Map Accuracy

We try and make our trail maps as accurate as possible. Our goal is to create trail paths and waypoints that are within several feet of the actual trail or point of interest. Any map is simply a model. It is inevitable that mistakes and inaccuracies will occur. For this reason, you should never rely on our maps as your sole means of navigation. Our maps are intended as one aid to trip planning and navigation, not as your sole navigation aid. Use discretion; carry one or more backup means of navigation, such as a compass or a paper map.

We rely on several sources of information to create our maps. We reference published trail maps from snowmobile clubs. We use high resolution satellite images and other databases of roads, terrain, and waypoints. We use data collected from GPS receivers. In cases where there are inaccuracies or errors in the resources that we rely upon, those inaccuracies and errors may be reflected in our maps.

Some types of trails are easier to map than others. Trails that run along wide paths with little tree cover such as logging roads are easier to identify from satellite images. Trails that are narrow and covered by trees are difficult to validate from even very high resolution satellite images. Where there are several visible trails that run close to each other, the wrong trail might be selected to outline a GPS trail path. Trails across open fields or in heavily populated places of farms or suburbs are often difficult to validate from satellite images. Be especially skeptical of trails where this type of mapping inaccuracies can occur. Follow posted trail signs, existing tracks, and be especially careful in narrow highly wooded areas, around farms and residential areas. Trails signs are posted by snowmobile clubs who are responsible for managing the actual trails and are to be considered more authoritative than this map.

Conditions change. Trails may be closed because of logging operations. Bridges wash out, trees fall, ice melts, and property owners rescind their permission to use their land. Our maps will not always reflect these changes. Our maps are not a substitute for good judgment. Be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing local conditions.  Our maps do not constitute permission from landowners to use their land or to traverse unmarked trails.

Warning: ICE: The crossing of lakes, streams and other frozen bodies of water must always be considered dangerous. Never assume that that the ice is safe, even if you see existing snowmobile tracks or the map depicts a trail path across a body of water. Currents and wind can cause ice strength to vary from one location to another. There may be unpredictable areas of open water, ice ridges and other extreme hazards. Night crossings are especially hazardous.  If in doubt, stay off the ice!

Warning: DISTRACTIONS:  Do not let use of a GPS distract you from the critical task at hand which is safely operating your snowmobile. Do not attempt to adjust or fiddle with the GPS while driving. Do not gaze at the GPS while driving. Keep your eyes on the trail and pay attention to your driving at all times. Anything more than a quick glance at the GPS will divert you attention from driving may cause you to loose control of your snowmobile and crash. Find a safe place to pull off of the trail and then use your GPS. Use of a GPS while driving can be a distraction similar to texting on cell-phone while driving. Texting while driving has been shown to be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. 

GPS Errors

Built-in GPS Error (Selective Availability SA)

The GPS signal sent by satellite includes by design a degree of built-in inaccuracy. GPS was created for the military. This built-in error is intended to prevent an enemy from using GPS to target friendly forces with a high degree of precision. The position indicated by your GPS receiver may be several hundred feet away from your actual position on the earth.

GPS signal degradation because of environmental conditions

Environmental and weather conditions can degrade the GPS signal. You may loose the signal entirely if you are under an overhead canopy of trees. You may have to rely on another form of navigation such as a compass, paper map, trail signs etc.

Batteries wear out, electronics fail

GPS receivers require power. If you batteries wear out, you will not be able to use your GPS receiver to navigate. Your GPS receiver is a complex electronic device that is subject to failure. Always carry spare batteries, a magnetic compass or other means of navigation.

External Links

Our map products may contain links to a variety of information sources and web sites that we do not control. We are not responsible for the content of these external web sites nor can we ensure the validity of the information they provide. Resources come and go on the Internet. Links may be broken, or there may be more appropriate links. We are always interested in hearing feedback about broken links, or links to better sources of information. We view one of the benefits of our map products as providing a broad geocentric collection of links to many resources that are useful to back woods navigation.

External Programs and Software

We provide mapping data and links to other sources of data that may be relevant to back woods traveling. The data we provide is compatible with several software programs that are provided by third-parties and not us. We make every effort to ensure the continued comparability of our data with these programs, but we are not responsible for the programs themselves. We suggest several programs that may be used to view our data, such s Google-Earth and Google-Maps, but we have no direct affiliation with the providers of this software. Your use of that software is under the terms and conditions set forward by those third-party providers. We cannot guarantee continued availability of any software from third parties, or that they will continue to support our data.

Feedback

Your feedback is important. If you encounter mistakes, inaccuracies or outdated information in any of our maps, we want to hear about it. Feedback from our user community helps us improve our maps for the benefit of the entire user community. We provide several means to provide this feedback including e-mail, community forums and facilities to upload and share alternative trail map data to our site. After validation, we will incorporate appropriate changes to our map products and make these available to the user community.

Copyrights

The material content of our website is copy written by our parent company Umbagog Designs L.L.C. All data that we provide through our website and via e-mail in the form of xml files, hyperlinks and other forms of data representations is copy written by Umbagog Designs L.L.C.. We provide links to several external web sites, images, and sources of data that is not provided by us, but may be subject to the copyright of third parties. We do not sell our copy written data, but only lease it to you on a limited subscription basis. You are not permitted to share data that you license with us with any other party except as specifically outlined in our service agreements and licenses.

For support and questions, send email to CustomerService@BackWoodsGPStrails.com.