Zen and the Art of Guidebook Maintenance

The collection of data is not what defines this book.  Information about the trail is abundant;  the goal of this guidebook is to assemble it in a way that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and uses the bare minimum of space. I like this challenge. Information scattered or buried in mounds of words irks me, and inspires me to make it right, clean it up, and organize it, pare it down to what is essential.  This is art, as much so as architecture or painting.

Big design ideas are the framework of The A.T. Guide.  There's more than 50 town maps because there is no better way to let hikers know how to get resupplied.  There is about 60 feet of elevation profile maps.  Profiles are end-to-end on adjacent pages so you see more at once.  All the data aligns with the elevation profile.  No need to look elsewhere for the knowledge of how much elevation variance is in store.  These are the innovations at the forefront of the book and need little explanation.  

The fine details are no less important.  Northbound mileages are bold to eliminate confusion with southbound mileage, magnetic declination is on all the maps, and there are symbols so you see at a glance what services are offered.  GPS coordinates help drivers find remote trailheads. The calendar at the back of the book has holidays, changes of season, full moon cycles, and hiking events all on one page.  There's always a way to improve, like choosing a font that is a little more readable or takes a little less space.   Alternate trail names in the Whites can be confusing, so this book finds a way to make them clear.  

I borrow from Robert Pirsig's book title because I relate with his blend of science and art, and his obsession over Quality.  Too often we settle for "good enough."  If you seek quality, then you're looking in the right place.  The A.T. Guide  is a premium product, designed with the intent of optimizing every aspect of the presentation.