A GIS based method for trail alignment planning

Presented in this article is a new method for park trail alignment planning. With the assistance of a computerized geographic information system (GIS), it searches, through extensive survey and analysis of area's physical, ecological, and land use conditions, for a connecting path (i.e. trail alignment) that links a future trail's origin and destination by land parcel cells of the greatest trail potential. Trail alignments that are delineated and selected by the model provide a basis for quality site design. Tested in a North Carolina state park, the method proves to be effective, efficient, and practical.