Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Documenting Your Hike via a Geo-Diary
In preparation for my hike on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), I have been trying to figure out how to put together a geo-diary of my hike. Ultimately what I would like to do is put something together in Google Earth (everyone should have Google Earth downloaded on their computers!) that would have the path I followed for my CDT hike. I want to post pictures and notes on this map, and make it an interactive experience for friends and family who will be following me on my hike. However, I have had a hard time trying to figure out how to remotely upload GPS information when I find myself in town taking a zero day.
Today, I discovered EveryTrail.com, which has the answer to my problem. EveryTrail allows one to upload GPS information to their site, which can be imported into Google Maps and Google Earth. BINGO! They also provide capability for one to plug a map widget into a blog, which will display an interactive map of one's journey along with pictures and notes. One can also go to EveryTrail's site to check out a trip. Here's a link to see what it looks like. Cool eh?
Before I get too excited, I certainly need to try all this out before I do this blindly on the CDT. First things first: get a cable that I can pug into my Garmin eTrex Vista GPS. I have an older serial port cable that's not going to work on my Mac - I need to check and see if I can get a cable that has a USB connection. Second, I have to relearn how to use my GPS. It's been so long (2003) since I've used it. I have a VHS tape that teaches one to use a GPS, but the last time I tried running it, I could not get the VCR player I unearthed working right. By the way, check out this video before throwing out that old VCR.
I may try out the widget on this site before I throw it on my soon-to-be-built CDT blog - yes, I will be doing a separate blog for the CDT. Anyway, look for the EveryTrail widget on this site, perhaps starting today. Perhaps I can record my hike to Best Buy to see if they have the cable I need for my GPS. I think I can still remember to enter waypoints!
Today, I discovered EveryTrail.com, which has the answer to my problem. EveryTrail allows one to upload GPS information to their site, which can be imported into Google Maps and Google Earth. BINGO! They also provide capability for one to plug a map widget into a blog, which will display an interactive map of one's journey along with pictures and notes. One can also go to EveryTrail's site to check out a trip. Here's a link to see what it looks like. Cool eh?
Before I get too excited, I certainly need to try all this out before I do this blindly on the CDT. First things first: get a cable that I can pug into my Garmin eTrex Vista GPS. I have an older serial port cable that's not going to work on my Mac - I need to check and see if I can get a cable that has a USB connection. Second, I have to relearn how to use my GPS. It's been so long (2003) since I've used it. I have a VHS tape that teaches one to use a GPS, but the last time I tried running it, I could not get the VCR player I unearthed working right. By the way, check out this video before throwing out that old VCR.
I may try out the widget on this site before I throw it on my soon-to-be-built CDT blog - yes, I will be doing a separate blog for the CDT. Anyway, look for the EveryTrail widget on this site, perhaps starting today. Perhaps I can record my hike to Best Buy to see if they have the cable I need for my GPS. I think I can still remember to enter waypoints!
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