How to Use the Norton LPS Digital Maps Program
Over the last several years LPS developed a procedure for digitizing our maps. Initially we produced .pdf versions of trail maps that could be downloaded from the LPS website, and recently we have added the capability to download individual trail maps onto devices (e.g., iPhone, etc.). These maps will show you where you are on the trails, in real time, as you walk them. Some of you have used earlier versions of these digitized maps, either through the LPS website or an app called Explorer. Those maps form the basis for a new website that incorporates historical and archival material gathered over the years. This new website can be accessed from the LPS website. (Formerly the real time maps were accessed directly from the ESRI Explorer app, with a user name and password.) It is created and maintained in ArcGIS Pro, an ESRI software company that specializes in the development of geospatial data.
Aaron Portanova created the digital maps and the platform and website on which they reside. He began working with LPS as an unpaid intern four years ago, mapping trails and developing the foundation for the website. He is currently working on a Master’s degree at Johns Hopkins U. in GIS (geographic information system), and as a paid consultant by LPS. If you share access to this website with others, please include the following text: Created by Aaron Portanova 2021.
The following instructions show you how to access the website and use the various tools that Aaron has included on it. I’ve included three annotated screenshots of the website. Please let me know whether you have problems, and if so, what was your platform (DELL desktop, iPhone, etc.).
There currently three ways to access the maps:
- 1. Explorer. This is an ESRI ArcGIS Online app, for which some of you have the UN and PW—if you want to use it see me. It provides access to more mapping tools than those available on the website, and access to many other maps worldwide. If you are using this to access the map, you will be able to browse their map library. Search for Norton LPS and choose the most recent map: Norton Master Map (Sep 26, 2021).
- 2. Here is the URL address for the maps program. Once you add this to your browser, you’re good to go.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9e3ece7367cf49ebaeac6e02785272a9/
Here is aQ-R code as well that links to the maps
3. Access maps through the LPS website. The next section describes how to do this.
Step 1: Accessing the website
- a. Google https://nortonlandpreservation.org
- b. On the Home Page in the upper left corner, click on Maps by Aaron Portanova. It will take you to the site LPS Trail Maps Page. This is described in detail in Step 2
- c. Note: clicking on the bold-faced word Map (with the red icon) takes you to the maps. Clicking on his name takes you to his biographic statement.
- d. Note: the categories on the right side of the LPS homepage. The categories Aaron’s Trail Maps and Walkable Trails contain earlier versions of the maps as well as other information. Pertinent material from these sites is being incorporated into new LPS Trail Maps.
Step 2: Overview of the site LPS Trail Maps
a. This site has four parts. I’ve included a screenshot of Aaron’s new website as it appears on my iMac desktop. Depending on what device you are using the format may differ. It should be accessible from all platforms and devices
b. Interactive Map
This map shows all the LPS sites for which there are digital maps. This map can be accessed on all devices and used to show you where you are on the trails.
This application is for viewing LPS land interactively. Use the buttons at the bottom to select layers, measure distances, or pan to bookmarks. Use the buttons on the left to zoom, return to full map extent, or find your current location. For example, Use the directions button in the bottom right to find directions to a Parking location at a trail site.
The My Location button --on the screen that shows the Woodward Forest it appears as a black circle around the icon on the left side--gives your location on the map as a blue button. Depending on your internet connectivity it may not appear under certain conditions. Note: You must have the privacy settings on your device set to allow access to your location. You probably have done this in order to use GOOGLE maps and other apps that need to know where you are. Click the My Location button.
Use:1) +/- keys for zooming; 2) i on right side of screen for more info on using the map
Check out the Layer list button. It allows you to turn on or off various overlays and t control their transparency and other aspects. For example, turning on the LPS land holding shows all of our sites where we do not have trail systems.
c. Trail Map Gallery
- This displays all the current digital maps as .pdf files.
- d. Trail Map Archive
- This contains all previous maps, including ones that appear elsewhere on the LPS website. In addition to maps other LPS records can be archived here.
- e. Trails Survey
- This survey provides users an opportunity to provide feedback on how the website can be improved.