acrosscanadatrails's diary
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GeoBase Import UpdateHi all,
A quick update for you all for whats going on on the talk-ca list.
The Canadian Geopolitical boundaries database has been imported, it was done just before new years. ... this covers for the provincial boundaries. :)
Samples for test areas is going great, using a Roadmatcher program were it only shows roads which are not present in OSM, so then work would be needed to manually merge in the data.
We have had more discussion with the Source of the Data (Natural Resources Canada), trying to figure out how they can help, and to answer all questions and keep discussion going.
I'm working on the chart of the OSM Map Features list
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/CanVec_OSM_Map_Features
so far there are 311 different map features, in the set of 11 distribution themes of CanVec. These themes match up with the GeoBase data.
For most of these map features, we already have an OSM tag standard. But for some of it, we will need to make up some new tags... tag:extentions.
Right now, the listing is rather mixed... so dont bother trying to fix it. I still need to add in there all of the feature descriptions.
Thats all for now,
Cheers,
Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails
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Translating Wiki Pages (a partial GeoBase Import Update)
Hi all,
Ive been translating a bit from the Austria Import project
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/WikiProject_Austria/Import_plan.at
As we can learn from the experiences of others.
I notice that each wiki project starts out in the native language of the region.
I was wondering if there is any kind of standard for translating the pages.
ie. Showing "EN: Before the title text"
As it's kind of hard to create a full and always uptodate wiki page in the other languages, as the native language page gets updated faster.
I would image an option would be to have a separate browser window open so to direct compare?
Thanks,
Sam
P.S. Oh ya, for the GeoBase update, im working on that Importing Government Data wiki page, but i think i'll change it to 'Importing Bulk Data'
The difference between this import and others is that the original source is also being updated on a yearly basis. So an update file of the changes will be available. ... So I try to make the wiki page reflect that.
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Mon Dec 22 20:39:24 +0000 2008Comment on this entry | Reply to this entry | 0 comments
GeoBase Import - floating idea update
On the talk-ca list, we have lots of great discussion going on. You can go through it if you like...
One idea that i'm floating is this:
Import all the Data which is available as NODES
each of these nodes would have the attributes of the broken down polygons, and lines, and different points.
This would essentially make it a 'connect-the-dots' game, for areas which already have OSM data.
This way, when updates of government data is available, just nodes get imported.
These nodes wont get rendered, as they contain tags that renders do not understand.
Once the Canadian Node import is done, then the different map features (Points / Lines / Areas) can be imported, starting with tiles that don't have any OSM data.
Then when we get to tiles that have just a bit of road data, we can import everything BUT the roads.. and leave it to the local area mappers to 'connect-the-dots'
then when in even more complete areas are ready to take the import, the mappers can be selective as to what they like to import, and the rest, and be made by connecting the dots.
Does anyone have any feedback on this idea?
Thanks,
Sam
P.S. im working on the CanVec chart which has 11 themes with 90 different entities. The rest of it should be available from the GeoBase download set.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/CanVec_OSM_Map_Features
edit: Just nodes (All GeoBase/CanVec) to get imported for the 10 most complete tiles
For the 10-100 partially mapped tiles, everything but the roads would get imported, and the roads would get imported as nodes only
For all the other tiles: everything gets imported.
For updates: only nodes gets imported.
Coastline (thats already in OSM) would not be imported, (that is only a section of the NHN) the rivers/marsh etc. would all get imported.
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GeoBase import -notice update
Hi all,
I revised my note and sent it off to the 45 users who have a wiki page, and see those 10 users who are arround me. my hopes is that this version is much nicer.
Does anyone know how to contact more users around?
My one idea is to use my settings and move my location to somewhere else, and then i will see another 10 closest users. I can do that in various places.
Is there another option?
Thanks,
Sam
**
Hi there,
In case you didn't know, we now have acess to [[GeoBase]] data!
We (the [http://lists.openstreetmap.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/talk-ca talk-ca discusion list]) are now looking at ways to
use it to our (openstreetmap community) best advantage.
A sample of the kinds of data which is available to us, is shown on
the [[Ibycus Topo]] garmin map.
You are welcome to join in on this viberant discussion.
My apologies if my previous post(s) were miss understood, updates are
often made on the [[GeoBase Import]] discussion tab.
