Geographical Thinking: Season 4 Episode 16 – From Pixels to Peaks on the PCT
Grab your hiking boots and join us on a journey through the world of long-distance trails! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake interviews geographic information system (GIS) specialist Galen Keily from the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). Together, they uncover the role of GIS in preserving and managing one of America's most iconic trails. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), situated off the Pacific coast of the United States, is over 4,000 km long and is one of three trails that comprise the Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States. Discover how GIS plays a vital role in mapping and stewarding this vital corridor through the American wilderness. Chapters: 0:00 – Episode summary 0:36 – Intro 2:36 – The PCT and PCTA 9:08 – Navigating on the PCT 11:36 – GIS and the PCT 18:40 – Advocacy and engagement 22:55 – Changes to the trail 27:50 – Development, access and conservation 33:25 – Conservation 37:22 – How to get involved 39:05 – Trail lingo 43:41 – Outro #GIS #hiking #backpacking #camping #ArcGIS #trails #TrailManagement #EnvironmentalStewardship #PacificCrestTrail #environment We’re posting new episodes full of inspiring geography stories at least monthly. Subscribe to Esri Canada’s channel so you never miss a new episode of Geographical Thinking! Learn more about how GIS is helping to improve outdoor recreation experiences: https://www.esri.ca/outdoor ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Resources Looking for resources on what we discussed in today’s podcast? Check them out below! Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA): The PCTA is comprised of passionate trail enthusiasts from around the globe, who advocate for the preservation, protection, and promotion of the Pacific Crest Trail. https://www.pcta.org/ PCTA Maps: Your one-stop shop for all things mapping regarding the PCT, including web maps, GIS data, and paper maps. https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/maps/ Pacific Crest Trail Closures App: Here's that 'something to watch out for' that Galen mentions in the episode— check out the recently released PCTA's Trail Closures App! https://www.pcta.org/2024/pct-closure-app-announcement-94252/ Leave No Trace Canada: An organization that promotes responsible outdoor recreation through science-based education using the seven principles of Leave No Trace. https://leavenotrace.ca/ Volunteer with the PCTA: Feeling inspired to get involved with the PCTA? Check out this resource to learn more about the wide variety of opportunities available! https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/ America’s National Trails System: With over 88,600 miles of trails, the system includes a variety of trails across the country with the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail being the first designated. https://www.pcta.org/our-work/national-trails-system/