Contribute

You Can Help!

Feedback

All feedback (comments, corrections, questions, etc.) is welcome and encouraged. Please post feedback in the Discussion Forum, or send me a direct message. It may not always be possible for me to provide a reply, but be aware that every message is read, and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Share

If you enjoy using Southwest Trails, please share the project with others who may also benefit and/or contribute. With more people using and supporting the Southwest Trails project will translate directly into greater opportunity for refinement.

Data Contribution

The primary requirement for expanding Southwest Trails is data. GPSr track logs recorded out in the field by users like yourself are the preferred (and most reliable) data source. Data with this detail and accuracy is nearly impossible to acquire from government and other agencies. Any (and all) track data you can supply is needed and most appreciated, and will be integrated into the Southwest Trails project.

If you would like to collect and submit your track data to the project, please observe the following guidelines to ensure your submitted data is as useful as possible:

• Before recording any track data, access the setup menu for your GPSr and adjust the track log recording frequency and quality to the most detailed available. For most Garmin GPS receivers, setting the recording method to 'Auto' and the recording interval to 'Most Often' will suffice. My GPSr is set for 'Distance' and '10 Feet' (3 meters).
• Maintain a clear view of the sky (with the GPSr powered on) for a minimum of 15 minutes before you begin recording, allowing the unit to connect with as many satellites as possible.
• Enabling 'GLONASS' and 'WAAS/EGNOS' usually results in track log recordings with fewer glitches.
• Position the GPS receiver where it can best receive satellite signals while you travel. Be aware of where the antenna is located and the best orientation of your GPSr for signal strength. Patch antennas like those on the eTrex models work best when oriented horizontally, while quad helix antennas like those on the 60 series receivers tend to work best when pointed straight up.
• Disable 'auto start' and 'auto pause' functions.
• Clear the current track log at the beginning of each hike.
• Save the current track log at the conclusion of each hike.
• Save waypoints along the route for trailheads, attractions, summits or changes in trail conditions or restrictions.
• Data submissions should include the name of the trail(s) recorded, the trail type (e.g. paved trail, dirt trail, unpaved road, etc.), and any trail restrictions (no horses, no bicycles, permit required, etc.). The easiest way to accomplish this is to save waypoints along the hike with notes for trail names and restrictions, water sources, trail heads, benches, etc. Be sure to include the saved waypoint file with the tracklog!
• GPX files are the preferred format for GPS recorded trail data.
• SHP files are the preferred format for external data sources.

Select the appropriate state from the menu along the left side of the screen to submit your map data for that state. For tracklogs that extend into multiple states, choose the state for the most southwest point of the tracklog.

Data Sources

As it will require considerable time to manually record all of the trails in the southwest, it is beneficial to include other sources of trail data to help fill in the holes. Providing any information, links, etc. to any detailed trail maps or GIS data sets would be greatly appreciated. All data used for the Southwest Trails project should be:

• Publicly available
• Free to use
• Easy to obtain
• Accurate
• Fully classified (trails should have names and surface attributes, etc.)

Select the appropriate state from the menu along the left side of the screen to submit alternate map data sources for that state.

Report an Error

While the goal of the Southwest Trails project is to provide the most complete and accurate map available, mapping errors can and do occur. Should you discover any map errors or anomalies while using the current Southwest Trails map, please submit an error report:

• No error or detail is too small to report!
• The success of Southwest Trails depends on users like you!
• Save a waypoint to indicate the location of the error.
• Include any screen captures to help illustrate the error.
• Describe the error in as much detail as possible.
• Provide recorded GPSr track logs to improve or correct the reported error.
• Thank You!

Select the appropriate state from the menu along the left side of the screen to submit an error report for that state. For errors that extend into multiple states, choose the state for the most southwest point of the error being reported.