Sincerly,
Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails
***
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Live TV with Steve on as a guest
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-wftl-show
.. pritty cool to watch.
it'll be available later as a recoding of the show.
Sam
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Wed Dec 10 02:09:31 +0000 2008Comment on this entry | Reply to this entry | 0 comments
GeoBase Import Update rev. 1
Hi all, were getting some great discussions going on on the talk-ca discussion list. :) With many questions being asked.
For those of you out there thinking about Importing government data, (Linz people?) and others, and for those familiar with the back-end OSM database programming, your input is greatly appreciated.
We have people with varing levels of OSM knowledge, and varing levels of the whole GIS concept and work with it in their field. A lot of it is based here in Canada, but since this is a global project, and the announcement has been translated into other languages. We do want to make sure that we 'build on the shoulders of giants' so we don't repeat mistakes and lessons of the past.
Cheers,
Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails
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GeoBase Update - spreading the word
Hi all,
I've been busy trying to make sure that everyone in Canada knows about the GeoBase import project.
I began sending messages (on here) to the different users I find that are contributing, so to make sure that all past contributors are aware. For new contributors, it's rather obvious when looking sat the Canada wiki page.
I also posted on the talk discussion list, as well as on OSGeo discussion.
I see that the announcement has been translated to Hebrew & German, if you see anywhere else it's been posted, please let me know. :)
Trying not to be a pain about this, but it's important that 2 things happen.
1 - that we put our heads together, to find a solution which can be duplicated across the board for all future imports.
2 - that everyone (who wants to) knows whats going on, making the process transparent, as this is the awesome power of Wiki.
Cheers,
Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails
P.S. mapping wise, i saw that there are many parks that even with the Ibycus topo showing over the OSM data, has lots more work to be done :)
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Wed Dec 03 23:08:33 +0000 2008Comment on this entry | Reply to this entry | 0 comments
News: Geobase import (for Canada)
Hi all,
Because not all users are all the discussion group of Canada, i felt it necessary to post this up here.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/GeoBase_Import
(copied from the page)
***
Agreement Announcement (18 November 2008)
Announcement
The October OpenStreetMap Foundation meeting was held Tuesday 28 October 2008. The encouragement of GeoBase and their enthusiasm for OpenStreetMap led to their legal analysis of the licenses and a finding of compatibility. It was proposed that the GeoBase data be included in OSM based on the license compatibility and the aligned GeoBase and OpenStreetMap goals of providing free geospatial data to as wide an audience as possible. The proposal was passed by the board.
The OpenStreetMap community, the OSM Foundation and particularly Canadian contributors to the OpenStreetMap community have anticipated this announcement for some time. I'm sure that you will all join me in thanking GeoBase, the Foundation and the Canadian points of contact for their patience, persistence and vision.
Scope
The importance of this announcement is hard to over-state. The agreement between GeoBase and OpenStreetMap marks the contribution of government data from the second largest country on the planet, the largest country in the western hemisphere and the country with the longest coastline on the planet. The GeoBase data set is rich and diverse including the National Road Network, National Hydro Network (surface water), Geopolitical Boundaries, Elevation data and Satellite imagery. The scope of this contribution is unlikely to be surpassed in geographic area.
Next steps
Those of you with an interest in participating in the GeoBase import discussion and project should join the other volunteers on talk-ca, the mailing list for OpenStreetMap discussions relating to Canada. Like previous data import projects for the USA and the Netherlands, this project is community-run. Also like previous import projects the documentation of the conversion and import process should be recorded in the OSM Wiki, on the GeoBase Import page.
The Foundation expects that the OSM community will begin by examining the GeoBase data and importing it in test areas of OpenStreetMap, where little risk is posed to contributed data if the conversion and import is flawed. As the community gains experience with the conversion and import process larger areas will be imported.
The Foundation expects that, as with previous import projects, converting and importing data in areas where it will be merged with existing OSM contributions will be tested first in areas where contributions are sparse, then in areas of more complex data. GeoBase has generously offered their assistance with understanding, converting and importing the GeoBase data.
....
****
On the talk-ca discussion we are figuring this all out, and as the news indicates, its VERY important that this gets well documented on the Wiki page.
I have posted some notes the discussion. Please feel free to post comments on the page, as all comments are useful and helpful.
