Goldsboro, NC — Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) is proud to announce that its strategic partnership with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) resulted in Midpen receiving Esri’s highly regarded 2024 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award. The award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated outstanding use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to solve real-world problems and improve communities.
GTG worked closely with Midpen to develop a comprehensive GIS Strategic Plan that provided the foundation for a successful digital transformation. This plan led to the launch of two innovative public-facing trail applications—Find the Right Trail and Trail Explorer—designed to make Midpen’s 250+ miles of trails more accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly.
“This recognition showcases the power of combining thoughtful strategic planning with modern GIS technology,” said Curt Hinton, Principal of GTG. “Midpen’s award-winning results are a testament to what’s possible when agencies invest in long-term geospatial vision.”
Key Outcomes of the Partnership:
- National Recognition: Recipient of the 2024 SAG Award for innovation and public engagement
- Public Benefit: New digital tools enhancing accessibility to 65,000+ acres of open space
- Innovation: First-of-its-kind trail difficulty system based on user needs and abilities
- Strategic Success: GTG’s GIS roadmap directly informed application development and user research
Midpen’s new tools reflect a shift from traditional trail ratings to a more inclusive, descriptive approach, providing details on slope, width, and sun exposure—critical factors identified through user surveys and aligned with GTG’s recommendations.
In addition to enhancing public access and engagement, the applications also improved internal efficiency, enabling better data management, informed maintenance planning, and smarter decision-making across departments.
About Geographic Technologies Group
GTG is a leader in geospatial strategy, helping local and regional governments modernize their GIS operations. With over 2,000 projects completed and more than 27 years of experience, GTG empowers agencies to align GIS with organizational goals and deliver measurable impact. For more information, visit www.geotg.com.
