Hey everyone!

I've got something really awesome to share with you - my new map :D

Not surprisingly I've made a huge number of changes. The biggest one is the look and feel of the map; I spent over three months choosing, tweaking and perfecting the colour scheme. You'll notice that all of the most important elements like the campsites and portages stick out while the less important elements like historic ranger cabins or fish species fade into the background. There's nothing worse than having to stare at your map for 5 minutes while being blown down Opeongo.

Old:


New:

(Credit goes to Markus for the comparison shots; they're from his upcoming review of the new map :D )

I've also added spot heights, hunting cabins, rapid classifications, parkbus stop locations, fish sanctuary indicators, provincially significant wetland indications, and more old growth.

And of course there're more campsites and portages have been GPSed, there are more corrections from my observations and the observations of hundreds of Algonquin enthusiasts, there's more fishing data, more data from historic maps, more crown land campsites, more access points and more hiking trails!

But there's more!

The print copies of the new map are going to blow you away. They're crisper and sharper than ever before having been professionally printed and are waterproof, tear resistant and they float. Yes, they float. In fact, it's so awesome I have to show you:



Pretty amazing eh?

I've divided the map into four sections, each 2 by 3 feet for ease of handling - but don't worry, I've made sure that there's lots of overlap between sections so you should only need a single map for most trips (they're only 85g each!)

On the back they include instructions for planning a trip (including avoiding noise and avoiding hills so tall that you don't see the top until 10 minutes in), tips on using the map to make your trip more engaging, and information on building a campfire, on spotting satellites, and on Algonquin's fish and wildlife (including footprints of each species to scale). You really have to take a look at one to understand how useful and engaging that content is :D

So check it out! As always it's a free download.http://algonquinmap.com

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

You had me at "My new Algonquin map"! Very nice Jeffrey, I'll be picking one up for my next trip, Thank you. Cheers Tom

Needs more cowbell.

Jeff

All I can say is Thank You for your time and dedication. I can not begin to imagine the amount of time and work you have put into this.

Thank You for helping to make mine and many others time in Algonquin Park that much more enjoyable.

Cheers
Rob

Gonna start calling you the MAP-MAN! This #4 version is 5-STAR!

Barry Bridgeford
http://www.AlgonquinAdventures.com
http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry
http://www.abrweb.ca/docs/ABR-LNT-L50S.pdf .. Backcountry of Algonquin Park Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics

Have any retailers started to stock the map? (for the people that need instant gratification and can't wait to have the maps mailed)

I am a proud owner of a hard copy version of the maps, simply awesome. The durability of the new maps is great and accuracy is astounding.

Well done Jeffrey!

I have seen them for sale at the Ka-Wa-Way-Mog park office and understand they are available at MEC.

Andrew.

Jeffrey,

I look forward to adding your newest version of the map to my collection of Park maps. Your continued efforts to improve the mapping of the Park are in themselves a great achievement, involving computer and mapping expertise beyond my comprehension, attention to detail, as well as great passion. I am sure that the new map itself reflects your dedication in its physical manifestation. Congratulations. Your service to the canoeists of the interior and to the Park itself are an inspiration.





Rory MacKay
"Anyone who has known Algonquin Park will be disappointed when they get to Heaven" -- Ralph Bice.

After what seems like years of printing small sections and watching them disintegrate on trips, finally a durable water proof map. Great work...I got mine a few days ago.

@T.O.TOM - :D thanks. And yay for being up at 2am :p
@Preacher - Everything needs more cowbell! :D
@Rob - :D hope it comes in handy!
@Barry - Haha you can join Markus in doing that haha. Glad you like it!
@Rick - Yup. As Andrew says MEC has them. A bunch of the access point offices and outfitters too. If you tell me where you're located I can give you a list of places nearby
@Rory - Thanks a bunch!
@Norm - glad you like it dude!

As always.. let me know if you spot any errors . And GPS data is always much appreciated.

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Wow love the new look.

When will the updated map be available on iphone/ipad using Avenza?

It already is . Just go to the map store in the PDF Maps app and search for Jeff's Map and you'll be good to go :D

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

ahh excellent!!

I took my ipad on our last canoe trip a few weeks ago


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Haha nice pic

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

One word: Brilliant.

The benchmark of the canoeist's map.

Well done, and thank you very much!

I own a couple of park maps ... simply put .. this one is the best ...

