Learn some of the common ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas, such as boundaries, features, accessibility, equity, usage, impact, scenarios, alternatives, and stories.

My formative professional experiences in the field of GIS were through internships with the Student Conservation Association + U.S. National Parks Service. In Grand Teton National Park we used GIS to map trails and utilities. The trail data we collected was used to produce public trail maps and utilities data was contributed to the database used by fire fighting crews. In Kenai Fjords National Park we used GIS to track the spatial coverage of our management of invasive plant species. In the spring, the Harding Ice Field trail was covered in snow - potentially leading to folks wandering off trail and damaging precious native species. To prevent this, we marked the trail with neon colored flags using a GPS to precisely navigate the path.

What are some ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools for creating, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. GIS can help you map parks and recreational areas in various ways, depending on your purpose and audience. In this article, you will learn some of the common ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas, such as:

1 Mapping park boundaries and features

One of the basic ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas is to define their boundaries and features. You can use GIS software or online platforms to create or import vector data, such as polygons, lines, and points, that represent the park boundaries and features. For example, you can map the park perimeter, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, water bodies, and other amenities. You can also add labels, symbols, and colors to make the map more informative and attractive.

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Kashan Muneer

Digital Solutions Architect | WordPress & Front End Developer | GIS Specialist | Social Media Strategist
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To map parks with GIS, collect spatial data like boundaries and amenities using GPS or satellite imagery. Use GIS software to create detailed maps showing facilities, trails, and more. Incorporate attribute data for additional information. Apply spatial analysis for accessibility and demographic insights. Use interactive tools for community engagement, allowing users to explore and plan activities. Regularly update the GIS database for accuracy and relevance, ensuring the maps remain valuable over time.

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2 Mapping park accessibility and equity

Another way to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas is to assess their accessibility and equity. You can use GIS to measure how easy or difficult it is for people to reach the parks and recreational areas from different locations, such as neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces. You can also use GIS to compare the distribution and quality of the parks and recreational areas across different demographic groups, such as income, race, or age. For example, you can map the park access scores, the park service areas, the park need index, and the park equity index.

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3 Mapping park usage and impact

A third way to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas is to evaluate their usage and impact. You can use GIS to collect and analyze data on how people use the parks and recreational areas, such as the number of visitors, the duration of visits, the activities they engage in, and the feedback they provide. You can also use GIS to estimate the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the parks and recreational areas, such as the carbon sequestration, the health outcomes, and the property values. For example, you can map the park visitation rates, the park satisfaction levels, the park value per acre, and the park return on investment.

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4 Mapping park scenarios and alternatives

A fourth way to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas is to explore different scenarios and alternatives. You can use GIS to simulate how the parks and recreational areas might change in the future, depending on various factors, such as climate change, urban development, or management policies. You can also use GIS to compare different options for creating, improving, or maintaining the parks and recreational areas, such as adding new facilities, restoring natural habitats, or increasing funding. For example, you can map the park vulnerability, the park suitability, the park trade-offs, and the park preferences.

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5 Mapping park stories and narratives

A fifth way to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas is to tell stories and narratives. You can use GIS to create interactive and engaging maps that showcase the history, culture, and significance of the parks and recreational areas. You can also use GIS to invite and involve the public in sharing their stories, experiences, and opinions about the parks and recreational areas. For example, you can map the park timeline, the park landmarks, the park testimonials, and the park feedback.

GIS can help you map parks and recreational areas in many ways, depending on your goals and needs. You can use GIS to map park boundaries and features, park accessibility and equity, park usage and impact, park scenarios and alternatives, and park stories and narratives. By using GIS to map parks and recreational areas, you can enhance your understanding, communication, and decision-making about these valuable public spaces.

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Nick Clawson

Driving Innovation in Utility Mapping, GIS Solutions, and Field Technology | CEO at SiteTwin | Advancing ProStar's Vision for Smarter Infrastructure Management
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With Navaticc and PointMan, we have gamified the GIS world with click through applications. In theory, you could leverage this for theme parks, 'haunted or Christmas adventures during holidays' archaeological sites, national parks and much more!

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Walid CHAIB

PhD in Coastal and Marine Geosciences, Assistant Professor at Ferhat Abbas University Sétif -Algeria-, GIS enthusiast
(edited)
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It is possible to tell stories and narratives about parks using storymaps tools like ArcGIS StoryMaps, this GIS tool is useful and well organized for this task, you can write your text in different sections and also add your maps

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Luke Decker

Director of Visual Services
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My preferred tool for this is Mapbox, specifically using their GLJS library feature called Scrollytelly Maps. This tool enables developers to craft a narrative as users scroll through a project, integrating images, videos, and text into distinct chapters, which are enhanced with captivating flyover animations on a 3D map. To further enrich the narrative of your park map, consider incorporating trees. I've noticed numerous maps that could benefit from using icons or 3D models to depict the park's plant life. Employing straightforward icons or importing GLTF or GLB files can significantly elevate the overall feel of your map's visual presentation.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Nara McCray

Information Management Professional Specializing in Geospatial Data Science
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My formative professional experiences in the field of GIS were through internships with the Student Conservation Association + U.S. National Parks Service. In Grand Teton National Park we used GIS to map trails and utilities. The trail data we collected was used to produce public trail maps and utilities data was contributed to the database used by fire fighting crews. In Kenai Fjords National Park we used GIS to track the spatial coverage of our management of invasive plant species. In the spring, the Harding Ice Field trail was covered in snow - potentially leading to folks wandering off trail and damaging precious native species. To prevent this, we marked the trail with neon colored flags using a GPS to precisely navigate the path.

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Mohamed Ali , MSc

GIS specialist | Master's in Geoinformatics
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Here are several approaches to using GIS in this context: -Data Collection and Mapping. -Layering Information. -Accessibility Analysis. -Amenity Mapping. -Visitor Flow Analysis: Use GIS to track and analyze the flow of visitors through parks. -Environmental Impact Assessments. -Maintenance and Operations. -Planning and Development. -Integrating with Other Technologies: Combine GIS with other technologies such as drones for aerial mapping, augmented reality for enhanced visitor experience, or IoT sensors for real-time data on park conditions. -Resource Management. -Safety and Security. -Connectivity Between Green Spaces. -Historical Research and Preservation. -Demographic Analysis: Study the demographics of park users or nearby populations.

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What are some ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Mapping park boundaries and features

2 Mapping park accessibility and equity

3 Mapping park usage and impact

4 Mapping park scenarios and alternatives

5 Mapping park stories and narratives

6 Here’s what else to consider

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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What are some ways to use GIS to map parks and recreational areas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Mapping park boundaries and features

2 Mapping park accessibility and equity

3 Mapping park usage and impact

4 Mapping park scenarios and alternatives

5 Mapping park stories and narratives

6 Here’s what else to consider

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Rate this article

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