Creating New Trails

From NetCairns

Contents 1 Getting Started 2 Signing Up and Logging In 3 Creating the Map and Elevation Profile 3.1 Trail Map 3.2 Elevation Profile 4 Creating the Page 4.1 General Information 4.2 Trail Type 4.3 Guide Books 4.4 Highlights and Description 4.5 Directions and Regulations 4.6 Photos and Video 4.7 Links 5 Finally

[edit] Getting Started

To add new trails, you will need four things:

• a NetCairns.com Login
• a trail map
• an elvation profile
• information regarding the trail you wish to add

[edit] Signing Up and Logging In

First you need a login; click Here to create a NetCairns account. It is quick and painless. We don't require a password, but it is recommended so that you can add the pages you create to your Special:Watchlist. That way you will be emailed when someone makes changes to the pages you created or added to your watch list.

[edit] Creating the Map and Elevation Profile

Now that you have a login, you need some images to make your trail page interesting.

[edit] Trail Map

We typically use images created on [Google Earth]. To create images, you will need to either create a trail manually using google earths waypoint system or, the easier way, find a kml, kmz, or gpx file that has the trail your are going to add (KML and KMZ files tend to look better). Free GPX and KML files can be found at [Motion Based].

Once you find the perfect vantage point in Google Earth, select file -> save -> save image.

[edit] Elevation Profile

Next you need an elevation profile image. For this you must have one of the GPS files mentioned above. The elevation profile can be created at [GPS Visualizer].

Be sure to change:

• the units to U.S.
• the width and height to 350 and 200, respectively
• the Drawing Mode to Complete Paths
• colorize to none

Finally, Save the file as TrailNameElevationProfile.png.

Of course, other images and generators can be used. If you know of a better one, we'd love to hear about it.

[edit] Creating the Page

Click Add a new trail in the navigation bar to the left. Enter the name of the trail and then follow the steps to enter in the information.

There are multiple tabs to fill out to build a complete page. You don't have to fill out everything, but be sure you do not forget to specify a Guide Book or Trail Head Geographic Coordinates. These two pieces of info are what links your trail to the rest of the trails in the area.

[edit] General Information

The general information tab is where standard info like elevation data, trail head name, difficulty, etc. are inputted. This is also where your Map and Elevation Profile images will be uploaded and linked.

Click 'upload image' next to the two fields for the map and elevation profile. A window will pop up for you to upload your image to the server. Once you have saved it, the name will be inserted into the field.

[edit] Trail Type

NetCairns allows for the creation of three different types of trails: Stand Alone Trails, Parks, and Sub Trails. They all require similar information, but if a trail is marked as a Park, it will link it to all of its Sub Trails. Most Trails will be Stand Alone Trails.

[edit] Guide Books

This is how all trails are included in different Guide Books. Select the Book(s) you want your trail to be included in. They will then be displayed in the map on the Guide Book.

[edit] Highlights and Description

A few editorial pointers:

• Keep your descriptions in the third person.
• Make it interesting. Don't be afraid to liven up the descriptions with fun prose.
• Keep it informative. NetCairns is classified as a resource, a place to come to get the facts.

[edit] Directions and Regulations

If your trail is a Sub Trail, a Stand Alone Trail or a Park with no Sub Trails, this will be the point displayed on the trail head map. If your trail is a Park that has a Sub Trail, only your Sub Trail's trail head will be displayed. If the Park has more than one trail head, it needs more than one Sub Trail.

Keep the regulations factual. Usually you can find these by visiting the website of the organization that maintains the trail. Does the trail have hours or seasonal closures? Also, be sure to reiterate if dogs or horses are allowed.

[edit] Photos and Video

Add pictures of you and your friends on the trail. If you like to create trail videos, add those as well (or any you find on one of the supported video hosts).

[edit] Links

Create links between trails that you think are similar or offer the same type of enjoyment.

[edit] Finally

Please don't plagerize trail books. This site was created to provide an alternative to the few trail books available. Now that you've taken a look around, tell your friends! Let's create the largest, most user friendly and free source of trail information in the nation.