Online Maps for Chautauqua County Tourism

Jan 6, 2024

2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Interactive and Offline Mapping for More Than 250 Miles of Public Trails

Overview

Chautauqua County needed visitors to be able to discover and navigate more than 250 miles of publicly accessible trails without forcing every user into the same recreation experience or assuming they would have reliable internet service in the field. Green Goat Maps developed an interactive online trail platform supported by downloadable cartographic maps for offline use.

This is a detailed map of Chautauqua County, highlighting trails and recreational features. The map includes labeled trails, parks, lakes, and public land areas, such as Chautauqua Lake, alongside clear icons representing amenities like campgrounds, trailheads, and parking areas. It provides an overview of the region, bordered by Lake Erie to the north and extending toward Pennsylvania in the south.

Scope of Work

Green Goat Maps was contracted to build an interactive trail map; implement activity-based filtering; develop detailed trail tooltips with information such as parking, surface, distance, and ownership; create printable cartographic maps; prepare maps for Avenza; and support use across desktop and mobile devices.

Key Deliverables

The online platform allows visitors to explore trails by recreation type and view useful trail characteristics before choosing a destination. Complementary downloadable maps provide an offline alternative, while QR connections help bridge printed and digital resources.

This is a screenshot of the Interactive Chautauqua County Trails Map platform. The interface highlights trail categories such as Conservancy Trails, County Trails, and DEC Forests & WMA, along with special categories like Rail Trails. A detailed map on the right visualizes trail networks, while the sidebar provides information about preserves and navigation options for various trail systems.

Challenges & Solutions

A single map of 250+ trail miles would provide little help to someone looking specifically for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or another activity. Filtering and structured trail attributes allow the interface to respond to the user's needs rather than simply display every line at once. Offline use presented a separate challenge. Green Goat Maps paired the online experience with printable and Avenza-compatible products so trail information remains useful beyond cellular coverage.

Results & Client Value

Chautauqua County gained a multi-platform trail-discovery system that supports trip planning, tourism promotion, online exploration, and field navigation.

Looking for a Similar Solution?

Have hundreds of miles of trails but no simple way for visitors to find the right one? Green Goat Maps can turn a regional GIS dataset into an intuitive public trail experience.