Staff Writer
Information about the state’s snowmobile trails is expected to be more accessible to the snowmobile industry as a result of pairing existing Internet technology with the mapping data developed by the Northern Maine Development Commission.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
GIS mapping specialist, Ken Murchison, demonstrates a new program that will boost the snowmobiling industry. Locally generated data, including snowmobile trails, was paired with the Internet-based “Google Earth” platform to form a new format that combines information found in both sources. Here a photo, taken from files at Northern Maine Development Commission, shows a portion of the snowmobile trail that runs through New Sweden and crosses Route 161. Murchison presented the program last week during the Rotary Club in Caribou and to the NMDC Board of Directors. Later this month, he will demonstrate the program at the Kiwanis Club in Presque Isle.
This new format will allow targeted audiences, such as the Maine Snowmobile Association, the Aroostook County Tourism and Chambers of Commerce, to distribute visual information regarding trails to users.
“Amazing,” were among the comments voiced during presentations given by NMDC’s geographic information system specialist, Ken Murchison, regarding the new information base. Murchison has spoken to various civic organizations and the NMDC board regarding the new program, which is due to be launched in the near future.
The computer-based technology was developed with funds from a 2007 tourism grant.
Coupling the commission’s mapping files with an Internet-based program called Google Earth, the information can show the trails as they appear from satellite or aerial photos in the communities in which they’re located. The web site also can detail the amenities along the trail, such as warming huts and scenic vistas, Murchison explained.
The mapping information is so detailed that one can “literally look into people’s backyards,” said Murchison. “It’s that close.”
The mapping specialist showed an example using how the snowmobile trails go through Fort Fairfield and New Sweden. Using NMDC archived materials, he also was able to click on the trail and bring up a scenic photo of a trail that was incorporated into the trail program.
The program also allows the user to take advantage of what Google Earth has already collected, such as links to community websites on the map that may include information about lodging and restaurants for snowmobilers. Those links are automatically added to the program when the two sources of data are linked, Murchison explained.
The technology also has been used to map emergency shelters in Aroostook County. If funding is available, the computer program can be used to create tourism vacation packages featuring amenities, such as golf courses in the area, according to Murchison.
The information is not being published to the Internet for worldwide distribution. Instead, project officials plan to target the audiences for such information.
During his presentation to the Caribou’s Rotary Club, Murchison said that the snowslede clubs would need to forward trail changes so that those can be incorporated into the trail program on a daily basis.
“As we work up more information, we’ll send it out to targeted audiences,” said Murchison.
