Green Goat Maps

Green Goat Maps Making maps that connect people to nature and encourage safe and responsible outdoor recreation. Inspired by nature. Born from research.

See our latest projects here: https://www.greengoatmaps.com/cartography-and-designOne of the most common misconceptions ...
06/05/2026

See our latest projects here: https://www.greengoatmaps.com/cartography-and-design

One of the most common misconceptions in map design is that more information creates a better map.

In reality, effective maps often come from simplifying, prioritizing, and presenting information more intentionally.

Sometimes what you remove is just as important as what you add.

The clearest maps are rarely the result of quick design fixes — they’re shaped through an iterative process of testing, refining, and improving how information is presented.

A great map isn’t just about what you add — it’s also about what you leave out.Basemaps play a big role in how informati...
06/02/2026

A great map isn’t just about what you add — it’s also about what you leave out.

Basemaps play a big role in how information is understood. Too much detail can compete for attention, while too little can make it harder for people to orient themselves.

The goal is finding the right balance: enough context to understand the landscape, but enough clarity for the information that matters most to stand out.

It’s one of the many small decisions that can have a big impact on the visitor experience.

Many organizations already have great maps - the challenge is that they often live in different places.A trail map on a ...
05/27/2026

Many organizations already have great maps - the challenge is that they often live in different places.

A trail map on a kiosk. A PDF on the website. Another version shared elsewhere.

When information is spread across formats, visitors end up spending more time figuring out where to look than where to go.

Bringing everything into one connected system creates a more consistent experience and makes it easier for people to explore with confidence.

That’s one of the ideas behind what we’re building with Online Maps:
https://www.greengoatmaps.com/onlinemaps

Ezra Schwartzberg, Ph.D. and Erika Hoyt had a great time documenting trails in a workshop led by the team at the New Y...
05/21/2026

Ezra Schwartzberg, Ph.D. and Erika Hoyt had a great time documenting trails in a workshop led by the team at the New York Land Conservation Conference.

Thoughtful organizations like Saratoga PLAN are helping reduce uncertainty in the outdoor experience by giving visitors clearer information about what to expect before they even begin exploring.

From trail conditions and slope measurements to accessibility considerations, this kind of fieldwork plays an important role in making outdoor spaces feel more welcoming and usable for more people.

It’s always inspiring to learn from teams doing this work so intentionally.

Accessibility goes beyond distance.A trail’s slope, surface, layout, and elevation all influence whether it feels comfor...
05/20/2026

Accessibility goes beyond distance.

A trail’s slope, surface, layout, and elevation all influence whether it feels comfortable and usable for different visitors.

But that information is often difficult to find or not clearly communicated at all.

At Green Goat Maps, we’ve been developing a system designed to present trail information more clearly, helping visitors make more informed decisions before they begin exploring.

🔗 Learn more about Online Maps for Land Trusts:
https://www.greengoatmaps.com/onlinemaps

We’re here today at the 2026 New York Land Conservation Conference in Glens Falls, NY! 🌿Ezra Schwartzberg, Ph.D. and Eri...
05/12/2026

We’re here today at the 2026 New York Land Conservation Conference in Glens Falls, NY! 🌿

Ezra Schwartzberg, Ph.D. and Erika Hoyt are excited to connect with land trusts, conservation leaders, and outdoor organizations to talk about maps, trails, visitor experience, and conservation mapping.

If you’re attending, come say hello. We’d love to learn more about the work you’re doing and chat about how mapping can support conservation efforts and outdoor access.

📍 Queensbury Hotel — Glens Falls, NY
📅 May 12–13

Looking forward to great conversations throughout the conference!

One of the biggest barriers to outdoor access isn’t distance - it’s uncertainty.Where do I start?Is this trail right for...
05/11/2026

One of the biggest barriers to outdoor access isn’t distance - it’s uncertainty.

Where do I start?
Is this trail right for me?
How difficult is the route?

When maps are clear and thoughtfully structured, people can make confident decisions before they even begin their visit.

Good mapping doesn’t just guide people, it helps them feel welcome exploring new places.

Explore how we’re helping organizations create clearer, more accessible outdoor experiences through mapping: https://www.greengoatmaps.com/

Not all “moderate” trails feel the same.Slope, surface, and elevation all shape how a trail is actually experienced—but ...
05/07/2026

Not all “moderate” trails feel the same.

Slope, surface, and elevation all shape how a trail is actually experienced—but most maps don’t clearly communicate that.

When this information is structured and presented well, visitors can make more confident decisions before they even step onto the trail.

A map can look well-designed and still leave people confused.We often see important details missing, like:* Where to par...
05/01/2026

A map can look well-designed and still leave people confused.

We often see important details missing, like:
* Where to park
* How long a trail takes
* Whether a route matches someone’s ability

It’s these small pieces of information that make a big difference in how confidently people explore a place.

What’s one thing you think is most often missing from trail maps?

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73 Church Street
Saranac Lake, NY
12983

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+15182786070

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