Note: The only roads shown on this map are the bicycle routes. Significantly more detail is shown

on the Bicycle Master Plan regional map and the county maps, printed separately in larger format.

and refinement by interested individuals around the region.

At the time of this study, the NYSDOT designated routes were still at the preliminary stage, and will likely undergo additional refinement. In addition, many counties in the region are just beginning to develop county route systems and their designations are either preliminary, or were not available in time for the printing of the draft maps. In the interest of fostering inter-county and regional bicycle planning, the study team maintained the nine month project schedule, rather than waiting until all 14 counties had selected bicycle routes.

The maps also contain symbolized information of the Adirondack North Country area's recreation and bicycle facilities. All information illustrated on the maps came from existing GIS data, with the exception of the bicycle shop location information gathered specifically for this project. The locations for some of the facilities may be incorrect or not shown. This part of the project provided a solid base for a regional GIS mapping system that can be added to with other data as it becomes available. With other GIS efforts currently underway in the region, for example at the NYSDEC and at various county planning offices, additional GIS data will be forthcoming. What sets the ANCA effort apart from the others is that it is one of the only attempts at including the locations of small businesses. In fact, including small business locations in the system, is and should continue to be, ANCA's primary contribution to GIS database development in the region. This will assure that the regional GIS system will eventually be of use at the local level, by Chambers, tourism promotion offices, and others who distribute information about the Adirondack North Country Region.

visualDATA, Inc. used GIS technology to help with the analysis of routes and the preparation maps in the ANCA Bicycle Master Plan because of the following advantages of computer mapping:

The success of the Bicycle Master Plan mapping effort relied on the existence and availability of GIS databases containing road location and condition information. These databases were essential for completing the requested bicycle route mapping within the allocated time frame and budget.

At the onset of the project visualDATA contacted seven New York organizations to learn what databases were available for the fourteen counties. The multiple contacts were necessary because New York State does not have a "GIS clearinghouse" that could provide the necessary copies of databases or directions from whom to obtain the desired copies of the data. There was initial confidence that all the requisite data would be available from other GIS data development projects within the region, most importantly from the people involved with the Northern Forest Lands Study.

After compiling a list of who had what data, visualDATA requested the necessary GIS databases from those sources who could provide it at the least cost. Sometimes this source was not the primary source because there were not sufficient funds to get an original set from the source. This is not the ideal way to acquire data. We used this approach so the project could proceed within its budget.

After resolving the issue of data copyright of the New York Department of Transportation's GIS roads data, we were able to acquire the state highway condition information for the cost of reproduction from the NYSDOT's Planning Division. The NYSDOT GIS and Mapping Division's GIS-based roads database was acquired by ANCA through a "data loan" agreement with NYSDOT.

Database acquisition times varied by source. This part of the project required several phone calls and letters to each data provider. The advantage of a state-wide GIS data clearinghouse is that it would have data available in one location, in multiple formats.

Table 8-1 itemizes the acquired databases and their sources. A summary description of issues and recommendations for each database used for this project is as follows:

There are a number of data issues that require resolution before the full use can occur of the Adirondack North Country Recreation/Tourism GIS databases collected for this project.

The potential traveler information system will, of necessity, rely on the "originators of the data" for its accuracy. This requires that some organization should be the official database manager for tourism related facilities in the region and have the staff and expertise available for evaluating and merging data. For example, NYSDOT has the only current roads database of the region. However, the facilities of interest along the roads is what ANCA and others would like to display and distribute. The sources of that information are numerous, including other state agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and regional development organizations, and will vary significantly in the level of detail. In addition, periodic changes in hours of operation, phone numbers, and even location of the various facilities

will all have to be addressed.

The initial effort should focus on adding the locations of all tourism facilities of interest. The priority would be the creation of the facility's database from the existing GIS databases used in this project. This would include all schools, hospitals, bike shops, and trail heads. This should remain separate and distinct from the state's various recreation and historic sites databases. The second priority would be the addition of the locations of all hotels, bed and breakfasts, private tourist attractions. The next effort should focus on restaurants, gas stations, and shopping facilities. This would be followed by specialty facilities such as antique shops, theaters and galleries.

The recommended approach allows for considerable flexibility. The creation of the databases can be dynamic, route specific, or county specific.

The establishment of cooperative data relationships between organizations is a two-way street. For example, the addition of county and local bicycle touring routes to the regional routes require resources on both the cooperators' parts to occur. The regional map is incomplete without the local route information being available. ANCA should work with the localities who have already spent considerable efforts in this area (e.g., Warren County, Lewis County, Village of Canton, Seaway Trails).

The Bicycle Master Plan lays out a logical path for continuing the development of a GIS-based traveler information system. The actual accomplishment of

the goal will require the commitment to a vision of a future that is not here now, but with persistence will happen. This system also makes sound economic sense for many other regional economic development activities. This vision should include the idea that eventually all citizens will want access to the regions rich and diverse resources, facilities, and attractions. The development of these databases the first building block to achieving that goal.

Aside from the mapping considerations involved in implementing the Bicycle Master Plan, there are cost and funding considerations. The next section provides information on cost components, costs, and funding sources related to establishing and maintaining bicycle facilities.