What is IM Trails?
IM Trails is a site that takes the idea of a paper map and brings it into the modern age. With an interactive map, users can create and click on points along trails and upload data, pictures, or videos regarding that spot on the trail.
Benefits to digitizing your local trail:
- Promoting access and use of the trail
- Engaging the public by allowing them to upload trails and other points
- Drawing in tourism
- Bolstering community pride
Currently IM Trails is being used as a pilot project by NPS
Mississippi River Trail Inc, and the RTCA program of the NPS conceived a pilot project to examine the benefits of web-based mapping technologies for the 3000 mile long Mississippi River Trail (MRT) route which used IM Trails as the platform for mapping portions of the MRT route.
Three Regions
Three sites along the MRT route were selected based upon their high population concentrations and geographic differences. The MRT route and other trails were mapped in these three regions, highlighting 500 miles of multi-use trails
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
- St. Louis, Missouri
- New Orleans, Louisiana