Here's My Version 3 Feature List So Far:
-Topographic Series maps
-KML Edition
-GPS Support
-Much more accurate base data (I'm going to redo the base data from scratch)
-Integration of numerous historic maps
-Integration of information from numerous books and triplogs
-Beaver dams
-Numerous corrections
-Lake Index (ie if you want to find Canoe L, then the lake index would tell you it's in F)
-More logging roads shown (Skid trails)
-Moose viewing areas shown (Need a colour scheme/symbol idea if I'm going to do this - any ideas?)
-Many other minor additions (Hwy km markers, cell twr locations, etc)
-All hills over x ft marked (100ft?)
-Canoe route km markers
Portages marked " just leave gear/canoe here and walk to end"
Gear will arrive in under a hour by younger porter and it will only cost $1 a bag/canoe ( well $5 for canoe perhaps)
Ok,OK and then I awoke and realised ... I was only dreaming and this was not
a airport where I suddenly became responsible for my one suitcase and my sweethearts other 5 suitcases
Obviously redcaps in the interior are unlikely
BTW:
Your version II map is fantastic...
What can I say besides... I love the book sized pages ,
especuially as they fit in waterproof ziplocks..
Thanks
Rac n
99.227.23.221
Re: Geriactric options/features needed
March 18 2009, 11:10 PM
LOL you're always good for a laugh Racoon!
Thx for the map compliments - it means a lot coming from someone with so much Algonquin experience :D
Btw, hope to see you in the park again this year :D!
Haven't looked at your current colour scheme, but what about something unobtrusive like a tan shading around the shore of the lake. seems logical to me. wouldn't have to worry about it intersecting with other symbols, though you may require more precision in detailing exactly when a beach starts/ends.
burkg
142.46.52.34
V3
March 19 2009, 10:57 AM
Jeffrey
Please check your email when you get a chance.
burkg
130.63.211.12
Re: V3
March 19 2009, 12:10 PM
Bryce: Hmm good thinking, thanks!
BurkG: Thanks for the email! Sent you an email back.
I can't thank you enough for all your efforts to make the most up to date map available for us. However I find the new map too cluttered with things I don't need nor care about. I realise that the map is downloadable for illustrator but not all can afford or know how to use this programme. A simplified map might meet more of the needs of some people. Keep the contents to the a minimum, like canoe routes, hiking trails, portages and lengths, camp sites. Try to keep it to the basics.
TIA
JDL
RHON
130.63.211.12
Re: Less is More
March 19 2009, 1:34 PM
Well, that'd already available . There's the layered PDF posted which allows you to turn layers off. You only need the free acrobat reader.
Making a single version means that I need to compromise and decide what most people want. For instance, I don't care about fishing, but there's a good number of people that do. When you think about it, many people might not care about Hwy 60 trails, backpacking trails, etc, and I have to make a choice to include that info. Hope that makes sense .
I'm not Jeff but I think the new map is awesome. I think the whole idea is to have everything...And I think the idea is to use it as a supplement to existing canoe or hiking maps not a replacement. For instance, when hiking this year I plan on taking the park published hiking trails map, as this pretty much only has information on it pertinent to hiking. It's very easy to pull it out at a trail junction, find out which way to go and boom you are done. However, if you only look at that map...Since it is so simplified you will miss a lot of the cool interesting features found on Jeffrey's map. Used together you are unstoppable. I will be taking and using both. Two different tools for two different purposes but that is just me.
130.63.234.225
Re: Less is More
March 19 2009, 3:17 PM
Hey AZ,
Yea, my general goal is to make a map suitable for canoeing and exploration. That means showing historical portages, trails, etcetc. There are a bunch of maps that don't show much info, and I feel that it's useful information to have. Clearly I'm not including anything I see as useless .
JDL: If the complaint is that some elements are given too much visual importance, then I see that as something to work on, but I don't see value in removing peak portage elevations, lake elevations, etcetc. I've even created the layered version for those who want to define a custom look and don't want certain layers...
AZ: That's a neat way to look at it (ie using the official map as a quick reference). I'm confident enough in my map to say that my portage locations, lengths, etc are not perfect, but more correct than any other map. So personally, I use my map for navigation - but as you point out, on the backpacking trail you only need to know which way to go.
DOH or DUH, So that thing on the side of the browser window is for scrolling the page. LOL
Thanks Again Jeff, Super Job
JDL
RHON
130.63.234.225
Re: Less is More
March 19 2009, 4:13 PM
Hehehe . I hope you understand why I make the choices I make. Obviously I'm overjoyed no matter how you use it . For what it's worth, it was a pain to get that layered file to less than 500MB :p. So it's good to know someone is using it!
If you need any help on printing your custom map, just let me know.
Well, from my perspective...I can see JDL's point about it hurting my eyes a little. I mean, try to follow the WUT around and it gets a little tedious. However, I wouldn't want to give up any of the information on your map...If you see what I'm saying. The backpacking map just has the trail, lakes...Not much else. Easy to read if that is all you want to see. However, your map will make any trip much more interesting, I think. (It lists so many cool things that are NOT on the backpacking map) Oh yah...on your map you have the WUT trail going over / into lakes in a few places. Not complaining...Just FYI Again, GREAT JOB and THANKS!!!
130.63.234.225
Re: Less is More
March 19 2009, 5:41 PM
In terms of hurting the eyes... I think that's a matter of visual priority. I posted the map to Cartotalk.com (A map design website,) and that was one of the key comments. If you look at the NTS (National Topographic Series,) maps you'll see that they have lots of content but they're very visually pleasing. Yes, the scale is different, but I think it's more than that.
Just my thoughts . I'll see what I can do for v.3!
I'll fix the WUT trail where it goes over lakes .
Thanks for your comments, they're much appreciated. Things like this really help me figure out what needs improvement.
Jeff - Thanks for this wonderful map. Everyone I send the link to absolutely loves it.
As someone stated on this topic: "less is more", so I wouldn't add too much additional data as it will become a treasure map. I spend more time looking at the map then working as it is.
I know we've emailed in the past regarding cell towers - I think they would be great to have - for safety sake.
Contrary to another request, I'm not sure lake shoals and contours are good for the fish population. I think having the type of fish in the lakes is good enough.
Something to think about: Adding too much detail may drive sales away from the Friends of Algonquin Park maps and guidebooks. Granted that there's a lot more information in the guidebooks than in the maps but for fisherman and others it may drive less sales. I may be wrong on this but it's a possiblity. You may want to produce some rolled up copies for sale in the park or in their on-line store.
That being said - the only request would be to see if the Flash version could display the map 2x or 3x wider so it fills the browser screen. Toggling to an Imperial scale (feet, miles) would help our canoeing friends in Liberia.
A grateful map user.
Carl
130.63.164.148
Re: Thanks Jeff for this Work of Art.
March 19 2009, 6:14 PM
Hey Carl,
I'm glad you like it . Yea, I've added cell towers to my version 3 feature list. Originally I had been going to add them this time around, then I had second thoughts, and then I said 'why not?'
What do others feel about shoals/contours? Shoals are pretty pubic as it is since they're on NTS maps....
I've thought about the FoA 'damage' you've referred to a lot. Here's what I've concluded after a few years of thought on the matter... I can't simply make a bad product to make them more money. Also, I don't think it's a good thing to shield them from competition - I've constantly encouraged them to improve their map and gotten little more than 'yea, someday.' That being said, I certainly don't want to hurt them. I really appreciate the work they do. So, I've settled on asking for folks to donate to them. I track stats on my site, so I know how many people have clicked the 'Donate to the FoA' link. I don't know how many people went through with it, but I'm hoping it's made some difference. I'd be more than willing to get copies of the map sold in their stores, as well as getting them the highest margin possible. Someone has volunteered to take my book to them to see what they say... What do you think? I hope you can understand my reasoning.
Hmmm, the flash viewer doesn't fill your screen? What resolution are you using? The limiting factor is displays that are 1024x768 (Many people still use this resolution.) For what it's worth, you can download a taller version of the viewer that's the right size to print to 8.5"x11" paper off of my site.
I'd like to integrate a bunch of features beyond what the flash viewer has now, but don't have the skills. Can anyone help out?
Hey Jeffrey, I'm not sure I want any part of those "Types" of shoals....Hmmm...Would the next version of the map come in a black bag and be covered in plastic...And require ID to purchase? :D
. I need symbol ideas too.
