Venture to boost missionary funds leads to successful business

Venture to boost missionary funds leads to successful business


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SALT LAKE CITY — A project that started as a way to fund an LDS mission turned into a successful business venture. Derek Peterson, along with his cousin and uncle, developed the mobile phone application Digital Ranger, a program that allows users to view maps of national park areas offline.

Peterson coordinated with the National Park Services to map out areas used by hikers and visitors. From there Peterson and his crew developed an application offering offline maps that interfaces with a the GPS in a smartphone. The app also alerts users of nearby restrooms, drinking water, visitor centers and scenic viewpoints.

"As we began communicating with National Park and National Forest representatives, we quickly became aware that this was going to be a big deal," Peterson said. "What started out as a way to earn some money for missions has quickly become an opportunity to serve the community and tourists of Utah."

Peterson was preparing to served a mission for the LDS church. In an effort to boost his savings, he started Digital Ranger, LLC with a few family members and things took off fast.

"We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to provide a service that will greatly improve the experience of visitors to our local parks and forests," Peterson said.

Peterson said the National Forest Service Regional Office put up money for two national forest organizations to contract with Digital Ranger. These organizations from Dixie and Fishlake National Forests provided access to their mobile application information. Peterson said the company is looking to expand services to all of the state's regions and forests as soon as possible.

"Only here in Utah could we find such amazing support not only to provide a great community service but also to help us raise funds for LDS missions," Peterson said.

For more information about Peterson and Digital Ranger, click here.

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Robynn Garfield

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