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Cartography Design and Production Process

​Introduction

At Green Goat Maps, we specialize in creating custom trailhead kiosks that combine compelling design, accurate mapping, and interpretive content to enhance visitors' outdoor experiences. Our team of experts collaborates with clients every step of the way to ensure the kiosk reflects their goals and provides clear and engaging information to their audience. In this guide, we outline our comprehensive process, using the Cobble Hill Trail project as an example to illustrate the steps involved.

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Project Process Overview

Our trailhead kiosk design and production process involves several key stages: the initial client meeting, proposal development, kickoff meeting, build sheet creation, client input form submission, and finally, production and delivery. These steps ensure a seamless workflow and a high-quality finished product. Along the way, we will showcase examples from our Cobble Hill Trail project, including elements from our build sheet, project input form, and final product samples.

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Client Meeting

The process begins with a detailed consultation where we work closely with you to understand your goals, target audience, and site-specific needs. During this meeting, we discuss the kiosk's purpose, themes, and messaging, as well as design and mapping requirements. We also address timeline and budget considerations to establish clear expectations from the outset.

For instance, in the Cobble Hill Trail project, the Adirondack Land Trust and Northwood School wanted to highlight accessibility improvements and foster community engagement. This initial meeting allowed us to identify their priorities and shape the project accordingly.

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Proposal Development

After the initial consultation, we prepare a formal proposal that outlines the project’s scope, phases, deliverables, timeline, and estimated costs. This document ensures alignment between all parties before moving forward. In the case of Cobble Hill, our proposal detailed the creation of a custom trail map, interpretive content, and the kiosk’s design and production timeline. This document provided the foundation for a clear and structured project. 

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Kickoff Meeting

Once the proposal is approved, we hold a kickoff meeting to finalize project details, define roles and responsibilities, and set milestones. This meeting introduces the Green Goat Maps team, which includes Claire Rosenfield, Graphic Designer and Project Lead; Rachael Huerta Carpenter, Cartographer; Alexa Dean-Banks, GIS Specialist; Jamie Pearce, Account Manager; and Dr. Ezra Schwartzberg, Project Oversight. Each team member’s expertise contributes to ensuring the project’s success. For Cobble Hill, the kickoff meeting solidified themes such as accessibility and ecological education, guiding the creative and technical aspects of the kiosk’s design.

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Build Sheet Creation

Following the kickoff meeting, we create a comprehensive Build Sheet that specifies the kiosk’s design components, materials, and layout. This document ensures clarity and serves as a guide for production, streamlining the transition from planning to execution. The Cobble Hill build sheet included detailed specifications for map boundaries, interpretive themes, and layout dimensions. View the Cobble Hill Build Sheet here.

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Client Input Form Submission

To tailor the kiosk design to your vision, we provide a Client Input Form that captures preferences for content, visuals, and themes. This step ensures we incorporate your input and produce a kiosk that aligns with your goals. For example, the Cobble Hill input form emphasized trail accessibility and ecological education, enabling us to refine interpretive themes that resonated with the target audience. These Client Input Forms are developed with the client after the Build Sheet has been approved and discussed. You can view a our Client Input Form form the Cobble Hill project here.

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Production and Delivery

Once designs are finalized, we move into the production phase. We coordinate with trusted printers to ensure high-quality output, review proofs for accuracy, and arrange for delivery and installation guidance. This phase brings the project to life and ensures the final product meets your expectations. The Cobble Hill kiosk was printed on durable Di-Bond material and installed at the trailhead. The final design featured a detailed trail map, information about accessibility improvements, and interpretive content celebrating local ecology and community efforts.

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Why Choose Green Goat Maps?

Green Goat Maps combines technical expertise, creative design, and a passion for outdoor recreation to deliver exceptional trailhead kiosks. Our collaborative process ensures that every project exceeds expectations, providing clear and engaging resources for visitors. Contact us today to start designing a kiosk that brings your vision to life.

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