I am the author of Gmap4 which is a 100% free no-ads full-screen enhanced Google Map viewer. It includes detailed topographic maps (courtesy of www.mytopo.com) for the USA and Canada. Gmap4 runs entirely online. There is nothing to buy, nothing to download, nothing to install.

In addition to surfing topographic maps, you can also view data from the following types of files: GPX, KML, KMZ, TPO & Google MyMap files.

You do need to place your GPX, KML, KMZ and TPO files online before they can be displayed by Gmap4. The easiest/fastest way to place files online is via Google Sites (free). Don't be shy. You will find hand-holding-step-by-step instructions in the Gmap4 Help file.

Here is the general recipe for building a URL to display a data file with Gmap4 (do not include the quotes, these are not real links):
For data files showing locations in the USA or Canada:
'http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?t=t2&q=http://url_to_your_file'
For data files showing other locations:
'http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=http://url_to_your_file'

Below is a link to the Gmap4 homepage. Check out the 'Examples' button and the Quick Start section of the 'Help' file.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Finally, if you run a website where people file trip reports you could consider allowing Gmap4 to run in an iframe. Your users could include a 100% free interactive map with their GPS track and waypoints along with the rest of their trip report. Gmap4 has a liquid design and will look decent in an iframe down to 400px by 400px. For examples: Search the Trip Report forum at http://www.nwhikers.net for 'Gmap4'.

Enjoy,
Joseph

Joseph,

Thanks! At first glance, your site appears to be exactly what I was asking for here: Quesitions about Mapping Tools I'll be trying it out soon!

Just a question: Those links in quotes... should the parameter be q=htpp or q=http

Looks like some good hints here.

At second glance, it appears to be a mapping freak's dream!!

Last weekend in Yosemite my nephew (a GIS guy) and I met up with a backpack group consisting of cartographers/geographers/geologist types. They were a lot of fun, & I invited them to join the forum.

I think the collective noun for that group should be "spaciality".

Thanks for the kind words.

Oopsie. Thanks for catching that http typo. I fixed it.

I am Joey on nwhiker.net
Beta releases (with special links) are announced in their trail talk forum.

I am working on adding trip planning tools. You will be able to click the map to set a route and/or waypoints. Then you will be able to download a GPX file with that data.

pretty cool - just doesn't work at all when you run "in private filtering" in IE8 - you should mention that on your site, because at first I thought the thing was just broken.

That is an excellent solution for the majority of .kml files.

For large .kml files like the PCT, CDT or AT, google maps api cannot handle that much data.

Also, the url/file passed to your php script *needs* to be authenticated, as all sorts of XSS nasties can be passed to your php script.

Excellent site!

-postholer

What language are you guys talking? Is it dirty talk?

Joesph:

I am having a hard time making this work. I was able to save a couple of kml files from my Garmin 405 on Google Maps, but I can't seem to open them in Gmap4.

Any chance you can provide additional guidance to those of us who have very limited tech skills?

Thanks,
Kent Williams

Thanks for 'head's up. I made a note to add this to the 'Help; file

The php script does a bunch of data validation on the url parameters. This is the main defense I'm using against the nere-do-wells of the world.

If all those checks pass then the code looks at the kml (or other file) header. That header has to look OK before the code tries to read the file.

Do you think there is more I should be doing?

Please post the Gmap4 command you used to try and display your map in this thread. Maybe it just needs a simple syntax tweak.

let's try it with an iframe - this is as simple as I can do it, using html mode in markup pulldown box in the posting form, you can insert an iframe, in which the remote mappingsupport server fills in your map. Here's the code I use to show a single GPX file hosted on my web server, 800x800 pixels not to get too wide in the forum layout:

(all this should be one line no line break)

<iframe style='width: 800px; height: 800px; margin: 0' 
frameborder='0' scrolling='no' src=http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=
http://didnt.doit.wisc.edu/outdoor/muir2009/gps/2010/20100722.gpx></iframe>

and this is what it looks like:

by the way, I noticed there's some caching going on at the mappingsupport.com server with my GPX files and even when I update them, I keep getting the same track that was first displayed under that URL. I now have to rename all these GPX files to new URLs to get my changes to display, since apparently there's no second download ever, even if file dates have changed.

See the very same track renamed to a new file here - this now shows the edits I made several days ago - focus on those "fuzzy" areas where the GPS was scattering around during breaks. They are not part of the GPX file any longer that the above iframe pulls in - the track should look smooth like in this link:

same file, different name

Fishmonger,

That's a nice iframe map.

