Using Technology to Assist in the Management of Trails
Presented at the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference
Speakers: John Turner, Cascade Environmental Resource Group; Dave Williamson, Cascade Environmental Resource Group; Chris McDougall, Cascade Environmental Resource Group
Facilitator: Ryan Schutz, IMBA
The advent Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping is good news for trail advocates. Developing a geo-spatial database for a trail management area offers many advantages for maintaining and monitoring a trail network. Complete trails, trail segments, associated features (bridges, stunts, sensitive areas, staging facilities etc...) can all be included in a GIS database, updated over time, and analyzed on the basis of associated attributes or other spatially referenced data layers. This has great significance for overall effective trail management, in particular trail maintenance, and future trail development planning.
In this session, John Turner, Chris McDougall and Dave Williamson offered insight into the world of technology and how it can help trail managers. The company started in ecology doing mapping for forestry companies but now has done three projects to help in the management plans for trail systems.
Tips for Managing Trails With Technology
- Most GIS data is free. Visit geodata.gov
- The best way to get started is with a Global Positioning System (GPS) inventory of existing legal and non-legal trails.
- Using the GPS data, you can then do a Trails System Analysis allowing an informed overview of the system and its components.
- Use the GIS data to create a trail maintenance and safety plan
- Signage plans can become more efficient using GIS and allow for quicker emergency response.
- GIS can be used with Internet Mapping Software to create a systematic trail maintenance schedule and log allowing clubs to build up hours and maintain larger trail systems more efficiently.
- GIS will help lead to an automated cost estimation system for new trail construction.