For the US Tiger Data, it looks like its a challenge. Hopefully we can get a solution, which would build on the template for any other data out there which is on the sidelines.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/TIGER
Cheers,
Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails
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Adding more stuff in the Mount Doug park
I added the parking area and the beach, and a grass area for playing.
Hopefully it will all get rendered.
Question:
The yellow metal reflective poles which usually go around the parking area just at the start of each foot path. .. these can be removed with a lock and key for park staff to drive over it. How do we tag this?
Also, the metal bar that gets put up at night, to prevent cars from going into the parking lot. .. this one is usually left in the 'open' position. How do we tag this?
Beaches and Tides:
on the yahoo imagery, it shows the beach at eithor high or low tide, depending on the time of day the photo was taken. .. so when were out there at low tide... with the GPS right at the water spot... is this where we draw it? .. or is it at mid-tide.
In some places.. this makes a big difference.
Beaches and parks: .. In many cases.. the beach is actually part of the park.. as the park technically extends out in the water for a certain unknown distance (unless there is a boye out there) my guess would be that proper tagging procedure would be to draw the whole park outline, then draw the beach within the park.
Thats all for now :)
Happy Trails ...
P.S. Great to learn that 'TrailRunner' for the iPod uses OSM :)
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Thu Nov 20 05:05:34 +0000 2008
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Wow, i just have to share this. BikeMap.net
Hi, sorry for the advertising here..
But check this out.
www.BikeMap.net uses openstreetmap as one of the maps available to choose from.
YouTube video (in German) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpWctNV4yXs
It uses elements from all the other GPS collecting sites that i found before, and incorporates most of the thinks which are the best from each.
I am sharing this.. because this is EXACTLY what im looking for, and can see how users can now... (as soon as they want to) see where openstreetmap needs improvement, and post their GPX tracks here and fix it. ... but using this awesome routing site to share it.
That's soo cool.
Once i get into it a little, i probably have a few sugestions. But on 1st glance... WOW... it's awsome :)
(we can give ourselves a pat on the back, as together we can make OSM the most widely used map... and the most useful map, better than all other maps :)
Go OpenStreetMap :)
Cheers,
Sam
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Inspecting Nanaimo, BC while i wait for OSM
It looks like all 3 maps to a great job of mapping the area...
I noticed that Mapnik got the Bastion Street Bridge right. cool.
and osmarender got the International Hostel in there right. Cool.
and the Cycle map got the Bike shop in there right. Cool.
Fortunately over the next few months, i'll be learning how to configure my own rendering, when i use the SVG file. (I think its a matter of including some lines of code, to get more things added) So when they show up in book form, it would be nice to have it the 'most right' as possible.
So i think my example is pritty good to show what shows up on each map, to perhaps remind some people that the OSM database can contain TONNES of info.. but it's doesnt all need to be rendered. .... so it just depends on who will be using the map. :)
P.S. does anyone happen to know if someone has already started a planet sized map of just the SRTM topo data? ... IMG files just like the ones Computerteddy has? .. so it's 1 degree x 1 degree tiles, done to the standard zoom levels.
Im planning on starting over on the West coast of Vancouver Island, and working my way across... but would be nice if someone else has already done the autoscript for it. Thanks.
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Sun Nov 09 10:36:35 +0000 2008
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More of Protection Island (pirate island) Arrr being rendered
I finally had the time to decipher my hand drawn treasure map from the scratches of me feather pen, and so now all my marking are posted, and should be rendered soon. :) It looks like part of it already has.. so that's cool.
I look forward to going back to the island on my next trip to further map it, and perhaps map some of the neighboring island park.
... but there's always more work to-do. .. (even if someone decided to beet me to it), there is lots of work to be done.
Happy mapping,
Coordinates:Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Fri Nov 07 10:37:59 +0000 2008
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Idea: OpenStreetMap news - Google News
An idea for ya.
I went on to Google News.. did a search for 'OpenStreetMap' then down at the bottom it gives you options. You can subscribe to the RSS Feed of it and add it to your Google Reader, and also add a iGoogle Gadget. This way, you will always be up-to-date on where and when OpenStreetMap is making the news :)
... But hopefully where will be a way for wiki.openstreetmap.org to be able to show a news feed :)
...
So at least for me, this helps in keeping me motivated to keep on mapping, and passing the hurdles(mostly technical) so then the map book can be made :) Its great to see whats being accomplished so far.
