Mapping for a Cause
Mapping for a Cause: Supporting Camp Big Sky with GIS
At Maurer-Stutz, Inc., we believe in using our expertise to give back to the community. One of our on-going relationships is with Camp Big Sky, a nonprofit in Fairview, IL, dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities.
“We’d Like a Map”
Camp Big Sky recently inquired about the possibility of having Mauer-Stutz Geospatial create a large display map to provide visitors with a clear overview of the camp – similar to maps found at theme parks or the beginning of a hiking trail. That request for a single map began a series of conversations.
Through our discussions with Camp Big Sky, a robust GIS solution developed allowing for the creation of a whole variety of customized maps. We discussed their need for duplicatable, day-use maps, maps specifically tailored for grant applications, online maps, etc.— all of which can easily be created from the GIS that was already being built!
How We’re Helping
Using drone imagery, we captured high-resolution aerial views of the camp, allowing us to digitize important features with precision. This data forms the foundation of our maps, ensuring accuracy and detail.
We provided the founder of Camp Big Sky, Brad Guidi, with a poster-sized printout of the aerial imagery. He identified the names of the features that had been digitized so that we could develop a GIS database that includes:
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Natural features like lakes, trails, and tree cover.
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Infrastructure elements such as buildings, parking areas, and accessibility features.
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Points of interest that allow visitors and staff to both enjoy and navigate the camp more easily.
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Mapping paper products like a wall map with great imagery or a 8.5 X 11 photocopy to hand out to visitors.
The Impact
These maps will help visitors, volunteers, and staff make the most of Camp Big Sky’s outdoor experiences. The GIS solution will also enable the organization to manage their property more efficiently and plan for future improvements. We have their GIS saved securely for continued updates or applications they may need.
By expanding beyond the original request for “a map,” we’re providing Camp Big Sky with tools that will help them enhance visitor experiences and support future growth and funding opportunities.
This project showcases how GIS technology can support nonprofits in meaningful ways, and we’re proud to contribute to Camp Big Sky’s mission.
To learn more about Camp Big Sky, visit their website at: https://campbigsky.org
If you have more question about how we can help you or your Organization with GIS, Contact us!
