Our goal
This project group wants every trail in Europe to be digitally available in a uniform, reliable and up-to-date way. We are creating a common basis on which trail organizations in all countries can digitize their trails consistently, using the latest technical possibilities and AI.
Why this matters
Trail data in Europe is stored in many different formats, on many different platforms, and is often outdated. A closed section, a new detour or a missing bridge often reaches users weeks later, or not at all. This makes it hard to share data across borders or to combine trail sections into one long-distance route. Trail managers also lack a clear overview of their own network: which section needs maintenance, who is responsible for it and what users have reported.
Why now
The way people plan their trips is changing fast. More and more users ask AI assistants and apps for route suggestions, and these tools can only be as good as the data behind them. Outdated or incomplete trail data is now passed on to users automatically and at large scale. At the same time, AI offers trail organizations new ways to collect, check and update their data with less effort.
The European Trails Policy Paper calls for a European approach to trail data and a shared digital twin of Europe’s trail networks. The technology for this exists today. What is missing is a common structure that everyone uses.
Goals of the Project Group
- Define common geodata for trails, including attributes for trail type, surface, technical difficulty, risks, remoteness, exposure, steepness, cell phone reception, accommodation, water and food supplies.
- Add structured data for infrastructure such as signage, markings, waste systems, toilets, overview boards, trailheads and public transportation.
- Capture data from trail use, such as community feedback, responsibilities, tasks, reports and inspections.
- Use AI to collect, check and update trail data with less effort for trail organizations.
Granted Funding Projects
Funding Project
Indicator-Based Trail Management for Sustainable Visitor Guidance
Targeted funding sources: DBU (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt –Funding Initiative Digital.Natur.Landschaft)
Submitted Funding Projects, pending approval
Funding Ideas
Funding Projects
Preserving European Cultural Trails Art, Walking, and Culture Across Borders
Funding Sources: Creative Europe – European Cooperation Projects / Council of Europe / Erasmus+
Funding Projects
TrailsConnect – Promoting Cultural Heritage Through European Trails
ERASMUS+ (Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education / Adult Education
Funding Project
Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM)
Eligible Countries and Regions:
- Algeria: Tlemcen, Ain-Temouchent, Oran, Mostaganem, Chlef, Tipaza, Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El-Tarf, Algiers
- Cyprus: the entire country
- Egypt: Matruh, Alexandria, Al Beheira, Kafr el-Sheikh, Al Sharkia, Al Dakahlia, Damietta, Al Ismailia, Port Said, Cairo
- France: Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica
- Greece: Attica, North Aegean, South Aegean, Crete, East Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, West Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Western Greece, Central Greece, Peloponnese
- Israel: Entire country
- Italy: Liguria, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia, Tuscany, Lazio
- Jordan: Entire country
- Lebanon: Entire country
- Malta: Entire country
- Palestine: Entire country
- Portugal: Algarve
- Spain: Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands, Andalusia, Murcia, Ceuta, Melilla
- Tunisia: Zaghouan, Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid, Manouba, Siliana, Le Kef, Gafsa, Kebili, Tataouine, Jendouba, Beja, Bizerte, Ariana, Tunis, Ben Arous, Gabès, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sousse
- Turkey: Tekirdağ, Edirne, Kırklareli, Balıkesir, Çanakkale, İzmir, Aydın, Denizli, Muğla, Manisa, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Uşak, Antalya, Isparta, Burdur, Adana, Mersin, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye
Rejected Projects
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Project Ideas
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