U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. Lighten the Load with Digital Maps Traveling off-the-grid in Alaska just got easier

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1 Lighten the Load with Digital Maps Traveling off-the-grid in Alaska just got easier

2 Overview of BLM s digital maps 5Ws + H (Who, What, Where, When, Why + How) Who: The BLM-Alaska created 10 new maps for use off-the-grid This is new for BLM-Alaska, but not BLM in other states Maps are intended for road-based travelers, not specific to a use type Other use type specific maps will be produced to provide additional data

3 Overview of BLM s digital maps What? Geo-referenced PDF format maps (5MB to 300MB) PDF images with embedded latitude / longitude data Map downloads FREE of charge Digital device must have a GPS Viewer program shows your current location on the map Map images will still display, even without a GPS signal Not a complete replacement for traditional land/air navigation

4 Overview of BLM s digital maps Where? Maps show user position anywhere a regular GPS can get signal. Maps extents are limited to the area shown on the PDF image Many maps can be saved to internal memory on a digital device BLM maps available on BLM.gov/Maps or Avenza Map Store Multiple jurisdictions offer maps for Alaska and other states

5 Overview of BLM s digital maps Why? BLM responded to public demand for general use maps of popular BLM areas No BLM-Alaska-specific 1:100,000 scale hardcopy maps are available Alaska might be remote, but not primitive newest technology available Digital format lowers costs (production, distribution, maintenance, stocking) Many people prefer digital media over hard copy Navigation with digital devices is easy Familiarity - Other agencies offer similar maps (USGS, USFS, NPS, AKFG etc)

6 Overview of BLM s digital maps When? Available now on BLM website and Avenza store Project started over 2 years ago Actual time to make/review maps 3 months Time to publish maps on websites 1 day

7 Overview of BLM s digital maps How? (are the maps made) Maps exported as geo-referenced PDF format from ESRI ArcMap Maps are produced using layers of different data Data is updated internally using interactive internet geo-cortex site BLM maintains geodatabases of routes, recreation sites, topography Other jurisdictions contribute data Example hunt units, trails on State land

8 Overview of BLM s digital maps How? (were maps released) A communications plan was created to get the word out News release (picked up by print media) Publication of maps to Avenza Store and BLM website Outreach at Anchorage and Fairbanks sportsman shows using custom display Internal article posting on BLM Daily, a Bureau-wide daily news feed Social media posts Youtube video DPIMS information cards printed on business card size stock BLM-Alaska public room dissemination of remaining cards (ongoing)

9 Overview of BLM s digital maps BLM Youtube video announcing maps

10 Map products available Areas National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Dalton Highway (two maps) Fortymile River / Taylor Highway Gulkana Wild and Scenic River Steese National Conservation Area White Mtns National Recreation Area Denali Highway Unalakleet Wild and Scenic River Delta Wild and Scenic River

11 How does it work?

12 Can I get maps from Avenza?

13 Map Examples Dalton Hwy

14 Map examples Delta / Gulkana WSRs

15 Map Examples Denali Hwy

16 Map Examples Fortymile WSR

17 Map Example - NPRA

18 Map Examples Steese NCA

19 Map Examples White Mtns NRA

20 Map Examples Unalakleet WSR

21 Special thanks BLM GIS specialists Cory Black, Cathy Hillis AK DNR Candy Snow BLM Recreation planners at Anchorage Field Office Glenallen Field Office Eastern Interior Field Office Central Yukon Field Office Arctic District