FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How did this project get started?

Several years ago, the Richfield Springs Mercury (local newspaper) asked me to provide the map design work for 4 counties of paper snowmobile trail maps. Flash forward, the Mercury went out of business, people kept calling my company looking for paper maps. Idea is born, put trails on a website. I approached the Herkimer County clubs first, they were receptive, and off we went. We had trails in 3 counties and portions of adjoining counties that first year (2009-2010 season).

Why aren't all clubs' trails in the web map?

It is the policy of my company that a partnership must exist between a snowmobile club and Mohawk Valley GIS for trails to be added. In this way, we work together to provide the most accurate information each year. Starting in year 3 (2011-2012 season), participating clubs now benefit from profit sharing. The trail data that comes from the state, although fine for paper maps, cannot be used for interactive web maps without extensive cleanup. This is because users can zoom way in.

How much money will go back to the clubs?

Our current profit sharing model is up to 75% of the revenue from the premium account subscriptions, currently priced at $40 for the 2011-2012 season. The actual amount will not be known until April when the season is over. The amount each club receives is based on trail mileage and is for trail maintenance. Please check out all the new features we've added this year for the premium account and help support our clubs. Without their volunteer efforts, there wouldn't be groomed trails to ride on.

Why is the amount of snow in the Snowdepth map different from what is on the ground?

Two reasons. First, NOAA posts their daily snowdepth data on their server at either 6 am or 2 pm each day, for the prior day. We grab the data at 5:30 pm, do lots of processing and post it in the webmap at 6:30 pm. What you are seeing is from yesterday. The second reason is the satellite tracking method used: sometimes mixed precipitation is wrongly seen as snow, so the estimates in the snowdepth map can be off. Remember, the snowdepth map is not created by little elves who go out and measure the snow fall on the ground. If things look iffy in an area, check with the local club.

How do I find out when new trails are added or new features are added to the web map or phone apps?

Best place is the appropriate page here within the website or by becoming a Facebook fan. Twitter is also an option, although limiting in terms of what can really be said.

Can I load the trails on my Garmin Nuvi or TomTom GPS receiver?

Unfortunately, no. The TomToms and nearly all models of Nuvis cannot accept tracks.

How many people are working on this project?

For the 2011-2012 season, five of us. Me, myself and I act as project manager, do all business sponsor sales, prepare all trails, intersections, etc., evaluate new ideas based on feedback from all of you. Ed and Mike are working on the iPhone and Android apps for me. Bryan helped with the conversion of the webmap to the new technology for the statewide expansion and created the conditions & alerts app. And John, a recent Buffalo grad, is helping with trail prep for the GPS trailsets and phone apps. And all the participating clubs, who check their trail data and provide updates. Jim Rolf, our NYSSA Trail Coordinator, has been a wonderful sounding board for talking through new features. It's definitely a huge team effort.