As Fishmonger demonstrated, Gmap4 can run in an iframe. Thus you can include an interactive Gmap4 map in your trip reports. Fishmonger's iframe map opens with the Google Map Terrain view. You can switch the map to topographic by clicking (upper right) Terrain ==> MyTopo.

Gmap4 is not limited to running just in an iframe. This link will display Fishmonger's map in a new window and it will show the topographic view (since I added &t=t2):
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph...22.gpx&t=t2

If anyone is having trouble using Gmap4 then please post the URL command you are using just like I did above.

When in doubt, read the instructions.
If you add &refresh=1 to the URL, then Gmap4 will display your edited GPX file. There is no need to change the file name.

See p.20 of the Help file.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

> See p.20 of the Help file.

Page 20??? No wonder!

I am curious.... Why does a gps unit "wander" like that while you are stopped?

I saw the same thing when DUG left his Spot Messenger on all night at a camp location, and next day his Spot track looked like he was sleep-walking!

One could always look at the Table of Contents.

The 'wander' is due to the fact that the satellites keep moving.

I think I scanned the first two pages until stuff worked well enough

Still can't get it to load larger GPX files in the range of 20mb, but then I think I found the solution by ditching altitude and time tags from the files. Maybe there's a point limit over on google. I'll know more later today when I am done stripping the excess fluff from my GPX files. I really want the entire JMT on one map, but in reasonable detail.

Map of John Muir trail.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph..._Muir_Trail.gpx

I found that data file here:
http://parkaymaps.110mb.com/

If the same track is in a GPX file and a KML file, the GPX file will always be bigger.

Gmap4 converts GPX files to KML files before displaying the map (required by the Google Maps API)

Google has limits on the size of KML file that can be displayed. Those limits are:
Maximum fetched file size (raw KML, raw GeoRSS, or compressed KMZ) 3MB
Maximum uncompressed KML file size 10MB
Maximum number of Network Links 10
Maximum number of total document-wide features 1,000

1 GPS track is only 1 "feature".

thanks for this - I tried GPSBabel to convert my GPX to KML - my file in GPX was 1299kb, while in KML it exported to 18,200kb. Clearly, there's the problem why KML didn't work for me, because whatever preferences I used in GPS Babel (default), it was adding a ton of fluff. My GPX is stripped down from the originals, no time, no elevation data, so they are quite compact.

here's my actual entire JMT data from a freshly merged GPX with only the relevant location content from 22 days (GPX_Editor has great features to clean up those files). Only thing is the fat line width you can't control with GPX, but if you zoom in it gets better.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph...ged.gpx&t=s
the muir trail track you found looks a lot like somebody took mytopo and drew a line following the published map trails, but those can be off by quite a bit.

I have GPSBabel running on my server. Here is the command Gmap4 uses to convert GPX to KML:

gpsbabel -i gpx -f path_to_gpx_file
-o kml,points=0,line_width=5,line_color=990000ff -F path_to_kml_file
See Help file at p.12-13.

The above command converted your GPX file to a KML file that is 1.08 MB.
Note the parameter "points=0". If you do not include this parameter then each track point is also converted to a waypoint in the output file. Letting that happen greatly increases the output file size.

When you tell Gmap4 to display your GPX file, what you are really seeing is a KML file. Gmap4 uses GPSBabel to convert your GPX file to a KML file on the fly, temporarily hosts that KML file on my server, and displays that KML file on the map.

If you do the conversion to KML yourself, then you can edit the kml file and set your own line color, width, etc, etc, etc.

All is explained in plain English in the Help file. Be sure to download the KML files described in the appendix and read the comments in those files.

Just for reference, to post an embedded map of a specific location using Gmap4, (but without a gps trail file) here's how:

1.  First, you need to post using HTML, so you need to change the default "Markup" option (it is just below the text input window when you create a message) from  using UBBCode  to  using HTML and UBBCode.  It should be enabled, but if you can't find this option, send me a PM (click my name on the left).

2.  Copy this code into your post:
<iframe style='width: 800px; height: 600px; margin: 0' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' src=http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=36.578325,-118.292626&z=14&t=t2></iframe>

Change the "ll=" (Latitude/Longtitude) parameters to match the location you want to display.  Change the "z=" parameter to the zoom level you want. 15 is fully zoomed in, 14 zooms back one notch.

Post your message.

Below is what the code above will display.  You can use this map to find the area you want to display, since it displays the coordinates of both your mouse pointer and the map center.

To find another location, try these steps:
    Zoom out
    Click and drag the map so it shows the area you want
    Zoom in and re-center the map the way you want
    Right-click (at the center) to get a popup of the desired map coordinates
    Copy/paste the "Lat/Lon" map coordinates into your message.





To create a clickable link to the full-screen version, copy/paste the following line into your post:

[url=http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=36.578325,-118.292626&t=t4&z=14&coord=latlng]full screen version[/url]

You can change the lat/lon params to your area of interest. The "t=" and "z=" can be tweaked to change which map type and zoom-level you want initially.

Here's the result:   full screen version

I sure like this tool!

How about this for my instructions:

Steve! Help! Could you please post a co-ordinating map for me???!!!

Yeah, I'll do that for my friends, too.  

Gmap4 has acquired some new features since my prior post. Remember, Gmap4 is a 100% free no-ads map viewer that can display detailed topographic maps. There is nothing to download or install.

1. A powerful search feature has been added. Click Menu ==> Search. You can search on:
* Addresses
* Names of places and natural features
* Latitude Longitude (Geocache format and many others)

Here's an interactive map of the world:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=40.842415,-113.992258&t=t1&z=2.

Depending on what you are searching for, it may help if you include the name or abbreviation for the state/province/region. If you are searching for something in the USA or Canada then you can see the detailed topographic map by clicking Terrain ==> MyTopo.

2. Maps can be printed. In the menu bar for your browser click File ==> Print preview.

3. An icon can be placed at the center of the map. Here's an example. http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=44.460768,-110.828196&t=t2&z=14&icon=pgs

4. It is easier to get a copy of the URL that will reproduce the map you see on your screen. Click Menu ==> Map URL.
That URL can be used in a trip report, e-mailed, posted on a website, etc.

For more information please see the Gmap4 homepage where you will find examples, a change log and a detailed Help file.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Enjoy,
Joseph - Gmap4 author

Gmap4 has been updated to version 1.9.1 dated January 17, 2011. This version adds support for UTM coordinate grids. All UTM support in Gmap4 uses the WGS84 datum. This UTM support works worldwide. For more info on UTM coordinates see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Transverse_Mercator_coordinate_system

(Pay back time: When you visit other outdoor-related forums, please do a search and see if Gmap4 has been mentioned. If not, it would just take a moment for you to pass the word along. Also, are you doing the social network thing? Consider saying something nice about Gmap4.)

Here's a map of Grand Canyon Village with a UTM grid.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=36.059592,-112.139836&t=t2&z=14&coord=utm

To toggle UTM support on and off, click Menu ==> UTM On/Off. If UTM is 'on' then Gmap4 gives you UTM information in three ways:

1. A UTM grid is displayed. This UTM grid is displayed on both the MyTopo topographic maps (USA and Canada) and the standard views (aerial, etc) provided by Google Maps.

2. The lower right corner of the screen will always show the UTM zone and UTM coordinates for both the cursor and map center.

3. You can get the UTM zone and coordinates for any point on the map by right-clicking that point.

Things to keep in mind

You can build your own map links by using URL parameters. If you want your map to appear on the user's screen and already have UTM turned on, then add this URL parameter: &coord=utm

Here is a comparison:
With UTM on
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph...2&coord=utm

With UTM off (default)
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph...ek.kml&t=t2

If you zoom out far enough then you will not see a UTM grid. Instead you will only see vertical red lines which mark the edges of the UTM zones.

UTM grid lines that are near the edge of their zone often appear curved when displayed using the map projection used by Google Maps. The grid lines in the adjoining zone will curve in the opposite direction. For example, the next map is centered near Lake Tahoe. The red line marks the edge of adjoining UTM zones. Double click each side of the red line (this changes the map center) and watch the UTM grid lines change. The grid lines are calculated based on the UTM zone that contains the center of the map.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=39.115536,-120.208437&t=m&z=8&coord=utm

Some MyTopo topographic maps already have a UTM grid printed on them. Caution! Some of those printed grids are based on the older datum NAD27. Those older grids will have a uniform offset from the grid displayed by Gmap4 which is based on datum WGS84 . For example: Here is a map showing part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area in Washington State where the MyTopo maps have a UTM grid based on the WGS84 datum. Click Menu ==> UTM On/Off and you will see the faint UTM grid printed on the map:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=47.47229,-120.80588&t=t2&z=14&coord=utm

By contrast, here is a map showing part of the Yosemite Valley area in California, where the MyTopo maps have a UTM grid based on NAD27. Note the uniform offset between the two sets of grid lines.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.736733,-119.568449&t=t2&z=14&coord=utm

Usually (but not always) the different zoom levels use a different scale for the UTM grid. To learn the grid scale, compare the cursor coordinates (lower right corner) as you point to adjacent grid lines. If you want to know the zoom level, right click the map.

