Using GPS for Monitoring and Mapping Land Trust Holdings

June 3, 2013

By Cary Chadwick (updated 9/2025)

On May 3, CLEAR’s Geospatial Training Program (GTP) and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council held its second session of a training course called “Using GPS for Monitoring and Mapping Land Trust Holdings.”

GPS training attendees outside.

GPS training attendees outside.

The one-day course is designed to teach participants how to use a handheld GPS receiver to map property boundaries and specific locations that can be monitored annually to determine and record compliance with easement restrictions. The course is also useful for land trusts members and others looking to map trails on their properties.

The hands-on field portion of the training took place on the Haddam Land Trust’s Bamforth Wildlife Preserve, located just a mile from CLEAR’s headquarters. While walking the property, the 18 participants learned how to map property boundaries, trails, and points of interest including hypothetical violations, survey markers, invasive species, and scenic viewpoints. They also spotted a boxed turtle and garter snake. Field photographs were collected to be used in monitoring reports and mapping products. Later, back in the classroom, participants downloaded their GPS data and created interactive, online maps using free software can be shared within their organization or published on their land trust website.

UConn CLEAR Mapping

CLEAR’s geospatial expertise is focused on remote sensing analysis, development of online geospatial land use tools, and training for professionals and others in the use of various types of geospatial technology. CLEAR’s geospatial programs and tools are designed to be accessible to everyone, from a commissioner looking for a PDF map of town soils to a GIS professional looking to download data or brush up on some computer skills. In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, we have developed the Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online, or CT ECO website, with a host of statewide maps and data related to natural resources.

Learn more about mapping training, services and tools the UConn CLEAR website.