Geographical Thinking: Season 4 Episode 16 – From Pixels to Peaks on the PCT

July 18, 2024

Grab your hiking boots and join us on a journey through the world of long-distance trails! In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake interviews geographic information system (GIS) specialist Galen Keily from the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). Together, they uncover the role of GIS in preserving and managing one of America's most iconic trails.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), situated off the Pacific coast of the United States, is over 4,000 km long and is one of three trails that comprise the Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States. Discover how GIS plays a vital role in mapping and stewarding this vital corridor through the American wilderness.

Chapters:
0:00 – Episode summary
0:36 – Intro
2:36 – The PCT and PCTA
9:08 – Navigating on the PCT
11:36 – GIS and the PCT
18:40 – Advocacy and engagement
22:55 – Changes to the trail
27:50 – Development, access and conservation
33:25 – Conservation
37:22 – How to get involved
39:05 – Trail lingo
43:41 – Outro