Need GPS data for the FT.

[lilricky]

I've noticed that we don't have a complete centerline with detailed waypoints for the FT(If I'm wrong please point me towards it!), was wondering if other FT hikers could take out their GPS and start recording sections, along with detailed waypoints(campsites, points of interest, etc). I know there are several AT GPS data sources, and I would love to complete one for the FT. I'm currently mapping parts of Central FL, ie Kissimmee, Eastern/Western corridors. Anyone game?

[Manwich]

I'll get started on the Elevation Profile.


Done:

____________________________________________

[jnetx]

If you'd asked up until about 5 months ago I could have sent you the entire trail, but I traded out my laptop recently and deleted them cause I thought I'd never need them again. Sorry.

You might try Judd Goodlin at the FTA office. He's the FT data guy. I know Deb Blick has the center line GPS too, but not sure if in google-able format.

[genxrex]

I can convert just about any format to a gpx or kml file. IM me if you get this data. Since FTA has the google map applet on their site HERE I would think the data exists. I am working on putting what I got together and out it up on my website.

Joel

[lilricky]

Well, I tried emailing Deb, but the email I have for her is bouncing back to me, [email protected], couldnt find an email for Judd, but I posted a message on the FTA's facebook page. Hopefully one of them will get back to me. And yes Genxrex, I will definately forward the data to you as soon as I can get ahold of it. Hopefully we can add our waypoints to it and provide the public with a free gps guide of the FT.

[58starter]

I have Delorme PN-40, what do you want to know?

[jnetx]

Well, I tried emailing Deb, but the email I have for her is bouncing back to me, [email protected], couldnt find an email for Judd, but I posted a message on the FTA's facebook page.

[email protected] is Deb's, using the same scheme Judd's would be jgoodlin@

[Manwich]

http://www.thetrailwiki.org/FlaTrail.kmz

Enjoy

[lilricky]

Cool! Thanks Manwich, I was told that the FTA is considering selling the centerline data in an official guide, so I don't think we'll see it from them. Can't believe I missed it, thanks again!

[Manwich]

I could convert that centerline in the KMZ file, problem is that they have it divvied up to prevent people from doing it, into like 630 sections... so it takes time. One would have an easier time just retracing it.

[lilricky]

Yeah, thankfully when converting from KML to GPX using EasyGPS it combines all those sections together into one track. Thanks again! Busy right now adding all the camp and assorted waypoints.

[Mr. Magoo]

I would love to see some "open source" centerline data for the FT. Seems that its available for many of the other "major" trail systems. Seems a shame to have to pay for geospatial data when the vast majority of what's out there is free for the asking. But, if the FT is the only entity accumulating and processing the data for their trail, then I guess that it's their prerogative to some day want to sell it.

[lilricky]

Well, now that the centerline is out, we can publish our own freely available trail GPS data. So far, thanks to Manwich, I've gotten waypoints from the southern terminus through the Seminole Indian Reservation done. And thats only with 4 hours of work.

[Mr. Magoo]

Brother, I'd buy you a beer for a copy.

[Great White]

Don't forget the Florida Trails Database. http://www.floridatrailsnetwork.com/index.html You can download trails data for the entire state, not just the Florida Trail. An on-line viewer can also be used to view the data.

If you download the existing trails data. You will find the actual Florida Trail segments by filtering the data on the DESCRIPT field for the following values:

FLORIDA NATIONAL AND SCENIC TRAIL
FLORIDA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
FLORIDA TRAIL
FLORIDA TRAIL CONNECTOR
FLORIDA TRAIL - HIGHWATER TRAIL
NATIONAL FLORIDA SCENIC TRAIL
THE FLORIDA TRAIL

The data has a lot in it, including motorized, loop and paddeling trails. I highly recommand it.

I don't have a lot of experience with Google Earth, but I know QGIS http://www.qgis.org/ can be used to examine or mine the data. Have fun!

[lilricky]

Yeah, I found that a while back, they broke it up so it would be difficult to join it back together again. I've been using it to verify a few locations. So far got from the Everglades to Kicco waypoints. In a few more days, I hope to release the completed trail. Hopefully we will be able to get updates and input from fellow hikers.

[Gray Blazer]

I'll get started on the Elevation Profile.


Done:

____________________________________________

Ding Dong!
You're wrong!

[Manwich]

What's the contour interval, 10cm?

I'm just playing :-P

[Great White]

Yeah, I found that a while back, they broke it up so it would be difficult to join it back together again. I've been using it to verify a few locations. So far got from the Everglades to Kicco waypoints. In a few more days, I hope to release the completed trail. Hopefully we will be able to get updates and input from fellow hikers.

That's good news. I can't wait to see your data.

Creating one layer out of the different lines would not be too much work, it depends upon what GIS you are using. However, it would seem odd to me to have to do that when I could be hiking and gathering the data. What would be the point of staying indoors when one could be outdoors accomplishing the same thing.

[lilricky]

So what you want me to do, is to compile all this data on my computer on the trail? I just got back from hiking the FT last year, and am waiting for the weather to melt some snow to get back hiking the AT. So I'm going to use this time to help my fellow and future hikers on the FT. Is that ok Great White???