Creating the viral Amtrak 2035 map was the result of extensive and long-term efforts by the GIS specialist at the agency, who integrated geospatial data from various partners and the Federal Railroad Administration to create a comprehensive network map. Initially, Amtrak lacked a complete GIS network of its routes, particularly outside the northeast corridor, which led to the specialist collaborating with colleagues to gather and map essential data like mileposts. Although the map was originally part of a different planning project, it became pivotal when the agency needed to depict future plans, leading to its unexpected public exposure and sparking a nationwide discussion about train travel's future. The experience highlighted the importance of years of data preparation and being in the right place at the right time, allowing the specialist's work to gain significant attention and impact.