Case Study: Avalanche Mapping achieves more accurate avalanche predictions with Trimble GPS/GIS solutions

GPS database key to improving avalanche predictions database key to improving avalanche predictions

Avalanche Mapping, founded by Doug Scott in 2000 and active in Colorado and Alaska, builds spatially accurate avalanche maps to help backcountry skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers avoid deadly avalanches. The core challenge was that historical avalanche observations were inconsistently recorded, not standardized or geolocated, making forecasting, communication and rescue coordination slow and unreliable.

Avalanche Mapping created a GIS geodatabase based on National Avalanche Center guidelines, deployed ESRI ArcPad and Trimble GeoXT handheld GPS units to collect snow-pit, weather and terrain data, and digitized historical records for analysis in ArcGIS. The result is a searchable spatial database and downloadable paper/digital maps that improve avalanche prediction, speed response, inform backcountry users, and broaden access to up-to-date avalanche information.

Avalanche Mapping

Doug Scott

Owner