Below is the finished park map. I combined aspects from the current map, and an older version of the park map. I took inspiration from State Parks and National Parks to help me make it look more professional. Since some areas have a bunch of info in one place, I made a few close ups of these dense areas and have the pictograms in these closeups in their appropriate place.
Park Map
Park Information (Reverse of Park Map)
The finished trail map. I implemented a colorful contour system to represent how high the elevation is. I also made the roads, and parking lots more visible and more detailed, including driveways up to parking lots.
Trail Map
Trail Information (Reverse of Trail Map)
Why people have said my Map is better:
The pictograms I used are already in use by the National Park Service and New York State Parks, so it gives some familiarity and standardization. I made the Lodge and Shelter pictograms to better represent how they look in real life.
I also made it clear about the roads, including if a road is one-way.
A comparison between the current (left) and my map (right) on the detail presented in the same area. Unlike the current map, it shows unnamed trails and the current trails better reflect how they actually are in real life.
Current Park Map currently offered
Park Map that I made
Below are the closeups from the previous image, featuring not only clarified detail, but the pictograms are in their appropriate places. You can even see a parking lot is one way.
Comparison between the current (left) and my trail map (right) of the same area. While the official map just uses satellite imagery, I used a colorful contour system to show the elevation. Unlike the general park map, you can also see more detail of the parking lots and driveways within the park.
Note: It appears that the intersection marks don't appear to be used anymore (some missing signs) so I didn't include them in my trail map.
Current Trail Map currently offered
Trail Map that I made
Click on the button to see the full thing as a PDF! You can even print it if you wish!
Development
Grid below are some existing park maps that help me figure how how to make my maps look professional. Hover your mouse over it to see what park it is.
Fillmore State Park
Letchworth State Park
Yellowstone National Park
Early Trail Map. At this stage, the mapping was all done and all I had to do was to was to create the legend and other information such as "MENDON PONDS PARK | Trail Map." Pond names are also not present. This map was created first.
An early park map. This was a bit after the trails and roads were implemented from the trail map and the pictograms were being implemented.
Map that is closer to the final. Street names are currently not present, and the Point of Interest pictogram is different.
