The Role of Mapping, GPS, and GIS in Trail Design and Construction

The Role of Mapping, GPS, and GIS in Trail Design and Construction

How do we normally think about MAPS and TRAILS? Idea of map as final product Trail maps Kiosk / trailhead maps Survey plat

Map as Product Descriptive Purpose-driven Abstracted

Map as Product Wayfinding devices Use for navigation

But what is the role of maps in the design/build process? Big Picture Be clear about client goals what do they envision and what will the property support? Clarify property boundaries and potential expansion / easements Clarify natural assets / drawbacks of the property Trails and property features inventory Accurately map out design for revision and construction Design trails to specific guidelines (i.e. ADA, FIS, IBU, USFS, etc.) Prioritize maintenance Trail conditions reporting

But what is the role of maps in the design/build process? Design - Wayfinding on/to a property - Infrastructure locations - Understanding terrain - Understanding land cover - Wetland mapping - Endangered species mapping - Slope analysis - Soils analysis - Stream buffering - Erosion pathways - Slope analysis - Understanding land cover - Wetland mapping Getting In your into experience? the weeds Build - Trail alignment - Trail width - Grading plans - Construction drawings - Permitting - Drainage plans - Feature mapping (mtb)

Terms - Spatial Data Data that can be located using X, Y, and Z coordinates, usually in the form of vector (points, lines, and polygons), or raster (pixelated image) data. - GIS (Geographic Information System) A platform used to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial data. - GPS (Global Positioning System) A global navigation satellite system providing location information (x,y,z) to a receiver on the earth that has a direct line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. A method to collect spatial data.

Life-Cycle of a Trail Map

1. Understand the initial canvas Data Collection Topography Landcover Property boundaries Distance Existing roads / trails

1. Understand the initial canvas Trails / Property Assessment On-site analysis of: GPS data dictionary Existing trails Boundary markers Trail conditions Erosion / maintenance issues Streams / wetlands delineation Points of interest Viewpoints

2. Avoid the path of least resistance method Paths Logging roads Powerlines Golf courses Lakes and ponds Why? Easier to visualize Cheaper to build No bushwacking (why do we do this again?!)

3. Collect and visualize all relevant geographic data Using a GIS to collect data from: Online depositories Local Agencies Digitized maps Land Surveys Client-collected data What is relevant?

4. Conceptualize the best trail (network) possible before we go on-site

5. Expedite field work If we want to end up here (flagging trail) Is this the best use of our time on-site?

5. Expedite field work We can make this workflow better Office Tech in the field GIS compatible on-site eval and concept mapping

6. Accurately map design components Many GPS tool are available at varying levels of accuracy 1. Recreational Grade Receivers - (+/-) 30m accuracy - Smart phones / ipad / GPS watches - Preliminary fieldwork / site eval 2. Map Grade Receivers - (+/-) 0.5m 10m accuracy ($ increases with accuracy) - Garmin units - Concept mapping / rough alignments 3. Resource Grade Receivers - Millimeter 1m accuracy - Trimble units and software / base station - Final alignment / accurate Z coordinate / construction mapping

7. Present concept to stakeholders / gather feedback Office concept or mapped alignment Map as comment template Large-scale concept map for community outreach

8. Revise Design Revision iterations based on: - Client input - Community input - Environmental analysis - Forester input - Cost restrictions - Contractor feedback

9. Create construction drawings Grading plans Conceptual profiles Other features

10. Final presentation maps Cartographic outputs for: - Wayfinding - Race course maps - Trailhead / kiosk maps - Abstracted maps

12. Trails conditions reporting

In conclusion, mapping technology: 1. Makes trail design and building more efficient 2. Helps to create a better product 3. Makes client communication easier and more efficient 4. Simplifies conditions reporting and trail maintenance scheduling 5. Does not take the place of bushwhacking, fieldwork, and getting dirty