GIS services

GIS services from Beneficial Designs can provide clients with the ability to take the detailed trail assessment data collected using the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) and add a spatial component. The GPS coordinates collected during the assessment process are used to generate an accurate representation of the trail and then detailed HETAP information is linked to each individual trail or trail segment assessed. Trails that were previously mapped on paper are now able to not only be mapped digitally, but also carry all of the trail assessment data collected as part of HETAP. This creates a robust data set that will provide trail users with important information such as typical grade, typical cross slope, average elevation gain and/or loss, surface type and trail uses.

A GIS-based version of the HETAP data will also allow your organization the ability to make the trail assessment data available to a wide range of users. Users can access the digital versions of the trails before they start their hike or on the fly using apps such as Google Earth loaded with their trail specific trail data. This allows hikers to make better decisions before and during a hike, making for a safer and more enjoyable experience.