Soldier Mountain is an independent ski resort in Idaho serving the broader backcountry ski community. The organization is looking to streamline internal planning by converting multiple static mountain maps into a layered, interactive digital format. The project will support better year-round planning across recreation, infrastructure, and safety operations.

This project will task learners with creating a layered, user-friendly digital map of Soldier Mountain’s terrain and facilities using CalTopo or a comparable platform. Working from blueprints and written direction provided by the employer, learners will organize physical infrastructure and seasonal overlays into a single tool that supports mountain use planning and visualization. The output will help Soldier Mountain optimize operations across skiing, disc golf, safety, and facilities.

Learners will engage in:

• Assessing CalTopo and other mapping tools for suitability and usability

• Digitizing static assets (e.g., snowmaking infrastructure, water systems, trail maps)

• Creating and naming 15+ toggleable map layers based on employer-provided data

• Mapping out seasonal features (e.g., disc golf overlays, racecourses, safety netting)

• Organizing the map interface for usability by non-technical staff

• Producing a usage guide to support continued map editing and deployment

Week 1: Onboarding & Tool Assessment (~2 hours per learner)

• Meet with Soldier Mountain to review provided drawings and map goals

• Review CalTopo’s capabilities and explore alternatives if needed

• Clarify which layers and file formats are required

• Deliverable: Tool recommendation brief

Week 2: Test Mapping & Workflow Setup (~4 hours per learner)

• Map one or two test layers (e.g., racecourse, lodge, pump house)

• Get feedback on interface, formatting, and naming conventions

• Deliverable: Test map with early feedback

Week 3: Core Infrastructure Mapping (~6 hours per learner)

• Build layers for snowmaking systems, water/septic, lodges, and access points

• Verify physical layout against blueprints and employer notes

• Deliverable: Infrastructure layers complete

Week 4: Recreational & Seasonal Layer Mapping (~6 hours per learner)

• Add layers for racecourses, disc golf routes, Solum course, etc.

• Use polygons and overlays to show seasonal usage

• Deliverable: Seasonal layers mapped and integrated

Week 5: Usability Refinement & Layer Optimization (~6 hours per learner)

• Reorganize map layout and naming for clarity

• Add visual polish and design consistency (icons, colors, toggle labels)

• Draft a usage guide for internal stakeholders

• Deliverable: Optimized map interface and draft user guide

Week 6: Final Delivery & Handoff (~6 hours per learner)

• Conduct final walk-through with the employer

• Deliver editable digital map, file archive, and usage documentation

• Deliverable: Final layered map, usage guide, and design notes

Final Deliverables:

• Layered interactive map file (15+ layers with toggles)

• Infrastructure, safety, and seasonal recreation layers

• Tool usage guide with screenshots and basic editing instructions

• File archive of map assets and source files

• Optional: annotated blueprint overlays (if requested)