Statewide Trail Database

RPA Workshop

14 Dec 2022

Timeline & Vision

Many key question to ask

The first step is to see where we are today. Current data gather

What if no State Money, What MAPC going to build?

The developed shared vision and architecture based on input form members

Then come to gether and agree on and get full buy -in

Data Possibilities

There are many improvements to Trailmap, that could help make progress towards achieving the application's goals

Prioritizing those improvements... What are the priority needs?

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Application Needs

Features

Dataset

Community

 Data Collection & Entry

Data Maintenance & Sharing

Data Display

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Applications and features for Users

Agencies and third parties can build maps and applications off of the database. We can prioritize the needs of users and creating features in applications that meet those needs.

Federate and open the dataset

Standards and open availability will help the dataset grow. Leveraging tools that help lower maintenance cost and broaden the community. 

Regional data collection

Like a houseplant to survive it needs to be watered. Regional Planning Agencies together can play a critical role in achieving a comprehensive and up-to-date dataset

Framework

Framework of Needs

Build the Community

Grow and open the dataset

Add Features for Users

Standards and availability will help dataset grow 

Like a houseplant to survive it needs to be watered, in this case, we in GIS data (Regional planning?) world can share that responsibility and keep dynamic

While no site will have all features for all users, we can prioritize needs of users by supporting maps and applications developed on top of the database.

What is Trailmap

MAPC manages a dataset and website to help track the implementation of the Landline Vision Plan  

It's that dataset and website we call Trailmap

trailmap.mapc.org

Statewide Database Goals

Resource for agencies and advocates to coordinate expansion of trails network in MA

Comprehensive and up-to-date dataset of all trails and paths in MA

A resource for residents to plan trips and activities on MA trails and paths

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Not Currently Database Goals

A resource for tracking trips and personal progress

A resource to share stories about outdoor activity on trails or paths

Best resource for planning outdoor trips and activities on trials and paths

Current Goals

Comprehensive and up-to-date dataset of all trails and paths in MA

Resource for advocates to coordinate expansion of trails and paths in MA

Not Yet Goals

A resource for residents to plan trips and activities on MA trails and paths

The best resource for residents to plan outdoor trips and activities on trials and paths

Resource for residents to build community around shared interest in trails and paths

A tool to share stories and experiences for outdoor activity on trails or paths

A tool to share stories and experiences for outdoor activity in parks

A tool to be presented with new opportunities related to trails and paths 

A tool track trips and personal progress

A tool to share and compete with other to promote outdoor activity

Collaborative resource between gov & non profits to share updates to trails or paths 

Resource to learn about public meetings for trails and paths

Resource to compare impact or ideas for future investment in trails and paths

A tool to measure, learn or rate the experience or difficulty of a trail/path/trip

MA Resource

for advocates

to coordinate expansion of trails and paths

Comprehensive and up-to-date MA dataset,

available to all,

of all trails and paths

MA resource

for residents

to plan trips / activities on trails & paths

Current Site

Maintenance Cost?

Recent Annual Updates?

Like a houseplant...

web services survive when cared for

Community Data Collection & Entry

Collaborative open source communities are relied on, to care for many of the key components that underpin the web's services

There are a number of tools that help facilitate collaboration


by lowering the cost of coordinating

Well one magic weapon that is available to support collaboration is track changes on steroids... git

Version control is key to quickly managing and resolving edits. It allows for lowered coordination costs and high value of return.

Another is agreements & licensing. Documenting and articulating governance is an important component to structuring a community.

Often we fill out forms to tell of edits.

How do we make more "Show...Not Tell"?

Editing Together

Example of Spatial Editing

Together as a community, we can maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive dataset of all trails and paths in MA 

It will require some new tools and commitment

Collaborative communities underpin and care for many of the services we use.

web services survive through a community of care

red is prior, green is change

Considered Earth's most valuable resource

it's all about the data

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Data Maintenance & Sharing

We have touched on the tools that allow for a community to collaborate & edit a dataset. 

If data is open, standard, and available... new possibilities arise.

Title Text

If open, standard, and available, additional parties can leverage the data to reach the residents and help them planning outdoor trips and activities

Title Text

If open, standard, and available,

not just private parties would benefit if leveraged it could inform:

Blue = Predicted route to school bike/walk commutes

School Commute Infrastructure Planning

Comprehensive Plans

Network Analyisis

Standardized Phone 

#

Standardized 

API

What is an API? It's a website a computer goes to, to get data

Data is important and valuable when available through a clean & understandable API

Data is important and valuable when available through a clean & understandable API

This is achieved by having a dataset not a website

Blue = Predicted route to school for students that walk

Size = Number of Students

My School Commute Infrastructure Planning

What about improving what users see... the "light fixtures".

So far, this sounds like the wiring behind the wall...

Data Display

Home and Supplemental Pages

Tooltip and Trail Page Info

Filters and Search

Map Markers and Trail Display

Basemap and Icon Display

User Accounts and Inputs

Users Decide

What Features

Are Included

Copy of Trailmap Possibilities

By MAPC

Copy of Trailmap Possibilities

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