Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley mapping and systems documentation focuses on creating comprehensive geographic and infrastructure resources for the Hudson Valley region of New York, emphasizing community resilience, emergency preparedness, and open-source knowledge sharing.

Project Overview

The Hudson Valley Systems & Trail Mapping Project aims to develop multi-faceted mapping tools that strengthen communities' ability to explore, understand, and care for local landscapes. The project integrates detailed geographic information, emergency response resources, and local knowledge into accessible mapping resources.

Philosophy

Community Resilience

The mapping approach recognizes that trails, radio networks, and local knowledge represent conduits of connection that enable people to engage with the natural world, share resources, and support each other during emergencies.

Decentralized Knowledge

By mapping and documenting local systems, the project reduces reliance on centralized authorities and empowers independent action through comprehensive environmental understanding.

Mutual Aid Infrastructure

Maps serve as tools for building autonomous, resilient information networks that support community-based emergency response and resource sharing.

Technical Implementation

Data Sources

Digital Elevation Models (DEM): 1-meter resolution topographic data from NYS GIS Clearinghouse
OpenStreetMap (OSM): Roads, trails, points of interest, and community-contributed geographic data
Radio Coverage Data: Amateur radio repeater locations, theoretical coverage models, and field-verified signal reports
Emergency Resources: Helicopter landing zones, water sources, emergency access routes, and safety zones

Mapping Workflow

Data Acquisition: Collect base datasets including elevation, transportation, and land cover data
Processing: Merge, clip, and style data layers for specific use cases (hiking, emergency response, radio operations)
Field Integration: Incorporate GPS tracks, signal strength measurements, and local observations
Cartographic Design: Create print-ready maps optimized for field use with appropriate scales, symbols, and reference information
Distribution: Provide maps to emergency responders, outdoor organizations, and community groups

QGIS Implementation

Maps are developed using QGIS with the following layer organization:

Base Layers:

DEM Hillshade with 45° altitude, 315° azimuth
Contour lines at 20-meter intervals
OpenStreetMap base features (roads, water, boundaries)

Specialized Layers:

Amateur radio repeater locations and coverage zones
Trail networks (official and unofficial routes)
Emergency infrastructure (helispots, access points, rally points)
Field observations and local knowledge annotations

Emergency Preparedness Integration

Critical Infrastructure

High-elevation points for radio communication
Emergency vehicle access routes and limitations
Helicopter landing zones and approach considerations
Reliable water sources and seasonal availability
Designated safe zones and shelter locations

Communications Planning

Amateur radio repeater coverage mapping
Backup frequency documentation
Emergency channel assignments
Coordination point locations and contact procedures

Open Source Methodology

Data Contribution

The project follows open-source principles by contributing improvements back to OpenStreetMap:

Trail condition updates and reroute documentation
Emergency resource locations and accessibility information
Radio coverage verification and dead zone identification
Points of interest relevant to outdoor recreation and emergency response

Knowledge Sharing

Mapping methodologies, data sources, and design templates are documented for replication by other communities seeking to create similar resilience-focused mapping resources.