TrACS Method

TrACS Method
TrACS is made up of four (4) parts, which together provide all the relevant trails data: They are:

• TrACS Survey Form
• Productivity Factors
• Sign Inventory
• Photo Log

Survey Form
The TrACS Survey form is the heart of the survey process. The survey form records all the trail features encountered as well as the relevant measurements associated with each feature. For example, if surveyors encounter a water bar they will record the material used in the water bar, its length, and condition-appropriate task (e.g. routine maintenance, replace in-kind, install new, etc.). In addition the team marked all hazard trees—dead trees and branches with some probability of falling on the trail—with numbered tags. When using the cyclometer, as was done during these surveys, the mileage point is recorded for each feature. Furthermore every feature has an associated feature code and suggested-task code (codes part of the data dictionary) as per the recommendations of the survey crew.

Productivity Factors
In order to fully assess the costs associated with differed and routine trail maintenance it is necessary to know more than just the features present on a trail. The measurement of Productivity Factors is meant to account for the elements of a trail that will directly impact the “productivity” of any assigned maintenance tasks. These elements include:

• Trail Grade
• Side Slope
• Soil Type
• Brush/Regen. Type
• Timber Type

The Productivity Factors are measured at an interval and accuracy determined by the trail class, a numerical scale from 1 to 5 indicating how developed the trail should be, and CASM (Condition Assessment Survey Matrix). More developed trails require more frequent assessment of their productivity factors, as well as more accurate measurement of those factors as determined by CASM. Productivity Factors are also assessed when significant changes occurred in one of the factors listed above. Most often this is a significant change in trail grade.

Sign Inventory
Special attention is paid to signs encountered along the trail. Each sign was photographed and had its dimensions measured. A sketch of the surrounding area indicating the location of the sign(s) was drawn on the Sign Inventory form. Additional information recorded includes a sketch of the sign or signs, material composition, post material and condition, letter size, and presence of reflectors.

Photo Log
Photographs constitute a vital portion of the TrACS survey. Each feature and sign was photographed at least once. Photos were documented in order on the Photo Log form, along with mileage point at which they were taken. A brief description of the feature photographed was also provided. Once the team had returned from the field, each photo and corresponding information from the Photo Log was transferred to the digital TrACS Photo Record. With all of the photos and information in one location, photos can be cross-referenced by mileage point to their entry in the Survey form.

You can download a copy of the TrACS Data Forms by following the link below: