Monitoring and Mapping Informal Trail Networks Using Smartphone Applications: A Literature Review and Case Study in the Catskills

As hiking activity increases on trail-less peaks in the Catskills, the need for accurate monitoring of off trail hiking increases. This research used Volunteered Geographic Information from Strava and AllTrails to find off trail hiking routes in the Catskills and categorized the use impact using Condition Class and Point Assessment Surveys. The output was a series of maps showing the location and intensity of off trail hiking relative to the data shown on the app interfaces. Data collected showed that off trail hiking can be accurately tracked using Strava and AllTrails and that the impact from ITs could possibly have future management implications.