(continued from thread begun in AT forum)
The purpose of the CDTA mapping project is to establish the official route of the CDT. It will not include alternate routes that are unofficial. Existing maps (including Pauls - we study them as we work) are of great benefit but have many inherent inaccuracies. This is no fault of Paul - it is because the CDT line was often improperly located on the original USGS base maps or were correct once but have been re-routed for various reasons. The new survey is locating the trail where it really is. The work is all being done with submeter survey grade gps gear and post-processing. Waypoints will be extremely accurate. (1-2 meters) The survey is recording all intersections, water sources, etc. for the benefit of users, and all infrastructure for the benefit of the USFS and the CDTA in their maintenance operations.
An example - we mapped the route through an extensive burn area (Lookout Mtn. to Klines Mtn, NM) this past season. Not only has the area burned, but some signage that survived is also confusing. Many, perhaps most 2009 thru hikers got lost here and ended up walking roads. (There have been numerous blog entries about this spot.) We located and flagged the correct route this past June. The USFS took our information and has been cutting the line out this summer. The route should be much easier to find next year.
It is a personal decision if someone does a sort of hybrid hike of the CDT via alternate routes. It is a common practice caused by trail confusion, water issues in NM, and snow issues further north. The new survey should resolve the issue of trail confusion and make it possible for users to follow the actual trail if they wish to do so.
bearcreek