Outdoor Recreation Data Network

The Outdoor Recreation Data Network consists of individuals and organizations who actively develop, test, and apply data-intensive methods that support recreation science, decision-making, and stewardship. The community of researchers, managers, data experts, engineers, and advocates has a shared interest in information that improves recreation on public lands.

Network objectives:

  • Measure visitation and visitor use of federally managed lands & waters
  • Develop and evaluate recreation monitoring techniques
  • Advance analytical and modeling approaches for visitor estimation
  • Create a forum for applied research and practical problem-solving
  • Build software and tools for managing and visualizing data
  • Facilitate data sharing and data governance
  • Promote ethical research and visitor privacy

The Network grew out of a series of workshops in 2019 and 2023 that assembled leaders in the field to discuss the current state of knowledge and information gaps that hinder recreation management.

Network Functions

Data Acquisition

  • Aggregate datasets on visitor use, biophysical environment, built infrastructure and facilities
  • Conduct on-site visitor counts and surveys
  • Design and deploy citizen science programs

Data Engineering and Storage

  • Develop recreation meta/data and standards
  • Develop APIs for data sharing

Analytics and Modeling

  • Apply data science and statistical methods
  • Develop machine learning and AI techniques
  • Evaluate and benchmark models
  • Develop data visualizations and dashboards

Management and Policy

  • Inform public land management

Governance

  • Maintain membership structure
  • Manage data ownership and access
  • Plan and organize convenings

Resources

Guidance Documents

The Network has produced briefing documents and reviews of best practices on technical aspects of visitor monitoring systems.

Tools

Membership

Membership is open to data contributors, engineers, scientists, public land managers, advocates, and advisors. For more information contact Spencer Wood.