Cheers,
Happy Mapping
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highway=pedestrian vs. highway=path .. sidewalks vs. paved pedestrian paths
So in Nanaimo, i started using the highway=pedestrian tag on areas where it is designated as pedestrian... no bikes, no rolerblades, to scateboards.
... I figure that its a good idea to draw in these, where you have a cement sidewalk.. and its obvious when looking at it in real life that its not for bicycles.
..
When the way is paved flat (with no cement cut blocks) then its not Assumed that its only for bikes or only for foot.
Usually when it is marked as a bicycle.. then it becomes a cycleway.. and pedestrians are asked to take the 'sidewalk'. ...
And so for dirt paths where it's not clear.. i like the new JOSM feature where you can indicate it as hiking .. and it shows different hiking levels.
So to me.... IMO... i will be using highway=pedestrian in 2 cases. 1 where i show a sidewalk next to the road (other roads which dont have anything, its assumed that there is no sidewalk. .. and where its a waterfront boardwalk where its obvious that its pedestrian only.
Hopefully im on the same line of thinking.
Thanks in Advance,
P.S. its not rendered yet, so you'll have to go into editing mode to see it.
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Fri Oct 31 21:19:07 +0000 2008
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Mapping Protection Island, in the Nanaimo Region, BC
This is great little island, a residential island with the Pirate theme.
All the roads are marked with Pirate names
Pirate Lane, Silvers Tier, Pirates Place, Spyglass Lookout, Captain Morgans Blvd, and best of all... Smugglers park :)
A wonderful treasure to find on a day when i was thinking about Biking the bike trails of Nanaimo, but decided not to as it was raining.. and i didnt want to hear the screeching of the wet break pads against the wheels. ... (im a good cyclist.. but multitasking in the rain... it's a good idea. .. gotta stop each time you make a waypoint and notes anyway.
About this treasure... if you ever go there.. even on an island which people didnt adversise togo to as the next island is another ferry ride away which is a provincial park with lots of trails... this one has Spyglass Lookout .. a dead end road where at the end you have a great view of the city against the contrast forground of this natural mini-beach at low tide & marsh area at high tide. .. Just taking a moment to listen to the wildlife. then listen to the background noisy big city.
A great day of mapping. :)
It'll show up soon... just gotta decipher my notes. (you'll see the GPS tracks anyway)
Coordinates:Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Fri Oct 31 02:54:46 +0000 2008
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A little mapping.. monkey see monkey do..
Now with this new GPS, it's much easier. .. i now can see the waypoints i put in.
Here's what i do... maybe you do too..
Using cardstock que-cards (a bunch of 50) with a clip. ...and a pen. I mark down the point #, and then the description, (as much as i need to remember it)
For those lines roads or trails, i mark down 2 points ie. ( #5-6 footpath) that means, from point #5 and along my tracks to point #6 is a footpath.
... and then for areas, i put (#7,8,9,10 amenity=parking )
This way, it's rather quick.. so then when i get to a spot where i have wi-fi, and can upload my tracks and points.. i 1st load them all to OSM website. then i open up JOSM, and open the track file (direct from the device with USB) and then zoom in to the area that i want to play with. Download the latest so far, and add in what i need to, and upload the changes.
After that, i jump onto here and write in the user diary a little something about what i did.
So when im marking something, and want to see exactly how it "should (recommended)" be marked, i just zoom around to the closest spot where it exists already. Maybe like 75% of the time; point, lines, areas already have been done somewhere close. ... making it easy. .. and so, if im not sure, i go ahead and message the person who drew in those points,lines, areas so to keep them up- to-date. ... but more frequently, i just look up on the Wiki Map Features page.. or zoom out to another country (that i have been to) and find something similar.
Cheers,
Sam
Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Thu Oct 23 08:18:04 +0100 2008
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Brand New Garmin GPSMap 60Cx
Yup, so cool. So for those Canadians out there who know of Mountain Equipment Co-op, well thats where i got my GPS from. What was cool is that they have a guarentee of the products. I bought my old one. The eTrex Legend Cx there a year and a half ago, and returned it because the rubber came loose, and would no longer let me export waypoints.. just the tracks. So i got a refund which was enough to pay for this new GPS.
...
I guess that now covers for my lost GPS last year when i lost all my tracks from Vancouver Island. :) ... So none-the-less, i recommend getting your GPS Device from Mountain Equipment Co-op. May be a little more $, but the guarentee is there.
And so i was deciding on the eTrex Legend HCx or this one.. the main difference is the durability. Because i plan on doing TONNES of mapping, and making tourist maps and local area maps for parks and such, having the stronger more powerful one is worth it. ... maybe the Legend is Great for Biking, and everything else. .. I just figured 'cause i'll be using it more than the average user, it's worth it.
P.S. This isn't meant to be promotions... However, i guess it is :) ... but it's useful info for everyone to know. .. in case your deciding on getting a new GPS. :)
Coordinates:Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Thu Oct 23 08:03:16 +0100 2008
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Horray, my Tofino, BC tracks got rendered :)
I started from my last 2 visits to Tofino, BC with the GPS tracks.
Unfortunatly my GPS doesnt like t store waypoints (it's been through a lot, and has been tossed 'a many a times.) -hopefully real soon, i'll get a new GPS.
Anyway, Tofino, BC is where the Pacifac Rim National Park is. There is a cool bike trail from the far edge of the park (visitors center) that goes into town. and from the Main Visitors center (intersection of hwy 4... as far as you can go west, you can go south onto another paved bike trail right into Ucluelet, BC
The next time i go up there, i should have a new GPS and be able to put points down, and mark things as a result.
It's listed as a orange line, but should be red. .. as its a road with a solid/dashed center line, and a white line for the shoulder. ... just was hard to do, as there is a big gap between this, and Port Alberni, BC. ... If anyone is driving along up there.... hopefully more tracks will show up.
I think i'll make a wiki page for this. As it's a personal goal to fully complete the town of Tofino, BC (it's a small town)
Coordinates:Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Fri Oct 10 04:30:05 +0100 2008
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Thats One small track for man... many waypoints for mankind
Hi,
I got the good news that Wikiloc.com is now available as a folder layer on Google Earth. .. On the outset it might not sound like good news.
.. however, what that means is that it's 1 more step closer to having google maps and Google earth show OpenStreetMap.org as a layer.
Here's what we know so far:
Google Maps, has publically announced that they use Wikipedia as a layer option so then all the mapped wikipedia entries will show. (it shows up 1st on searches)
Wikipedia is part of Creative Commons. ... and follows the CC-SA values :)
It looks like Google is trying to become more open source, with the launch of Google chrome, and the sucess of igoogle.com making the home page, EXACTLY what people want to see, and freedom of developers to configure code for it.
Perhaps its a stretch? I dont know.
Well, back to the news. WikiLoc.com is a cool site that you can post your route GPS tracks on the site, and will show the verticle profile, as well as show all the photos of the trip. Whats even more wild about it is that on the slippy map that is shown, it gives you all an option to recommend that OpenStreetMap be used as the base slippy map ... instead of Google Maps. ... Perhaps once wikiloc makes the change, and shows OpenStreetMap as an option or the defult option, when it becomes popular. .. this in inturn will help the Opentreetmap community, as more eyes will see the map, and will learn that they too can contribute.
Once WikiLOC gets even bigger, and takes over the lead to become the main source of adventure trails track collecting, Google will then see the merrit in using OpenStreetMap on google earth. ..
So cool.
Anyway, please comment if you will.
(this isn't an add) (comments??)
If google can also learn to play by the rules... we all win :) ... would be wild when google can search out and sort all the Tags, that are in the database. .. not modifying it.. just showing the results on the map when the user types in key words.
...
Oh ya, im now finaly done loading all my tracks ive done upto date. .. now working on Tofino, BC
Cheers,
Sam
Across Canada Trails
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Mapping Tofino... Garmin Map Points
Hi,
Doing some more mapping of Tofino,BC
Does anyone know how to tag the description of a point... say amenity=bikeshop
and then name=Buds Bikes
how to tag what gets put in the description box?
I'd like to have the Company Address, and phone number in there, putting as much text as allowed.
Hopefully this is an easy one.
:)
Sam
P.S. is there a list somewhere which shows all the tags which represent all the default icons on the Garmin Legend CX?
Coordinates:Posted by acrosscanadatrails at Mon Sep 29 04:22:51 +0100 2008
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