All maps on this page are created by me using QGIS, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Viking GPS, my own personal GPS tracks, and aerial or satellite imagery. Most tracks often need to be adjusted or interpolated by hand. While mostly accurate, they are not flawless. GPS accuracy is variable, landscape changes happen (sometimes very quickly near braided rivers and glaciers), and sometimes mistakes are made.
Feel free to use this information as a guide, but your own personal judgment is necessary when navigating. There is no guarantee that this information is accurate and I assume no liability in its use.
Workflow For Creating Maps
My workflow involves importing my GPS file as a .GPX track. This is basic XML output from the gps (lat, lon, elevation data with a timestamp). My GPS sample data is typically every 15 seconds and has approximately ±20 foot accuracy (heavily dependent on satellite coverage and slightly dependent on speed).
I overlay this data on as many map layers as I have available for an area. Most frequently I’m using OpenStreetMap, Bing Aerial, Google Satellite, and USGS Topo. Using these tools I interpolate by hand often small changes for better alignment with visible trails or terrain. My goal is to get routes and trails down to 2-3 m accuracy at worst.