and easy sharing, this 360° virtual experience aims to make everyone feel confident and included as they explore the Timucuan.
The outcome: The 360° virtual experience delivered an engaging, accessible way to explore Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve beyond the park’s boundaries. Immersive visuals and ranger-informed storytelling made the preserve 360° a modern outreach tool that supports web, social, and classroom programs. Viewers can experience key locations as if they were there, building curiosity, learning about it, and forming a stronger connection to the park before or even without a physical visit.
How 360° video works: 360° video captures everything around the camera, allowing viewers to look in any direction within the scene. Instead of watching passively, you explore—turning your gaze to follow the landscape, history, and action as they unfold.
How to view on desktop: Click and drag your mouse within the video window to look around. You can also use on-screen navigation controls to pan across the scene and experience the park from every angle.
How to view on mobile & virtual headsets: On a mobile device, open the video and move your phone to look around—the view responds naturally to your motion, placing you inside the scene. For a fully immersive experience, the video can be viewed on your virtual reality headset and mobile devices, allowing viewers to explore the Timucuan hands-free and feel truly surrounded by the park.