[obc] Maps
Since making maps puts bread on my table I feel adequately qualified to comment on this subject. Producing maps can be expensive. Today, all maps are created using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) - computer software that combines graphics (lines representing roads, shapes representing lakes etc.) with attribute information about those graphics (road names, lake names etc.) Desktop versions of these systems start at $2000. Then you need to buy data, although a lot can be had for free if you know how to find it. Then you need to manipulate the graphics based on the attributes. Then you need to decide how to publish the data. And when teh data changes - a new road gets built, or a dirt road gets paved, somebody has to update the database. The prohibiting factor in these types of initiatives is time - time is expensive. Publishing takes two forms (at least as has been requested on this list), internet or hardcopy (paper). Internet mapping is a world in itself. There are two general options: provide map images (in .jpg, .bmp etc) of a map that a GIS technician has prepared. End users on the internet access this image the same as opening a picture of say, Lance Armstrong, but a map image is generally quite large - it has to be in order to provide the necessary information in a legible manner. This causes issues with file storage, download time, and end users having the right tool to view the map etc. These are all issues that can be overcome, but not easily or cheaply. The other option is more interactive for the end user, but very expensive. It involves a GIS web server (hardware), another type of GIS web software, and time spent developing a user interface to simplify the access for end-users i.e. programming a button to display the OBC route from Ottawa to Manotick. This is the future of the mapping industry, but right now, a minimum cost of $50,000 to implement would be my best guess. (Most ISP's don't have the required type of server). An example of this type of website is Mapquest. Hardcopy maps again require lots of time. The same data would be used to do the internet mapping, or the hardcopy maps, but it is a question of time. How to colour the roads, how to label the roadnames, what size paper to put it on etc. I don't think the OBC could sell enough to make the investment worthwhile. So although the idea is great, and it would be fun for someone like me to do, I don't think that we are going to see OBC route maps on the internet anytime soon, or an official OBC hardcopy map for sale in the stores. Time to produce and cost of producing are just too prohibitive at this time. Many people have mentionned great alternatives here. try them. Or, get out on your bike, turn down a road and see where you end up. kevin Kevin Nelson - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
[obc] Maps
Kevin == Kevin Nelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: [much interesting information on GIS] Kevin So although the idea is great, and it would be fun for Kevin someone like me to do, I don't think that we are going to Kevin see OBC route maps on the internet anytime soon, or an Kevin official OBC hardcopy map for sale in the stores. Time to Kevin produce and cost of producing are just too prohibitive at Kevin this time. Actually, the OBC did sell a set of route maps and they were available in stores years ago (I still have a set). If I recall correctly, it was spear-headed by Dwight Yachuk. The technogoly was simple -- take an existing hard copy map (topo maps if I recall), then draw the routes on with a pen. The nice part about the maps was that they were done on tyvec (sp?) so that they weren't ruined if they got wet (like in a jersey pocket) Beaconsfield's maps are on line. (http://www.clubcycliste.com) They don't appear to be scanned, so perhaps they're using a more sophisticated approach along the lines of a GIS system. - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
Re: [obc] Maps
For those interested about inexpensive maps there is a solution: MapArt. MapArt publishes a CD with maps for Ottawa and the region which will show the essential routes and bike paths. You can pick it up in almost all gas stations for $19.95. I have been using it for over a year to measure bike rides and running routes and the distances are pretty close to the truth. I even compared it to a more sophisticated software (MapInfo v 7.0) and found little differences in distance measurements. MapArt has a web site and publishes other regional maps: http://www.MapArt.com Gilles Lamenoise - http://www.DevelCor.com Support shareware, register your program http://www.DevelCor.com/main/register.htm - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
Re: [obc] Maps
There is at least one open source GIS software system available called GRASS( http://www3.baylor.edu/grass/) . It is not the easiest piece of S/W to use and has a bit of learning curve. It is available for Linux/Unix and also Windows if you have Cygnus installed. It's originally a Unix package which also now available for the Mac :-) GRASS is tough on systems :-) Spencer - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
[obc] June Newsletter
I regret to announce that the Newsletter will not be delivered on time again this month. I will spare you the details as I would probably have to retain a lawyer if I said what is really on my mind right now. Anyhow, I was counting on the Newsletter being delivered before the RLCT so I have decided to post the PDF version on the website for a few days. You will likely get the hardcopy some time next week in the mail. You can download it from the following URL: http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter/Jun02.pdf Please note the above copy does not include the calendar which can be downloaded at: http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/OBC_Cal/MonthlyStyle.pdf On the up side, OBC members can read it and print it off in colour if you have access to a colour printer. The down side is the June newsletter is now In The Wild and non-members have access to it since this list is the only means I have of making announcements. If you are a non-member and download it, this is freebee compliments of the OBC. I hope it makes you consider joining. Please pass the link around to all your off-list OBC friends. Please also note the OBC is going to get hit with a high Internet bill this month because we have to pay for any bandwidth we use over a certain threshold. Another freebee for non-members. To all - Please DO NOT ask us to post it every month. It will only happen if access to it can be limited to members only. Unless you know how to do this and are prepared to volunteer to implement it, don't bother suggesting it. Enjoy. -Rod Plunkett Newsletter Editor Member #23 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
[obc] June Newsletter
Rod == Rod Plunkett [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Rod Please also note the OBC is going to get hit with a Rod high Internet bill this month because we have to pay for any Rod bandwidth we use over a certain threshold. An exercise for students of linear programming: What is the optimum number of people who would have to opt for electronic delivery only versus hardcopy only to minimize the cost to the club? Hard copy costs: printing, postage Soft copy costs: bandwidth Additional constraints: Postage discount if number mailed exceeds 1000. Memories of simplex dance through my head... (Weren't they a component maker? If so, this post might actually have something to do with a bicycle... Imagine that!) - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
[obc] June Newsletter
Rod == Rod Plunkett [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Rod On the up side, OBC members can read it and print it off in Rod colour if you have access to a colour printer. The down side Rod is the June newsletter is now In The Wild and non-members Rod have access to it since this list is the only means I have of Rod making announcements. If you are a non-member and download Rod it, this is freebee compliments of the OBC. I hope it makes Rod you consider joining. Felecitations Rod. The June issue looks really good, especially in colour. Further, I think that this issue does an excellent job of promoting the club, so being in the wild might not be so bad anyway. - For list help, please send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter - ==^ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^
