Dealing with Data

The amount of data for maps available today is mindboggling. As you acquire data for your mapping project it is wise to keep the following ideas in mind:

Garbage in equals garbage out. If your data is not correct and you can’t make it better, do not use it.
Check your coordinate system. As you compile data, you will need to match geographic references.
Prioritize for generalization and scale. Get data that matches the level of detail required for the project.

Existing and proposed depicted on your map trails should include:

Trailheads and facilities
Important intersections
Hazards/obstructions (fences, water crossings, hike-a-bike sections)
Beginning and end of trail sections

Base map layers should depict at least these attributes:

Choose between elevation lines or shaded-relief topography
Bodies of water
Area streets
Roads, highways, landmarks
Boundaries (public/private lands)

Map labels will highlight at least this information:

Trailheads
Highway exits
Trail segments
Trail segment mileage
Roads that intersect the trail or are used for access
Towns, cities and other communities

You might also considering adding these elements of supporting data to your map — these layers of information are optional, but highly recommended: