High Sierra Topix

rlown wrote:i see advantages to both. combine them into one offering on the HST.

Combining them might sound easy but leads to a lot more questions and concerns that define the what, where, how, etc...which in reality (and from the standpoint of a developer who has attempted things like this in the past), are not easy to answer or address.

The integration with the forums was one of the original goals of the HST map (some of which is still in development), to create a community map, and I see this goal not only quite different from Gmap4, but also something that is not amenable to any form of integration between the two.

seems like Joseph could help.. let him..

The problem with us independent software developers is that we are so dang independent. I think there is plenty of room in the world for the HST map, Gmap4, GPSvisualizer, ACMEmapper, Hillmap and the other free mapping tools to co-exist and each grow in their own unique way.

pick the best.. make it the HST map standard..

rlown wrote:pick the best.. make it the HST map standard..

The best is dependent upon who you ask, and like Joseph said each will grow to fill a niche.

Whether developers mingle between projects is dependent upon the project and the developer. I agree with Joseph that developers can be independent, but something else to consider is that small projects such as this can sometimes be hindered by multiple developers.

I am not sure what you feel is deficient in the HST map, or exactly what direct benefit you see through your efforts in trying to make the project more collaborative, but until specific things are named - things where the goal is tangible - then there won't be any effort to make them happen. I am open to suggestions, and if those suggestions necessitate opening the project to more developers or 'integrating' with other sites then we will deal with that when the time comes (but please keep them in the HST map suggestion thread and lets try and avoid hijacking this thread).

Recently Gmap4 was updated to version 4.1 and now includes a unique map-in-a-link feature that is worth mentioning. Anyone can now make a custom map and save their data right in a Gmap4 link. You do not need to save your data in a separate file such as a GPX or KML file. This may be the easiest and faster way for you to make a custom online topographic map.

To try out this feature:
1. Click Menu ==> Draw and Save
2. Click the map a few times to set draggable symbols and draw a line
3. Rightclick any symbol and select “Gmap4 display long link”

You can copy the link that is displayed, paste it into a new browser address bar, hit enter and your custom map will be displayed.

This feature also works on your iPhone, iPad, android and other mobile device. Remember, Gmap4 is a browser app and your browser has to be online. After you tap the screen to set some draggable symbols then tap a symbol and select “Action Menu”. The list of actions include two different ways to save a Gmap4 link that includes your data.

More information on this map-in-a-link feature can be found in the following three places.

1. What’s new page
Note the tip about deleting the ll and z parameters from your Gmap4 link.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_whats_new.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. Example page
Scroll down to the section titled “Your map data saved in the Gmap4 link”. The examples range from basic to advanced and give you a quick way to see some of the kinds of maps you can make with this feature.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_examples.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3. Help file
You can download the PDF file and search it (control-f) for the section titled “Make a custom map with Gmap4 and save it”.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA