Mapping Costa Rica

While studying abroad in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, I volunteered with the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de San Luis to map their series of remote hiking trails. I applied my skills in GIS, cartography, web design, and spanish language, working closely with local leaders to help out where I could.

I designed a new series of trail maps using GPS and ArcGIS, translated their organization's website into English, created an Instagram page for their tourism initiatives, and formed close bonds with the  San Luis community-- especially with Walter, who hiked with me across multiple days so that we could record GPS tracks of all of the station's trails.  (Pictured below.)

Costa Rica was one of the most sustainable and beautiful places I've ever lived.  I returned a year later to work on a local organic farm, and plan to go back again as soon as I can!  In the gallery underneath this post is a digital copy of the trail map I designed, alongside a few photos of Walter and I on the spectacular rainforest trails around the station.

If you like my cartographic work, please feel free to reach out to me via email-- I love making maps, and would be happy to volunteer if your organization needs help! :)