The Online Maps for Land Trusts (OMLT) platform is designed to help land trusts and conservation organizations present their trail systems, preserves, and protected lands through clear, accessible, and engaging online maps. OMLT combines thoughtful cartographic design, structured GIS data, and an intuitive user interface to create digital maps that support public access, stewardship, and organizational storytelling.

At Green Goat Maps, we guide clients through a structured, collaborative process to ensure each online map reflects their goals, branding, and operational needs—while remaining easy to maintain and scalable over time. Below, we outline our OMLT design and implementation process, illustrating how we move from initial conversation to a live, public-facing online map.

The OMLT process is intentionally streamlined while still allowing for customization where it matters most. Typical project phases include: an initial consultation, proposal development, kickoff meeting, data review and setup, content configuration, internal QA, client review, and map launch.

Unlike one-off static maps, OMLT is a living platform. Our process emphasizes clarity, repeatability, and long-term usability—ensuring that your organization not only launches a strong map, but can continue to update and expand it as your preserve network grows.

The process begins with a focused consultation to understand your organization, your properties, and how you intend the map to be used. During this meeting, we discuss your preserve network, trail data availability, branding considerations, accessibility goals, and how the map will integrate with your website and communications.

We also review practical considerations such as data sources, update frequency, internal staff capacity, and long-term plans (for example, adding new preserves, trail attributes, or public-facing features). This conversation allows us to recommend an OMLT configuration that aligns with both your current needs and future growth.

Following the initial meeting, we prepare a formal proposal outlining the recommended OMLT scope, including setup tasks, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. The proposal clearly defines what is included in the initial map build—such as preserve boundaries, trails, and core attributes—as well as optional or future enhancements.

This document ensures shared expectations before work begins and provides a clear framework for implementation. For many clients, the proposal also helps internal stakeholders understand how the online map supports public access, communications, and stewardship goals.

Once the proposal is approved, we hold a kickoff meeting to confirm priorities, review data inputs, and establish the project timeline. This meeting introduces the Green Goat Maps team supporting your OMLT project, which typically includes a project lead, GIS specialist, cartographer, and account manager, with senior oversight as needed.

During the kickoff, we confirm branding elements, review example maps, discuss content structure (such as trail attributes and pop-up information), and clarify roles for data review and approvals. This step ensures a smooth transition from planning into technical setup.

Following the kickoff meeting, our team reviews and prepares the GIS data that will power your online map. This may include preserve boundaries, trails, access points, and supporting attributes. We standardize and structure the data to ensure consistent symbology, labeling, and filtering within the OMLT platform.

At this stage, we also configure the base map style, visual hierarchy, and navigation elements to align with your organization’s branding and audience needs. The goal is a clean, intuitive map that works equally well for first-time visitors and returning users.

Once the map framework is established, we configure content elements such as trail names, descriptions, accessibility indicators, rules, and links to additional resources. Client input is incorporated through structured review steps rather than open-ended revisions, allowing feedback to be clear, efficient, and actionable.

This phase ensures that the map reflects your organization’s voice and priorities, while maintaining technical consistency across the platform. For many clients, this is where the map begins to feel like a true extension of their website rather than a standalone tool.

Before launch, we conduct internal quality assurance to verify data accuracy, visual clarity, and functionality across devices. The map is then shared with your team for final review. Once approved, we support embedding or linking the map on your website and ensure it is ready for public use.

After launch, the OMLT platform remains available for future updates, expansions, or enhancements—allowing your organization to treat the map as a long-term asset rather than a finished product that immediately becomes outdated.

OMLT is built specifically for land trusts and conservation organizations that value clarity, accessibility, and stewardship. Our approach blends technical GIS expertise with thoughtful cartographic design and a deep understanding of how people engage with protected lands.

By choosing Green Goat Maps, you gain a partner who understands both the technical and human dimensions of online mapping—ensuring your map supports navigation, storytelling, and connection to place. Contact us to learn how OMLT can help bring your preserves and trails to life online.