Statewide Trail Database
RPA Workshop
14 Dec 2022
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?
Application Needs
Features
Dataset
Community
Data Collection & Entry
Data Maintenance & Sharing
Data Display
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
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
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
Considered Earth's most valuable resource
it's all about the data
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.
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If open, standard, and available, additional parties can leverage the data to reach the residents and help them planning outdoor trips and activities
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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
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
