Adventure Cycling Association: Transforming Bicycle Travel Maps with GIS Technology

Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) partnered with GCS to convert existing route maps into GIS (Geographic Information System) format, resulting in high-quality, print-ready maps created in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.

Evolving Map-Making Methods

Originally, ACA produced route maps using Freehand, but with the discontinuation of this software and the emergence of new technologies, their mapping methods needed to evolve. The project aimed to convert 19 routes, many consisting of multiple sections spanning 300 to 500 miles each.

GIS Conversion Project Overview

The GIS Conversion project comprised three main stages:

  1. GIS Conversion: Initial setup and data clipping into map panels.
  2. Illustrator and Photoshop Work: Preliminary styling of map panels in GIS and export to image formats.
  3. InDesign Map Section Construction: Creating complete two-page documents for each map section, formatted for offset printing.

GCS successfully delivered all required map panels and graphics in InDesign format, ensuring ACA’s route maps were ready for production.

About Adventure Cycling Association

Since 1973, the Adventure Cycling Association has empowered individuals to explore the world through bicycle adventures. With a vision of a world where everyone can access adventure for personal growth and enriching experiences, ACA advocates for improved roads, maps, trails, and bicycle-friendly communities.

Having developed one of the largest bicycle route systems globally, ACA has mapped over 50,000 miles of safe and accessible routes. They work diligently to build a vast network of people, communities, and experiences centered around cycling.

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