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A digitally powered trail: how Trans Canada Trail uses GIS to lead the way

Published Date
Author Guan Yue

Spanning 29,000 kilometres, the Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world. It reaches every province and territory and connects Canada’s three coasts. This growing trail system is stewarded by a non-profit organization, Trans Canada Trail, that has only about 50 staff. How do they operate so leanly? They equip staff with innovative mapping tools that allow them to have effective conversations and make confident decisions.

Every day, Trans Canada Trail is:

  • adjusting its map of the longest multi-use trail network in the world to match real-world conditions;
  • connecting local trail operators (including municipalities and volunteer-run groups) with funding for trail improvements;
  • providing local operators with the right signage for each trail;
  • analyzing trails for their most appropriate activities—which could include walking, horseback riding, kayaking, snowshoeing, cycling, running or hiking;
  • learning about the local realities unique to each trail;
  • analyzing the economic benefits of trail usage for both local businesses and Canada as a whole;
  • promoting the Trail at home and internationally to an ever-growing, increasingly diverse base of trail users;
  • and much more!

To do all of this, Trans Canada Trail uses a digital mapping system that enables it to collect and record trail data, uncover new insights about the trail network, and communicate with current and future trail users.

Check out our story below to learn more. (Or read the story in a separate window.)

Want to keep reading about how Canadian trail organizations are using a geographical approach to communicate with stakeholders? Check out this recent story about how Rando Québec is using geographic storytelling to turn hikers into eco-advocates. Or, learn more about the specific geospatial technologies that trail organizations are using to protect natural resources, do outreach and conduct powerful and persuasive economic impact analysis.

About the Author

Guan Yue is Esri Canada’s Manager of Community Outreach. She works with a wide variety of communities to learn about their evolving needs and help them see the benefits of integrating spatial thinking into solutions. Her journey with GIS started over 10 years ago when she came from China to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she used GIS to map traditional knowledge on urban bird habitats. She sees spatial insights as vital to better understanding businesses, organizations and more broadly, our world, but believes their value is under-recognized across sectors. Guan loves trying different food, going on hikes, exploring art events and reading to her daughter at bedtime.

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