Well done, Jeffery. An excellent project completed.

I see my map-making skills I taught you were useful! lol


Bo

Hehe thanks guys :D

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

You are killing me Jeff.......just got back from a 9 day trip......using your map....in hand....solo....got to the 500 meter portage before Francis lake....it was getting dark....saw the railroad tracks...saw the portage sign.....decided not to explore....took the portage....trees down narrow lots of obstacles.....lots of energy used up ....got to the other side...saw the gravel down from the railroad tracks on the other side.......should of took that route especially as it was getting late and I was getting tired......


Just looked on the 4.0 edition....presto...it was there all I had to do was take it

For your info ...last year coming up the Tim River was daydreaming and took the left turn into ShawShaw lake....just took it to the end...and a 50 meter carry over a fairly unobstructed way .....came down into some water....had to lift over a couple of obstacles and a small amount of swamp and then out on Tim lake

I work to impress

Thanks for the info :D. Always much appreciated.

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Markus just posted his review :D

http://www.markinthepark.com/blog_files/jeffs-map-version-4.html

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

just placed my order can't wait!!!!!

Just purchased mine as well, can't wait for it to get here! Yipeee

Hope you all like em! Post back here with your comments when you receive them

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Thanks Jeffery it's amazing. Got it on the wall in the rec room. Spent a couple of hours with friends looking it over reminiscing places we've been and future places we want to go.

Glad you like it Paul :D. Let me know if you ever spot any errors.

Nice username by the way!

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Amazing, just placed my order, I can officially retire my Chrismar maps. Well done Jeff.

:D thanks Roovs! FYI it's already packed up and ready to go


Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Kudos, young man. An impressive undertaking and an even more impressive result. Are signed copies still an option?

PaPaddler

:D thanks PaPaddler! Sure, just remind me if/when you order. There's a comment form when you're looking at your cart, so just remind me there.

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Just picked one of these up. It is awesome!
Keep up the good work!

Glad you like it :D. Let me know if you ever have any suggestions.


Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Best online map I have ever seen of any park. Jeff your map is a little too addictive, I can't stop looking at it, if you keep working on it your gonna be the Algonquin Map Lord! First taste is free!

Thanks for putting it together!

Paul

Hahaha. Feel free to call me Algonquin Map Lord any day :p

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Jeff,

I really love the new look. It is much easier to read than previous versions (which were still great, btw). I can only imagine how much fiddling it took to get it right - there are so many details - but it turned out amazingly well. You are a prince for sharing this freely with everyone.

I was happy to see the new paper copies at MEC when I popped in pre-trip last month. I loved the Jeff's Maps logo at the top!

Yea, it certainly took a long time! But it really makes a huge difference. There's more info than before on there, but it just looks better and easier to read.

Glad you like the logo . That took forever as well, but I'm super happy with the result!


Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Just got the maps last night Jeff, they are incredible!

Recent news has me thinking... Are your maps also flame-retardant?

Just kidding -- nice work as always!

Hey Jeffrey, Love the Map. Just a question about online viewing

The old version you used to beable to zoom in and out with the mouse wheel. Seems it doesn't work in this version or viewer (using Google Chrome)

It just made things faster for me at least instead of clicking the + and - for zooming!

Stephen

Looks great Jeff! I just want to add to all the comments above that this version is especially helpful for me as I am colourblind (red/green) and I find that the important stuff pops right out and the stuff I'm less likely to be looking for melds into the background. I found some areas on the old map to be cluttered, with the new colours I find them less confusing. And it's just in time for my next trip too

:D glad you like em Roovs :D. Anything that stuck out that you really liked?

@Bryce - Looked into that actually. The problem is the low melting point of the ink actually.

@Stephen - Hmmm really? I didn't do anything differently this time that I know of. I'll try to figure that out though... but considering I don't know what I did I can't make any promises.

@Bradley - Is there anything that you find really difficult to read? Are there any exceptions where important stuff doesn't pop out?

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Very disappointed to see the visitors centre does not have your map. Although they do carry Chrismar an Backroadmaps versions. Very shortsighted. Seems contrary to the very nature of a Friends program.

Martin

What can I say...

I've had a meeting with park staff about expanding distribution and should know the outcome shortly.


Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Jeff, I like the look of the map - they seem pretty easy on eyes. In addition to that, I like to look over the map while sitting in camp and discussing with others the plan of attack for the day, where to try fishing (and for what species) or wildlife viewing, or what site next to try visiting. With the Chrismar maps, I've found they are not 100% accurate - while more accurate than the outdate FOA map, they still aren't the most up to date. Having your map in a waterproof foldable format is both user friendly in the backcountry, and I know the information is the most up to date and accurate of all sources. The campsites are going to be there, the portages are were they are supposed to be, etc. That, as they say, is priceless.

Hehe, you should write promo text for me

Thanks Roovs. Glad you like it

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Thanks for the great map Jeff. I agree with Dewlap. Its addictive. Forget facebook or twitter at work. I pull up the pdf and dream of trips to take on my breaks.

Ordered mine today.

Scott

http://www.flickr.com/photos/electronwranglr

Hehe thanks Scott :D. Glad you like it. Let me know if you ever spot any errors!

It'll ship out momentarily by the way

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Greetings everyone.

I have Jeffery's APP Map Books, Versions 2.0 and 3.0. Recently Jeffery's new Canoe Maps arrived, all four + the free bonus map. All of the publications I have from Jeffery are excellent.

Today the 4' x 6' Wall Map arrived, wow, stellar it is, nicely rolled up in a plastic sleeve, shipped inside of a cardboard tube, all good!

Thanks again, Jeffery, well done! The maps will be definitely be put to good use for many years.

Next up, really looking forward to getting out canoe tripping this year a few times in APP and participating in a "Meet and Greet" sometime in the months to follow, something that Jeffery and I conversed of a few days ago and had been attempted a few years ago.

All the best everyone, cheers, Scott http://www.algonquinmap.com/

Ordered mine today - all 4 + 1. Can't wait to put them to use (but hope I don't field test the buoyancy). Thanks again, Mr. Cartograpgher-extraordinairre!

PaPaddler

Jeff, just a quick question that I don't see asked anywhere... Why would you ship a bonus section when a person orders all 4 sections?

Is the idea that I would get all 4 plus an extra of the portion of the park I use most in case that one wears out first?

What I'd really like to do is order the 4 sections plus the wall map.

It's listed as "buy all 4 and get one for a friend" to initiate others into the world of Algonquin which, once you've done that, you realize what a great gift it truly is. But Jeffrey's maps are so sweet that it will be tough to let one go!

PaPaddler

@Scott :D thanks for the kind words Scott . Yea, that definitely sounds like something that'd be fun

@PaPaddler any time. You really should test the floatability. It's just fun to see :D

@Lesta The extra copy was a last minute addition. It was always going to be $45 for all 4 sections - I never had a plan to charge any less and then ended up adding extra $ to account for the free copy. The extra one really is just intended as a free copy for a friend - what better way to introduce them to the park? If you manage to wear a copy out then I haven't a clue how you managed that or the copy was defective somehow which means you get a free replacement. They shouldn't ever fail on you. Ever. Obviously it costs me extra to give an extra copy and to ship the extra copy (shipping is a whopping $0.25 extra for me) but as PaPaddler notes, there's no better way to introduce someone to the park (and my maps)

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Jeffrey,

While on McCraney lake last weekend I did test the water repellency of your map.
Threw it on the water, yup floated.
Step on the map getting it under the water, okay.

Water dripped off of it, no problem.

Two thumbs up!

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Ah yes of course!

I just so happen to have a friend who does a lot of camping in the hwy 60 area. Now it all makes sense.

Jeff I just grabbed all of the maps at MEC. I'm laying them out and planning

I was looking around the new map when I came up with a 2 night route out of cedar when I made a big change. I saw my first rout taking on about 100 m climb on my first portage. Something I could never see on the friends if Algonquin map.

Hope you like 'em Jon

@Lesta yea, it sure can make a big difference having that info when planning eh? :D. Glad the map could help!

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff

Wow! Just got order confirmation on Tuesday and received a set of brand spankin new vibrant maps this afternoon. Yeee-hawww!!!!!!! We'll be starting our drive up tomorrow and now will be directed by a fine set of art! Thanks, J-dogg!!! You are the tops, the Mona Lisa!

PaPaddler

:D Glad you like em. Hope you have a wonderful trip! Let me know if you spot any errors

Jeff

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My Algonquin Map - Relentlessly Accurate, Functionally Beautiful, Remarkably Detailed
                                It's Free Online & the Print Copies are Waterproof, Tear Resistant and Floatable! - Used by Park Staff