Maps with UTM grid lines can be printed. File ==> Print Preview

If you know of any other map viewing software that can display the MyTopo topographic maps along with a UTM grid, I would enjoy knowing about it.

Future UTM improvements

There are different methods for putting labels on the grid lines. I am pondering what will work best.
Another possible improvement is to let the user change the line width, color and/or spacing.
Other ideas?

Next Gmap4 update

Bad news: The 'Search' feature of Gmap4 no longer works very well for placenames. This feature uses Google's 'geocoding' service on the backend. OK, I admit it. Gmap4 was pushing the envelope in its use of that service. Whoops - Google pushed back. Guess who won? I will add a second search tool that is designed to work well with placenames.

Good news: The existing 'Search' feature of Gmap4 still works fine for searching on (1) anything related to addresses including names of many settlements that no longer exist and (2) any reasonable way to write a latitude/longitude pair.

Finally, if you find Gmap4 to be useful I hope you can take a moment and do some 'pay-back' by letting other people know about it.

Enjoy!
Joseph - Gmap4 author

Amazing work, Joseph. Thanks much for posting your information here.

...so when is Google going to buy your software?

Just a note: I changed "You can build you own map links" to "You can build your own map links"

Ok, Joseph, I need help!

Why won't my map above display using the file I have uploaded to this site?

...nevermind. There was a stray end-of-line in the middle of the iframe ... /iframe string.

The post was moved here.

Hi Joseph,

Is there a way to control the size of the displayed route?

I was successful in creating a map of a recent bike ride (huge victory for me ), but when opening the Gmap4 map the route is overpowering. See link.

Linky

Thank you,
John

Wow, TFC, I see what you mean!

I think, though, it is a function of all the way points you have in your file. Each one shows up as a little circle, so on the map that shows the entire loop, they are huge.

I went to your map, switched to satellite view, and then zoomed in all the way, and your route looks ok. ...but then I see you have a waypoint about every 50 ft!

Maybe Joseph can give us some hints.

Yeah, that's kinda ugly - no offense.

You get a star for using a KML file. A KML file can produce maps with much more info than a GPX file.

I opened your KML file and looked at its contents. You have a <LineString> tag followed by lots of coords. That's good. Those coords will draw the line you want to see on your map.

However, your KML file also has a gazillion chunks that look like this:
<Placemark>
<TimeSpan>
<begin>2011-04-03T08:00:43-07:00</begin>
<end>2011-04-03T08:00:45-07:00</end>
</TimeSpan>
<Style>
<IconStyle>
<color>FF00FFFF</color>
<scale>0.9</scale>
<Icon>
<href>http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/kml/shapes/placemark_circle.png</href>
</Icon>
</IconStyle>
</Style>
<Point> <altitudeMode>clampToGround</altitudeMode> <coordinates>-117.80387755483389,33.60310949385166,286.0</coordinates>
</Point>
</Placemark>

That's bad. The above KML commands add a marker to your map. Your KML file adds a gazillion markers to your map and that is what you seeing.

It looks to me like you want to start deleting lines with line 91. Be sure to keep any closing tags that you need at the end of your KML file.

When you made your KML file, here's what happened.
1. All your track points became a KML <linestring>. Good.
2. Each of your special waypoints became a <Placemark>. Good.
3. Each of your track points also became a <Placemark>. Bad! <== Can you turn that off in whatever software you are using?

Joseph

PS. The Appendix to the Gmap4 'Help' file has info on using KML files. That info includes template KML files that you can download and edit.

For example, you could grab one of the template KML files and then paste in your own <linesting> coords.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

Joseph

Thank you for the reply.

The only reason I was successful in getting that far is because I didn't have to do anything.

I transferred data from my garmin gps (edge 500) to garmin's website and then exported from there straight to kml. I didn't manipulate the file at all.

I doesn't appear that garmin's website gives any choices when creating the .kml file. However, they do allow for .tcx or .gpx exports as well. Using a .gpx file directly exported from the garmin website works fine (just tested). Thus, I'll just use those or perhaps use google earth or the other programs mentioned in the help file to create the .kml file.

Thanks again!
John

I just promoted Gmap4 from version 1 to version 2.

