What is Interpretation?
The word Interpretation means many things. It can mean the translation of languages, perceptions about poems or novels, how a person feels about a historic building, or thinks about a scientific theory.

In the National Park Service, Interpretation is the process of helping each park visitor find an opportunity to personally connect with a place. Each individual may connect to the place in a different way...some may not connect immediately, but everyone should have an opportunity to explore how a park is meaningful to them.

It might be that a ranger 's discussion of a scenic vista inspires an emotional connection for some. In the mind of another, the same landscape might provoke a more intellectual connection through an interpretive sign describing the geologic history of the scene.

The goal of all interpretive services is to increase each visitor's enjoyment and understanding of the parks, and to allow visitors to care about the parks on their own terms.