In our August 17th Field Update, we told you a bit about the Nevada Mapping Collaborative, which began in 2018 with a grant from the Nevada Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program and the State Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to The Great Basin Institute. In this update, we present some of the tangible results of this collaboration, particularly in the form of Story Maps. Our own AmeriCorps member and OHV Program Technician, Christy Hutchins, describes her work on the project.
“I helped develop a Story Map, a type of web mapping application, for the Off-Highway Vehicle Program at the Nevada Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. This map is an interactive mapping application that allows the viewer to navigate through a geographic location while following a narrative. In this case, the user is able to explore the Historic Bullfrog Mining District in Beatty, NV while learning about the human and natural history of the area. Different points of interest and the actual route are highlighted and have pictures/descriptions. There is also a function that allows you to geolocate yourself. That means you can have this map up on your phone while riding the actual trail and see where you are in relation to the station while navigating. The Story Map is an exciting medium because it allows the user to learn more about the area before heading into the field, navigate while using the trail, or “explore” from the comfort of their own homes. This project is a great way to add context to the surrounding location while promoting recreation on the trail or virtually.”
On this page you can see screenshots of some of Christy’s terrific work. For the full interactive experience, check out the Bullfrog Historical Mining District Story Map.