Little reason: I added support for viewing the set of topo maps that used to be known as Terraserver and now are known as Microsoft Research Maps. Click the map type button in the far upper right and select "US Topo". You can really see the quality difference compared to the MyTopo maps.

The US Topo maps often load a bit slow. Part of the reason is that each map tile must be re-projected on-the-fly in order to match the map projection used by Google Maps. I added support for these maps in case they show old (abandoned?) trails that are not on the MyTopo maps.

Big reason: This update introduces a new text file format that makes it super easy to produce maps. For a quick look, scroll down a bit on the Examples page: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_examples.html

This new file format is so easy that middle school students can quickly learn how to produce maps.

In addition to the maps on the 'Examples' page, here's another example for those that would like to learn about this new text file format. This map shows the lower Mississippi River valley. Click the "i" icon near the upper middle for an interesting story.
To turn the symbol labels on/off click Menu ==> Labels On/Off.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=https://sites.google.com/site/gmap4files/p/news/mississippi_course_change.txt&ll=30.417887,-91.201416&t=h&z=9&label=on

Here is the data file that produced the 'Mississippi' map:
https://sites.google.com/site/gmap4files/p/news/mississippi_course_change.txt

Maps produced with this new text file format can include:
* Many different kinds of symbols (i.e. markers/icons)
* Lines of any color and any width
* Balloons that appear when symbols are clicked
* Links in the balloons
* Clickable photo thumbnails in the balloons
* And more

Did I mention that this is truly easy?

For the details, you can search the Help file on 'delimited'. Or just go to page 32 in the 5-6-2011 version of the Help file. http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

Homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Enjoy.

Joseph

Thank you, Joseph. I need to explore your new features.

Checking briefly, I zoomed in on the ranger cabin at Charlotte Lake in the Sierra, and switching between the map modes, it appears the US Topo version is offset ~100 M to the east.

Here's the embeded version: (click _here_ for full-screen)

How odd...

In order to get different map images for the same location to line up, both maps need (1) the same projection and (2) the same datum.

I know that MSRMaps/Terraserver and Google use different projections and I have taken care of that in the code.

But they both claim to essentially use the same datum (WGS84 and NAD83).

Here's a link to a random spot in north CA. The center of the map is a section corner. The two topo maps are almost perfectly aligned.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=41.524239,-122.709137&t=t3&z=16

I have checked a number of spots in several midwest states and they are also aligned correctly.

I'm going to email the staff working on MicrosoftMSRMaps/Terraserver and see if they can shed light.

There are some pretty bad map-joining problems with those "US Topo" maps in some areas. I started heading south on the map through Central Cal, and things get bad in some spots.

Check the mess in this area: Hensley Lake, east of Madera CA.

But please don't back out your new features. People can compare and decide which maps to use.

Yeah, I've seen the same in other CA spots.
But most places the "US Topos" are fine.

It took awhile but I finally found an email that I think will reach the MSRMap folks. I sent them some sample map links and asked if they could shed light. Here's hoping they reply.

Gmap4 has been updated to version 2.1.5 dated September 14, 2011. For a full list of the changes in this version please see http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_whats_new.html

Remember, Gmap4 lives in the cloud and does not require you to download or install anything. Anytime you view a map with Gmap4, you automatically will be using the most recent version.

The big news is that you can now strap on a personal jet pack and fly around in 3D anywhere in the world. (The Gmap4 'Search' feature is a useful way to zip you to the spot where you wish to begin flying.) This feature runs Google Earth in your browser.

You can zoom in and fly over any map that has a GPS track (or other data) and see the world in 3D. No sweat, no bug bites, no blisters.

All you have to do is download the Gmap4 'Help' pdf file dated September 14, 2011 (or more recent) and search for 'Tips for flying'. Anyone can quicky and easily learn to fly with just a mouse by taking a quick trip through flight school by reading those tips. Those tips give you step-by-step instructions that will show you how to fly over the John Muir Trail in California starting from the summit of Mt. Whitney. This is ability to fly with a 3D view is easily the coolest feature in Gmap4.

Gmap4 'Help' file: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

For most people this updated version of Gmap4 works fine. However, a few people have reported that all they see when they try to use Gmap4 is a blank screen. If you are having trouble viewing maps with Gmap4, then I have a favor to ask. In addition to updating the code I also put together a short list of easy things that you can do to try and get the latest version of Gmap4 working on your system. Here's the favor: Please download the 'Help' file and search that file for 'tips on flying'. Near the end of that section you will see a heading that starts "Background...". That section gives you a peek under the hood and suggests several easy/quick things you can do to try and get the current version of Gmap4 working on your system.

Some of those suggestions have worked for others, so I hope if you are having problems that you take a few minutes and give them a try. And if nothing else works, then the last suggestion gives you a link to the prior version of Gmap4 that does not include the new 'Earth' feature which seems to be the source of most of the problems.

In addition, the 'directions' feature has been re-written. Right-click the map and then click either 'Direction from here' or 'Direction to here'. After the route appears, you can drag it to make changes. You can build a Gmap4 URL that will open with the directions panel displayed and the destination filled in. This will be useful for helping people obtain directions to a meeting spot. Search the Gmap4 Help file for 'Tips for using directions'.

Also, information on how to donate has been added to the 'Action' menu and the Gmap4 website.

Enjoy!

Gmap4 has been updated to version 2.1.6 dated September 17, 2011.
Homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Reminder: Since Gmap4 lives in the cloud (1) you never have to download or install Gmap4 and (2) you are always automatically using the latest version of the code. But if Gmap4 does not seem to work then please clear your browser's cache and try again. To see the Gmap4 version number you can click Menu ==> About on any map.

This update fixes the 'blank screen' problem that some users experienced after the September 12th update. If you experienced that problem, then please try Gmap4 again.

In order to use the new 3D 'Earth' view, your computer system needs to have the Google Earth browser plug-in installed. The Gmap4 code now checks to see if your system already has this plug-in installed. If your computer system does not have this plug-in installed, then you will see a message telling you that and a link to Google where you can download the plug-in if you decide to install it. If you decide to install the plug-in, please follow the instructions in that message. You need a broadband connection and a reasonably modern computer to use the 3D 'Earth' view.

Also, your security software might ask you to give permission before this plug-in will work.

If you decide to not install the plug-in, simply close the message window. You can continue using all the other features of Gmap4 except the 'Earth' view.

Gmap4 has been updated to version 2.2. The full list of changes is posted on the Gmap4 "what's new" page (see hompage link below). Here are some highlights.

First, Gmap4 can add labels to Google maps. The labels are built from the waypoint names in your file. Your existing maps will work with this feature, except KMZ files are not yet supported. Labels can be styled with your own HTML and CSS. The following link displays a GPX file that is hosted at Topofusion and displays with labels turned on. http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=http://www.topofusion.com/GPX/BrianHead-Network.gpx&t=t2&label=on

To open Gmap4 with labels turned on, include this parameter in your Gmap4 URL: &label=on
To toggle the labels after a map is displayed click Menu ==> Label On/Off

You can style the labels with your own HTML and CSS. This label feature works with all the file formats that Gmap4 can read except KMZ files. Label support for KMZ files will be added in a future update.

Below is an example of a map I made with fancy labels. Note that (1) each label is clickable and (2) when you shift to an aerial map view then the labels acquire a solid background so the text does not disappear in shadows on the aerials. This map uses a delimited text file that is hosted at Google Sites.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=https://sites.google.com/site/gmap4files/p/delimited/teanaway_peaks_delimited.txt&ll=47.421616,-120.876101&t=t2&z=13&label=on

Second, a number of features have been added to the delimited text file format that Gmap4 can display. The section of the Gmap4 Help file titled "Delimited text files - Some details" has been completely re-written and now starts with a series of example maps that will let you rapidly learn the basics. If you want the most control over your map, this is the file format to use.

Third, the internet security features of Gmap4 have been enhanced. If you look at a file that causes Gmap4 to display a security-related message on your screen and you think that message is a 'false positive', then please go to the Gmap4 contact page and send an email. Include the URL to the map (Menu ==> Show map URL) in your email.

Fourth, Gmap4 can now display files that include a '?' character in the URL for the file.

For more information please see the Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Enjoy!

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy

The Gmap4 production code is now version 2.3. This is the first version that includes special features for smartphones and other mobile devices.

1. Gmap4 can now find your location on the map. This service will use some or all of:
* Your IP address
* Cell towers
* Wi-fi hotspots
* Any GPS chip in your phone or other mobile device

Simply open any map in your phone's browser and then select Menu ==> Findme. You can try this right now on your desktop/laptop just to see how it works. However, your desktop/laptop location will likely not be very accurate since in many cases only your IP address will be used.

You can also build Gmap4 URLs that will automatically run the Findme feature when the map opens. Simply include the parameter 'findme=on' in the Gmap4 URL.
Example: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?findme=on

Since Gmap4 uses the Google maps Application Programming Interface (API), this feature only works if your phone's browser is online to the internet.

