Guardian in Your Pocket: How GIS Technology Keeps Smokies Hikers Safe

Outdoors -- January 15, 2026: That is a great insight— When you’re deep in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains, the beauty is breathtaking—but the terrain can be unforgiving. While most visitors carry a smartphone, few realize that a sophisticated digital safety net called Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is working behind the scenes to keep them safe.For the rangers of the Smokies, GIS isn’t just about making maps; it’s about saving lives. By connecting precise locations with real-