Trail Mapping Initiatives
Points of Interest is IMIA’s virtual webinar series exploring the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the international mapping community. Each session spotlights a timely topic through short presentations and Q&A with leading voices from IMIA’s global network, followed by small-group breakout discussions that encourage connection, exchange, and collaboration among IMIA members and partners worldwide.
Trail data and cartography from source to publication
Trail mapping experts from government, publishing and cartography will share perspectives on the future of trail data—from nationwide U.S. trails datasets and European hiking data to National Geographic’s new Great Treks map series.
The session will feature three short expert presentations followed by a moderator-led Q&A with the panelists.
Voices from across the map industry
Hannes Mittergeber
Head of Geospatial Technology · KOMPASS Freytag & Berndt GmbH
Hannes leads geospatial technology work across digital map applications, interactive webmap solutions, and AI-supported geodata collection. His background includes cartography and geoinformation, product development, automated map production processes, interactive maps, and teaching in cartography and data visualisation.
David Lambert
Manager of Cartographic Production · National Geographic Maps
David oversees the production, design, and scheduling of retail map products for National Geographic and has been involved with outdoor recreation maps for more than thirty years. When not in the office, he can hopefully be found exploring and mapping caves.
Greg Matthews
Product and Service Lead · U.S. Geological Survey National Geospatial Program
Greg Matthews is the Product and Service Lead for the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Geospatial Program (NGP), where he manages the national Transportation, Structures, and Boundaries datasets that underpin The National Map. He leads the National Digital Trails initiative and related recreational data projects, integrating authoritative government data to improve trail information, public access, and safety on U.S. public lands. Greg also oversees crowdsourced updates to national structures data via The National Map Corps and supports implementation of the MAPLand Act and other public land access mandates through close collaboration with interagency partners.
Ariel Doumbouya
United States Geological Survey
Moderator
Three expert perspectives on the future of trail mapping
Welcome and introductions
IMIA welcome, introduction from moderator Ariel, and brief introductions from the three panelists.
Trails Data You Can Build On: USGS National Digital Trails
Greg Matthews, U.S. Geological Survey
An overview of the nationwide trails dataset and how publishers and planners can access it.
Kompass Freytag & Berndt Hiking Dataset
Hannes Mittergeber, Head of Digital Cartography
How one of Europe’s most comprehensive hiking datasets is created, updated and maintained.
National Geographic: Great Treks Overview & Planning Maps
David Lambert, National Geographic Maps
A behind-the-scenes look at the development and usability of the new Great Treks map series.
Moderated Q&A
Panel discussion and audience questions with all three speakers.
Closing remarks
Session summary, thanks to the panelists and upcoming IMIA updates.
Register for the virtual session
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Use the link provided to attend the presentations and moderated Q&A.
Registration link coming soon.
Past Points of Interest webinars
Printing in a Connected World
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 · Virtual via Zoom
Map printing experts shared perspectives on emerging global trends impacting production, sourcing, and client relationships. The discussion highlighted supply chain challenges, sustainable materials, marketing strategies, and the value of delivering exceptional service.
E-commerce
Thursday, February 5, 2026 · Virtual via Zoom
This session explored how independent e-commerce sites are driving traffic and growth beyond Amazon, with a focus on real-world SEO and non-marketplace strategies. The conversation also examined how search and discoverability are evolving in an AI-driven world.