Also, because Gmap4 is a web application, you do not need to download or install anything in order to use Gmap4 on your phone. To open Gmap4 on your phone:
A. Open your phone's browser. (Remember, that browser has to be online.)
B. Do a web search for Gmap4 - the first hit should be the Gmap4 homepage
C. Select the link just under the homepage title. That link opens Gmap4 and displays a map of the world.
D. Select Menu ==> Findme

Of course you can save the Gmap4 URL as a bookmark in your phone's browser.

Gmap4 does not save your location or report it to anyone. For more details, please search the Gmap4 Help file on 'mobile'.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4_help.pdf

Here are two links with more information if you are curious how this works:
http://www.mozilla.org/en-GB/firefox/geolocation/
http://support.google.com/gmm/bin/answer...9894&src=cb

2. You can turn off the coordinates in the lower right corner

Turning off the coordinate display in the lower right will let you see more of the map. You can toggle that display by selecting Menu ==> UTM - LatLng - Off

To open Gmap4 with that display already off, include the parameter '&coord=off' in the Gmap4 URL
Example: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?findme=on&coord=off

3. Tweaking the mobile interface
Gmap4 is not a 'native' app for your phone. Instead, the exact same code that runs in the browser on your desktop/laptop also runs in the browser on your phone. Amazing! But this means my options for improving the interface when running on a phone are somewhat limited. What I can do fairly easily is add buttons. However, each button would cover part of the map.

Question: Are there any features of Gmap4 important enough that they should have their own buttons? One obvious candidate is the 'Findme' feature. Any others?

4. The MyTopo maps now display ads in one corner. That was not my idea!
For example, this map shows part of Yellowstone National Park:
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=44.461721,-110.832396&z=14&t=t2

The Trimble Company now owns the MyTopo maps. As the 'price' for being allowed to continue displaying the MyTopo maps at no cost, Gmap4 must display Trimble's ad images when the MyTopo maps are on the screen.

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

Sounds really slick, Joseph. Now, if I only had a "mobile device" that displayed maps.

I had to check out the new "MyTopo" ads. They're not too bad, except the "mytopo.com" text plastered all over the maps is sure excessive. But regardless, I hope they continue to make them available since they are the best on-line topographic maps that show trails.

I also see you have added an edit so if someone sticks an extra parameter at the end of a URL, your program pops up an error message. I have been using a parameter to identify an area so I can type that parameter in my browser's URL to quickly find that map. For example, in Firefox, I type in the URL: "xloc=Whitney", and the browser finds the full URL to your website with the map centered on Mt Whitney, (If I have set up and viewed such a URL in the past.) It would be cool if you could enable such a parameter -- one that would simply be ignored by your software.
Example: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.ph...mp;xloc=Whitney

@Steve

Sorry I broke your system. As part of its increased security Gmap4 will now display an error message if there is any URL parameter that it does not recognize.

I am always open to the idea of adding additional URL parameters. But the name 'xloc' likely lacks intuitive meaning for most people. Also, any URL parameter should cause the map to do something

Hmmmm...

What about title=Mt_Whitney

You could search the Firefox history on Whitney.
And the Gmap4 code could (1) convert the underscore to a space and (2) display 'Mt Whitney' as a title on the map.

Hmmmm...

What about title=Mt_Whitney

You could search the Firefox history on Whitney.
And the Gmap4 code could (1) convert the underscore to a space and (2) display 'Mt Whitney' as a title on the map.


Well, using a "title=..." is a little too generic -- there are many URLs containing that string. But I could set the first character of all my Gmap URLs to a special character, ex: title=~whitney and that would make it unique enough that typing "title=~" would bring up all gmap titles.

If you displayed the title, that would be ok, but not necessary. I am just looking for a quick way to find a URL with the mapping coordinates that I have used in the past.

Of course, I could set up a few bookmarks with the appropriate titles, too.

I like the bookmark idea. That sounds like the typical way of keeping track of URLs that a person wants to revisit.

The Gmap4 code has been updated to version 3.0. There are two new 'big' features that many people will find useful.

First, Gmap4 can now display a new set of very high resolution USA topographic maps that (1) are a better quality image than the MyTopo maps, (2) do not have heavy watermarks obscuring part of the map and (3) do not have any ads. The link below displays a basic map of the USA. Zoom in to your favorite area (or use the 'Search' feature) then open the menu in the upper right corner and select "t4 Topo High".
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.125286,-94.21875&t=m&z=4

You can also set the amount of hill shading you prefer to see on these new maps. Click Menu ==> Hill shading. And there is a new URL parameter (&hillshade=) you can use to set the hill shading in any Gmap4 URLs that you make.

