Sky Island StoryMap (rev. 0) available online

Places and Spaces Los Alamos (PSLA) volunteers have been learning to use ArcGIS to create StoryMaps, a way to tell a place's story through maps. The test case/learning project has been to create a "Sky Island Circuit" StoryMap. The initial version is complete and can be viewed at this link:

Sky Island Circuit PSLA seeks additional volunteers with ArcView GIS expertise to assist with projects, either by building them or by serving as an advisor. We are also seeking sponsors or a small grant to cover development costs.

The Sky Island Circuit is an interactive, web-based driving tour guide built as an ArcGIS StoryMap that showcases the dramatic landscapes and deep history of a part of Northern New Mexico. This 240-mile scenic loop interweaves multiple cultural and environmental layers: Ancestral Pueblo life, 17th-century Spanish legacy, world-changing science, and premier outdoor recreation.

Choice of Title: Why "Sky Island Circuit"?

The title was inspired by the 2011 PBS documentary short Sky Island (available via the StoryMap). It reflects both the physical shape of the journey and the unique character of the Jemez Mountain landscape.

• Sky Island: The Jemez Mountains rise dramatically from the high desert floor to over 10,000 feet. This elevation change creates a lush "green island" of forest that catches precipitation, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert "sea." It highlights the distinct climate shifts travelers will experience—from the valley heat to the cool caldera rim.

• Circuit: The 240-mile continuous driving loop that underpins the project, connecting diverse thematic layers into a single, cohesive experience.

The "Sky Island Circuit" StoryMap is organized into thematic chapters that serve as both the narrative framework and the interactive filters for the project. These themes enable travelers to tailor their experience to their interests.

• Sky Island (Adventure in the Heart of a Super Volcano): This theme highlights the overall setting (towns and villages) and the dramatic 3D terrain and volcanic history of the Jemez Mountains. It utilizes high-fidelity 3D layouts and "fly-to" animations to showcase the Valles Caldera, emphasizing how the mountain range rises from desert valleys to form a lush "island" of forest and cool temperatures.

• Ancient Heritage: This chapter focuses on the deep history of Ancestral Pueblo life in the region. It invites travelers to explore the "layered wonders" of the landscape, with a focus on sites such as ancient cliff dwellings and other archaeological landmarks that represent the earliest human chapters of the area. The connection of today's Pueblos to the circuit is also featured.

• Spanish Colonial Legacy: This theme explores the 17th-century Spanish Colonial heritage that remains a cornerstone of Northern New Mexico’s identity. It includes information and points of interest relating to the Spanish colonial legacy and current-day expressions of pride in this complex history of land ownership and settlement.

• World-Changing Science: Focused on the scientific significance of Los Alamos, this theme connects the history of the Manhattan Project to modern scientific projects. It also extends beyond Los Alamos's scientific significance by addressing geologic history, fire history, science, anthropological science, climate, and hydrology. Where practical, it integrates "live" data—such as USGS stream gages and real-time wind streamlines—to show how science continues to monitor the "pulse" of the mountains today.

• Outdoor Immersion: This theme highlights the outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities and the natural beauty of the unique setting. It highlights the region’s multi-use trail systems (including accessible trails), hot springs, red-rock side canyons, and world-class vistas, providing a guide for those seeking physical engagement with the landscape.

• Services: A curated set of service points of interest, including places to get visitor information and to shop, eat, drink, and stay, is also included.

Think of the themes as colored lenses on a pair of binoculars. While you are looking at the same landscape—the 240-mile loop—each lens allows you to see a completely different "layer" of reality, whether it is the ancient footprints of past civilizations, the invisible heat of a supervolcano, or the real-time data of flowing rivers.

Potential Value for the Regional Community

Because this was primarily a test/learning project, we didn't go into it thinking about just how it might be used and by whom, although we think it could apply to trip planning by visitors and tourists and there may be uses for educational purposes. We are already contemplating enhancements. We like that the route connects a diverse array of communities in the region.

• Economic Driver: By highlighting a diverse array of attractions and businesses, the Circuit could encourage regional visitation and direct it into the heart of regional communities.

• Immersive Technology: Using an ArcGIS Scene Viewer, the project features a 3D layer that allows users to visualize the "Sky Island" rising from the desert in high fidelity.

• Scientific Engagement: The project incorporates data layers from authoritative sources , including the USGS, BLM, NOAA, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), NM RGIS (New Mexico Resource Geographic Information System), the National Hydrography Dataset (USA NHD), the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, and others. These datasets include features such as live stream gages showing real-time water volume and animated streamlines displaying current wind patterns, appealing to those interested in "World-Changing Science."

User Experience & Scalability

• No App is required. The StoryMap is accessed via desktop or mobile web browsers. The StoryMap is responsive for use in mobile browsers.
• The foundation uses Hosted Feature Layers, making this a living digital asset that can be easily revised, updated, and expanded as corrections and new attractions are suggested.