Google Maps added - Reviews Only

[Mellow]

I was bored... actually, I couldn't sleep so I added a google map with markers showing State, National Parks, MC only, SNA/NRA, etc types of campgrounds.

Right now, I've only added markers for places we've reviewed on the site, I'll update this as we have more reviews.. since there are literally thousands of campgrounds it doesn't make sense for me to try and add a marker for every one.. I think this will just be something we develop over time, and it motivates people to post a review...

That'll teach me to stay up.. okay, I'm sleepy now....zzzzzzzzzz

Oh, here's the link:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/vbgooglemaphse.php

It's also on the main page in the informational links section.

[Mellow]

Okay, back at work, been here for an hour... I think some strong :java1: is in order...
Then a little... :boss5: and I'll leave to go home :couch1:

[Doobage]

Good job on the google map. Do you know if they've resolved having more than 200 markers on a map? When I looked into it awhile back that seemed to be an issue.

One of the options I considered was allowing a user to toggle between the types of markers which would then help limit how many are displayed.

But that takes a little bit more work since the markers then need to be associated with a classification, like "state", as well as category.

I was able to make a converter for city/state into google happy-coords., but that was primarily for the use of pulling in the user profile information. That way you could see "roughly" where a person lives, without the risk of getting too personal (exact address isn't something good to distribute IMO). And it kept the users from needing to do anything other than populating their profile with city, state. A secondary issue arrives however when more than one marker represents the same area. Google maps then decides which one is on top. I meant to write the map makers to ask if they'd be adding an ability to click on a marker and show all underlying markers (like a group function).

I like to see roughly where people are geographically...I don't really know why. Perhaps I can relate to them better if I know where they are. For trip planning purposes, it would certainly be useful to PM people in a region you plan to ride through.

Anyhow, your lack of sleep paid off. It looks good. Eat some no-doze and look busy!

[Mellow]

I haven't checked into the 300 marker issue yet but the developer that put this together is working on a clasification mod in the next version which will allow you to filter only the categories you want i.e. Free Camgrounds or MC only ...

I'm also not sure how well two maps work on one site, ther is a member edition version that using lat/lon coords, not sure how that compares to what you were doing.

If I decide to skip some more sleep tonight I may try to install that one too... LOL

[STeveGray]

Very cool, Mellow. You've got to start getting by on less sleep so you can do more stuff like this. :D Well done!

[Mellow]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[basco]

Some states have something like their own marker map for state parks. I know Michigan does.

[Mellow]

Some states have something like their own marker map for state parks. I know Michigan does.

Yeah, I was originally thinking of putting every possible National/State park on the map but that's not any more useful than going to that state's website and finding a site...

What I want is a Motorcylist's point of view of a campground therefore, only those with reviews show up. I know it means the map is incomplete but at the same time having campgrounds listed but no idea of what a motorcyclist would think of it is just as incomplete.

During my last trip to Devils Fork campground (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277) we found out real quick that some of the sites weren't optimal for bikers as there was an incline, actually, anyone camping unless they were in a trailer probably wouldn't like some of the sites. This kind of info/intel is what I'd like to showcase here.

Let me know what you think, I'm trying to provide the most useful information without just loading a bunch of stuff. I'm open to suggestions and if what I'm trying to do is overkill and a complete list is more important, just shout...

Thanks,

[Doobage]

The idea of showing only what's reviewed is an excellent idea.

Developing your own is fairly easy. Just setup your own Google ID and you'll embed that ID on your map page. The Coordinates can be obtained from several sites that generate them in several methods. I ended up using a web service to pass the information into and receive XML data back from, stripped out the coordinates and then plopped it into the format the map wanted.

As far as having multiple maps, I think you can only have one map of that type per page (I suppose you could use layering to provide the illusion that it was on the same page). Aside from that, you should be able to have multiple maps on your site.

Google's concern was any place that was going to generate many hits a day, there were some rules regarding how they wanted it to be free or paid.

But if you've got plug n' pray modules, let them do the ugly stuff. The map you displayed was perfectly fine for what this site can use.

[sandman]

Did I miss it?

Don't forget Willsville MC only campground at mile marker 177 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Gordon

[Mellow]

Did I miss it?

Don't forget Willsville MC only campground at mile marker 177 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Gordon

No one has added a review for that campground, go ahead and add one and then I'll add it to the map.

I guess, by definition, any MC Only Campground is motorcycle-friendly and made for us so it might not need a review.. .also, there aren't that many of them so it wouldn't take me a year to get them all on the map.... I can always link back to the review once someone does one.

Thanks,

[Trailace]

Great Map!

[Mellow]

Did I miss it?

Don't forget Willsville MC only campground at mile marker 177 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Gordon

Gordon, thanks for the review.. I added it to the map and linked it to your review.

I also added a few other MC Only markers even though we didn't have any reviews yet - it just seemed like these campgrounds shouldn't neccessitate a review as they are targeted for us but if someone does review them, I'll link to it from the marker.

[funny-biz]

Very cool, Mellow!

If you add Florida to the forums, I can add some Sunshine State reviews for you.

:)

[Mellow]

Very cool, Mellow!

If you add Florida to the forums, I can add some Sunshine State reviews for you.

:)

Done, thank you sir!

[funny-biz]

Done, thank you sir!

Watch the "Sir" stuff. I've got a reputation to keep. :D

[Mellow]

Watch the "Sir" stuff. I've got a reputation to keep. :D

okay 'Bro', you got it. :D

[CamperDane]

Joe,
There's a few nice camping spots on Taliment Senic Drive. I'm surprised you didn't mention them. I've never camped there but I have ridden by them many times.

[Mellow]

Joe,
There's a few nice camping spots on Taliment Senic Drive. I'm surprised you didn't mention them. I've never camped there but I have ridden by them many times.

Well, I've never camped at any of them. My parents live nearby so I'm always there and I only like to review campgrounds where I've actually camped.

I have stayed at Clayton Lake Sate Park and Robber's Cave State Park... I'm gonna have to go stay at the park on the drive someday... thanks for the suggestion.

[ImRubicon]

Well done I like it :D

[GoldWingGL]

I am using the new Google Maps:map2: to pinpoint the photos in my Web album.