This repo contains the code for an interactive map showcasing GPS data from my recent thru hikes. The app is built on R Shiny, is hosted on an AWS EC2 instance, and is served using a Shiny Server.
Visit the map here to view images, campsites, resupply points, and more. The app takes about 3-5 seconds to load.
The triple crown of hiking entails hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Over three summers, I completed all three trails and in the process walked 7500+ miles, gained 1,000,000+ vertical feet, and visited 22 states.
Along the way, I carried a satellite communication device that recorded my location every 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the GPS data from my first two hikes (AT, PCT) was deleted. However, I have the GPS data from my CDT thru hike. I also have notes of my campsites and resupply points from all three trails.
When I got home from the CDT, I realized I could build a visualization to share my experience in a different way.
First, I processed my GPS data, as described on my blog. I then marked which points were off trail, as described here. Then, I built this R Shiny app to showcase my hike.
This app follows the two-file Shiny app format, where the user interface is defined in ui.R and the server logic is contained within server.R.
The GPS data and annotation files are stored in a data subdirectory, which is not tracked in git.
The Global.R file loads necessary packages, reads in the data, and does some data processing.
js and css files are stored within the www subdirectory.
Images are also displayed in popups. These images are hosted on AWS S3.
Currently, the app only contains data from my CDT thru hike. I would like to add images, campsites, and resupply points from my AT and PCT thru hikes. I also plan to include viewers for elevation profiles and mileage hiked.
I would really love to try this process on another hiker’s data. If you’re interested in collaborating, send me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.