Overview: NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center features state-of-the art exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the sanctuary and its incredible underwater environment. Visitors can explore the sanctuary’s remarkable marine environment as well as their personal role in protecting one of our nation’s underwater treasures.

Fours years after it’s grand opening in 2012, macMonkey Digital Studios was asked to add a new touchscreen exhibit that addressed the migration paths of many of the incredible marine animals that visit Monterey Bay as part of their migration. The exhibit needed to match the high-tech quality of the existing exhibits and provide users a simple interaction to view and learn about the wide range many of these animals travel across the Pacific Ocean. The visitor can choose among one of five animals: Humpback Whales, Elephant Seals, Great White Sharks, Shearwater Birds, or Leatherback Turtles.  They can then drag across a timeline of the year and watch where that particular animal traversed the ocean, depending upon the time of year. These annual travels, and when they visit Monterey Bay, give visitors a clearer understanding of the lives of the animals they may see just outside the door.

macMonkey Digital Studios designed the interface, developed the code, and assembled the touchscreen system to bring the vision to life. Our unique use of the open-source Kivy/Python programming language allowed the app to be installed, on the exhibit’s Mac Mini, but also on both iPad and Android tablets; giving the Marine Sanctuary’s educators the option to use the app in classroom settings. In addition, the app can switch to a complete Spanish version at the touch of a button, expanding its use for the center’s wide-range of visitors.

As with most of our installations, this exhibit was remotely accessible to troubleshoot any issues and provide simple updates as required.