As some of you know,
Backpacker Magazine has the 2011 "
Be a Backpacker Mapper" contest going on now. The contest is a pretty sweet deal for anyone that has GPS capabilities while they are out on the trail. The
basic rules for the contest is to map a trail that isn't already in Backpacker's trail database. Another rule is the trail has to be at minimum 3 miles in length. Other requirements include that you have at least 8 descriptive (15 words minimum) waypoints, road access to each trail terminus, 1-2 photos per mile, and a 150 word trail description covering trail conditions, scenery, and other important details of the trail.
The submission of your trip is fairly simple. Backpacker uses
Trimble Outdoors as it's engine for trip submission. You can use various methods for mapping including any GPS that allows you to upload GPX files to your computer, smart phone GPS apps that allow the same, or by using Trimble Outdoors on your smart phone. Using Trimble is probably the easiest solution as it uploads to Trimble's web app, allowing you to easily edit trail tracks, waypoint information, add pictures from your regular camera, and so much more. Once you've got your trip all set and ready for submission, you simply go to
Backpacker's Mapper page and submit the trip. Of course you have to have an online Trimble Account (free) and sign up as a Backpacker online member. Once that is done you'll have to join the Backpack 2011 Mapper Group on Trimble. This is easily done during the submission process on Backpacker's site.
As some of you know, Backpacker Magazine has the 2011 "Be a Backpacker Mapper" contest going on now. The contest is a pretty sweet deal for anyone that has GPS capabilities while they are out on the trail. The basic rules for the contest is to map a trail that isn't already in Backpacker's trail database. Another rule is the trail has to be at minimum 3 miles in length. Other requirements include that you have at least 8 descriptive (15 words minimum) waypoints, road access to each trail terminus, 1-2 photos per mile, and a 150 word trail description covering trail conditions, scenery, and other important details of the trail.
