#Japan #Sapporo #MapPenguin #Sapporo Zoo #World Wide System

Sapporo’s Maruyama Zoo Embraces Innovation with MapPenguin Service

On March 2, 2026, Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo, Japan, officially launched an innovative digital mapping service named MapPenguin, developed by World Wide System based in Okayama. This service aims to simplify navigation for visitors within the zoo without the need for downloading a specific app, while also offering support in eleven different languages to accommodate the increasing number of international tourists visiting the facility.

Addressing Previous Challenges

Traditionally, Maruyama Zoo relied on paper maps, which often led to confusion among visitors trying to pinpoint their locations and destinations. With a growing influx of foreign tourists and a push towards sustainability, the zoo sought a more effective solution. The new digital service aligns with the SDGs goals by aiming to reduce environmental impact through the elimination of paper maps.

Key Features of MapPenguin

The introduction of MapPenguin presents several functionalities that enhance visitor experience:

Real-Time GPS Navigation

MapPenguin integrates a real-time GPS navigation feature, allowing visitors to overlay the zoo's entire layout and animal enclosures on their smartphones. This function provides seamless guidance from their current location to desired attractions such as animal exhibits and dining facilities.

Multilingual Support for a Diverse Audience

This service caters to a global audience by supporting eleven languages: Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Spanish, French, and German. In addition to automated translation, the service includes professionally checked translations for more specialized content, ensuring that all visitors receive accurate information.

Environmental Impact Reduction

By transitioning to a digital format, Maruyama Zoo has halted the production of certain paper maps, specifically the Chinese and Korean versions. Moreover, they plan to significantly reduce the print run of Japanese and English maps by approximately 50%, thus contributing to a decrease in environmental burden.

Easy Access without Downloading an App

Visitors can conveniently access the digital map through the zoo's official website or by scanning a QR code displayed around the premises; no app installation is needed. This facilitates immediate access to the digital map and its various features.

Comprehensive Event and Facility Information

The map not only indicates current animal exhibits but also displays event schedules. Visitors can explore over 80 points of interest, including detailed information about enclosures and species, pictures, and videos.

Benefits for Zoo Management

According to zoo officials, the management interface of MapPenguin is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing staff without technical expertise to manage and update information related to the zoo's facilities and events easily. Bulk uploading via CSV further streamlines the process, reducing the operational workload significantly when changes are made across the zoo.

About MapPenguin

The name MapPenguin reflects the remarkable navigational skills of penguins, paired with the concept of 'mapping in'. Built upon the reliable data from Zenrin, MapPenguin enables various applications such as digital floor plans, wayfinding, multilingual options, and crowd monitoring. The robust features offered by MapPenguin ensure that it remains a comprehensive solution for digital mapping needs across various venues.

For more information on MapPenguin, visit the official page here. To view the digital map of Maruyama Zoo, click here.

Facility Overview

• - Facility Name: Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
• - Location: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• - Official Website: Sapporo Zoo

Company Overview

• - Company Name: World Wide System Inc.
• - Services Offered: Development and provision of digital mapping services, equity development for event management tools such as promotional campaigns, and custom original systems development.
• - Website: World Wide System
• - Inquiries about MapPenguin: Contact Here