A developer in California named Matt (http://CalTopo.com) produced these new topo map tiles from data he obtained from the USGS. Matt is paying out of his pocket to host these new map tiles on Amazon's cloud service. It is my great hope that the Gmap4 user community taken as a whole will be willing to make sufficient donations to pay its share of Matt's Amazon bill. The Menu button on the map has a 'donate' link.

Matt's high resolution topographic map tiles should cover the states show in green on the following index map. I think the states that are not done yet are FL, LA, MA, MS, NH, RI, SD, VT and WY.
http://nationalmap.gov/historical/index.html
As the USGS finishes high resolution scans (660 pixels per inch) for the remaining states, Matt will be processing that data into tiles.

The Gmap4 'Help' file has more information on these new maps and also instructions for how you can report any problems you discover.

Second, Gmap4 now includes a trip planning feature called "Make a map". You can now click the map to make waypoints, routes and tracks. You can download your work in a GPX file and then upload that information into many handheld GPS units. Of course you can also put your GPX file online and then make a Gmap4 URL to display your file. This feature works worldwide.

Gmap4's implementation of this feature lets you:
* Click once and create both a waypoint and routepoint
* Edit any data field (including GPS symbol name) that causes information to appear on your GPS screen

"Make a map" quick start:
1. Zoom in where you want to do trip planning
2. Set the map view you want
3. Click Menu ==> Make a map
4. Click a few spots on the map. Distance in miles and kilometers is reported in the lower right corner.
5. Right click any point
6. Click "Download GPX file"
7. Right click the URL to the GPX file and save it on your harddrive
8. Load the GPX information into your GPS

Each click you just made on the map sets a draggable (click-hold-drag) waypoint and routepoint. This is the Gmap4 default for trip planning.

For more information on these features, please visit the Gmap4 homepage and download the current Help file. The sections that describe these new features are marked "(New)" in the table of contents.
Gamp4 Homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

I welcome your suggestions for improvements and any bug reports.

Enjoy!

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy

Joseph,

that draw a map feature is something I have been waiting for. Now you can quickly show a route to others online even if you don't have an existing GPX file.

Sample drawn on the topo map with a few mouse clicks.


Quick question about the topo maps - since they are based on USGS data, I assume the copyright situation is the same (public domain)?

Joseph, thanks so much for continuing to improve Gmap4. It sure is a good tool! And the availability of Matt's CalTopo maps is quite welcome, since MyTopo plastered their logo all over their online maps.

Fishmonger (and Joseph too, if you can do anything), that "Location Approx" of the Mt Whitney Mountaneer's Route is way off between Clyde Meadow and Iceberg Lake. I don't know how it ever showed up on the USGS maps, but people would get seriously in trouble if they followed it rather than looking up other maps.

Here's a link to Bob Rockwell's map, which is much closer to the actual route: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/2767178079/sizes/o/in/photostream/

BTW, I made a donation, and encourage others to do the same. A free on-line mapping tool is nice, and having something we can use to include maps within posts here really helps illustrate topics.

yeah, it was just a quick doodle - proof of concept, following the trail indicated on the USGS topo map. Wasn't meant to send anybody up the mountain with these coordinates. I do have a proper gpx track somewhere on the hard drive, but can't find it right now.

Also - anyone attempting the Mountaineer's route who needs to rely on 36 waypoints they found on the internet posted by a character who calls himself Fishmonger really should stay home in the first place

The drawing function is useful to show basic directions without having to create a new map image file for every route discussion. I have many of those image files on my server, and some are rather large images and eihter too small or too large when loaded in a browser without additional zoom levels for context - example Clouds Rest JMT alternate route.

Thanks for the kind words.

I am not an attorney, but that does not prevent me from excising my 1st amendment right to express an opinion. The PDF files that were produced by the USGS and which contain the hi-res scans are in the public domain.

Matt took that public domain data and did a pile of work to transform it into map tiles which programs like Gmap4 can display. In my view, Matt owns a copyright on his tiles. He is also paying out of his pocket to host them on Amazon so everyone can view them.

Keep in mind that all this is brand spanking new. Matt is still thinking through the details of how he is going to make these tiles available to others. I fully expect these tiles will show up in some phone apps and on other sites.

Bottom line - If you want to download the PDF files and do stuff with them, then you have already paid for them with your taxes. Goferit. But if you are thinking of doing a bunch of stuff with Matt's tiles, then I respectfully suggest you make a donation.