The woman behind that Amtrak map

The creation of Amtrak's 2035 map, which gained widespread attention during an election, is the result of years of meticulous work in geospatial data preparation and collaboration. Initially, there was no comprehensive GIS network for all Amtrak routes, prompting the map's creator to gather geospatial files from partners and the Federal Railroad Administration, and collaborate with colleagues to accurately map mileposts. Originally intended for a different planning project, the map was timely repurposed to illustrate Amtrak's future plans, leading to its unexpected public exposure and sparking a nationwide conversation about the future of train travel. The experience highlighted the often-unseen work of GIS professionals and offered the creator a unique opportunity to showcase the significance of their contributions in a high-profile context.