St. Augustine Helps Tourists Find Their Way with WayFinding Signs
- City Wayfinding
- Wayfinding on Trails
Why Great Wayfinding Programs Need Printed Maps (Not Just Signs and Apps)
Wayfinding is more than just a fancy word.
At its core, wayfinding is about making it easy for people to get from here to there—whether they’re exploring a city, a historic site, a park, or a downtown district.
More and more communities, like St. Augustine, Florida, are investing in wayfinding strategies to help visitors discover important sites, navigate streets easily, and fully enjoy their experience.
And while digital tools and signage are important, printed maps are still a crucial part of doing wayfinding right.
What St. Augustine Got Right—and Where Printed Maps Make It Better
In 2014, St. Augustine—America’s oldest continuously inhabited city—launched a major wayfinding project.
Their plan included:
Installing large pedestrian-focused signs throughout the city
Listing dozens of important historic sites and landmarks
Connecting visitors to a mobile website for more information
It’s a smart move: good wayfinding makes it easier for visitors to spend more time—and money—in your community.
But relying solely on signs and apps can leave gaps.
That’s where printed maps and PocketMaps come in.
Why Printed Maps Are Essential for Full Wayfinding Success
Even in today's digital world, printed visitor maps are irreplaceable. Here's why:
✅ Instant access — No app downloads, no dead batteries, no signal issues.
✅ Big picture clarity — See an entire city or trail system at a glance.
✅ Portable and personal — Easy to carry, share, and refer back to later.
✅ Stronger visitor engagement — Physical maps feel like part of the experience, not just another screen.
✅ Branding and storytelling — Great maps reinforce a city’s personality and highlight key attractions.
Pocket-sized printed maps perfectly complement signage and mobile tools—helping cities deliver a complete, seamless wayfinding experience.
How PocketMaps Support City Wayfinding Programs
At PocketMaps, we specialize in creating custom folding maps that cities, DMOs, visitor centers, and parks can use to:
Highlight key attractions, parks, trails, and historic districts
Promote local businesses and tourism partners through ad sponsorships
Offer visitor guides that work even when phones don’t
Build brand consistency across maps, signage, and visitor materials
Create affordable tools that are easy to update seasonally or annually
Whether you're designing a full city wayfinding plan or enhancing a downtown district, PocketMaps can be tailored to fit your goals—and your budget.
Why Printed Maps and Apps Should Work Together
Wayfinding isn't about choosing between signs, apps, or maps—it’s about using the best of each.
When you combine:
Clear physical signage
User-friendly mobile experiences
Practical, beautiful printed maps
You create a wayfinding system that works for everyone, in any conditions, no matter their tech comfort level.
Ready to Complete Your City’s Wayfinding Strategy?
Let’s make sure visitors can easily explore your community—and remember their experience for all the right reasons.
👉 Request a Free Consultation or Quote for Custom Printed Maps
PocketMaps: Where smart wayfinding meets beautiful design.