The D&L Blog

Blog Post By: Patrick Stephens, D&L GIS Analyst

In June, I was tasked to obtain centerline data for all 165 miles of the D&L Trail. This required me to ride, hike, and climb through every portion of the trail, twice.  Unfortunately, interns don’t get shuttle service.

While obtaining this data I used our new GIS platform, ArcGIS Online. ArcGIS Online was part of the implementation of the new GIS platform I set up this summer for the DLNHC. This new platform has a better organizational structure and makes GIS tools more accessible to other members of the D&L staff. Also, it allows for staff members to access all GIS data and add to it from their phones.

Collecting and organizing data wasn’t the only thing I did all summer. I also put the data to use while designing amenity maps that will be installed in Lehighton, Walnutport and Slatington. These maps have a standard design scheme that follows D&L standards and can be created for any Trail Town along the corridor.

Another highlight of the summer was the installation of infrared trail-counters. User counts have been measured in the past, but the counters I installed will be the first entirely administered by the D&L. I look forward to seeing how many people use the trail and how we can use this data to our advantage.