About the maps

How I made the maps

Each map consists of a features layer of my making overlaid onto an area of Google Maps™ coverage.  I used Google Maps™ satellite images for my map base.  I located features on the satellite image, zooming in as much as possible.  The maximum zoom level is 18 in the Trinidad area.  Click here to see a representative Google Maps™ image with zoom level 18.  At this scale, each pixel is about 0.5m (1.5ft) across.  I digitized coordinates to line up with the satellite image as much as possible.

Many portions of trails are under trees and are invisible on the satellite image.  To map these, I surveyed with a compass and pacing. From experience, I know that I take 75cm (2.5ft) steps on level or moderately sloping pathways, and smaller steps on stairs or steep slopes.  As I hiked, I took notes on direction and distance.

Returning home, I plotted my results on graph paper. Using my photo editor, I cleaned up the graphs, made them into negatives and overlayed them on the Google Maps™ satellite image.  I then had lines that I could digitize.

My hand plot of the upper Mill Creek Trail


Hand plot digitized on Google Maps™ satellite image
 

Getting the most out of the maps

I hope the maps are simple and straightforward to use, but there is much information. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from them:

• If you have a slow connection (via dail-up), keep your web browser in a small window so that the map will refresh in a reasonable time.
• If you have a high-speed connection, fast graphics and large monitor, try putting your web browser in full screen mode (the F11 key on most computers), then refresh the screen (via or Ctrl-R).
• Zoom in or out as needed for the level of detail you wish to see.
• Click on bubble icons and light brown trails for names, photos and descriptions.
• On the Trinidad State Beach map, click on trailhead icons for mileages.  Zooming way in, you will see creeks in dark blue and bridges in dark brown.  Try clicking on them, too.

Printing the maps

Before you print, do a print preview.  Experiment with landscape mode and changing scale.  This may be good enough.  However, for the very best results, I do a screen capture. Here are the steps I take:

1. I open my web browser and my photo editor at the same time.
2. For the highest resolution, I put my web browser in full-screen mode (the F11 key on most computers), then refresh the screen (via or Ctrl-R).
3. I click the link for the map I want to print.
4. I adjust the Google Maps™ position, zoom level and view type for my needs and preferences.
5. I press the Print Scrn key to capture the map image on the clipboard, then paste the image into my photo editor (usually Ctrl-V).
6. I make any adjustments that I wish to make to the image with the photo editor.  I usually increase the contrast of the satellite images.
7. I select paper for the map.  I generally prefer photo-quality matte.
8. I size the image for the paper, select an appropriate photo quality and print the map.
9. Please be aware - the maps are copyrighted.  I am happy for you to print them in your home for personal use, and to take print-outs with you to sight-see and to hike, but please do not post or distribute physical or electronic copies.  The Google Maps™ base is separately copyrighted.  Please refer to the Google Maps™ geo-guidelines.

I created these maps in 2010.  I welcome your comments, critiques and suggestions. Please write.  I hope that you enjoy using the maps as much I did making them!