National Water Trails System

Best Management Practice Category: Mapping toolbox

Definition:

This toolbox provides geospatial resources for water trail managers. In this toolbox you will find instructions and examples on how to create x- and y-coordinates and maps for your water trail. These resources help you complete 'Section 5: Photo, Mapping, and Logo' in the NWTS Application

X,Y Coordinates

Find X,Y Coordinates with Google Earth

Google Earth is free software that enables users to visualize, edit, and create geographic information. Finding x- and y-coordinates with Google Earth is easy! If you know the general location of your water trail you can find the exact latitude and longitude coordinates of a point of interest or centralized location along the trail with the help of Google Earth.

Download Google Earth

Google Earth XY Coordinate Instructions

Google Earth XY Coordinate Instructions
Click the icon to the left to download step-by-step instructions for determining the central x- and y-coordinates of a water trail with Google Earth.

Example Google Earth Coordinates

Example Google Earth Coordinates
Click the icon to the left to see an example of an x and y coordinate in Google Earth. A Google Earth application will open and navigate to this example point.

Google Earth Maps

Create a Map with Google Earth

Explore creating a map of your entire water trail using Google Earth. Google Earth enables you to draw the entire length of your trail and add placemarks and labels for access points or other important locations.

Google Earth Map Instructions

Google Earth Map Instructions
Click here to download step-by-step instructions for creating a basic water trail map in Google Earth.

Example Water Trail Map

Example Water Trail Map
Click here to see an example of a water trail map made in Google Earth. A Google Earth application will open and navigate to this example map.

Maps on the Web

Create a Map on the Web

Web maps enable you to create a map directly in your web browser. All you need is an internet connection and the Microsoft Silverlight Plugin. The Web map provides tools to trace the length of your water trail and add trail access locations and other points of interest. The Web map automatically creates a map layout with a legend, scale bar, and north arrow via the print function.

Web Mapping Water Trail Instructions

Web Mapping Water Trail Instructions
Click here to download step-by-step instructions for creating a basic water trail map using a Web mapping application.

Web Mapping Water Trail Example

Web Mapping Water Trail Example
Click here to see an example of a water trail map made from this Web map.