During my last trip up to Minneapolis I noticed these around downtown. I think Downtown Sioux Falls needs a couple of these. When I was doing pedicab this summer I was amazed at how lost visitors were, I gave more directions then rides. DTSF could also use the kiosk to generate ad revenue for the organization. In other words if you were looking for a Mexican restaurant downtown it would pop up ads for the restaurant with directions on the kiosk. I wouldn’t doubt that DTSF could get a grant to have them installed with no cost to taxpayers. I think we have a great growing downtown, but if you visit, good luck finding your way around.
Minneapolis has had these for a few years, which surprises me that DTSF hasn’t done something like this. I was at the Chicken (Book) Coop one night and met a couple from California. I asked them how they found the Coop and they told me they googled ‘interesting and unique’ establishments in DTSF and Book Coop came up. Now if we just had several of these kiosks DTSF, I think it would increase tourism revenue. Sculpture Walk could also take advantage of the kiosks by creating walking maps for people.
The opportunities are endless. Prices vary, but most units are NOT over $20k with non computerized ones costing about $1,500. They would pay for themselves in one season.