This user guide provides tips to allow you to quickly grasp and use all the features available on the Gmap. You may also want to check out the Gmap Updates and Notes page.

Basic Navigation

  • Start by clicking one of the trail buttons below the map.
  • Next click one of the "Points Of Interest" on the map or right-hand side bar.
  • Four ways to zoom in:
    • Double-click on the map with your cursor. This not only zooms, but centers the map to the point clicked.
    • Use the zoom tool in the upper left-hand corner by clicking on the "+" (or "-" to zoom out) to zoom the current perspective.
    • Use the slider to zoom in or out more quickly.
    • Quick Zoom! - To zoom in to view a trailhead or other point of interest quickly, open its word bubble by clicking on the POI, then zoom with the slider.
  • Virtual Tours! - When you are zoomed in for a closer look at a trail with its "Points of Interest" loaded in the right-hand side bar, click on several side bar points in succession to take a virtual tour along the corridor. Click on another trail button to do the same.
  • Click the arrows above the zoom feature to pan in the desired direction.
  • Hold your left mouse button to "grab" the map and move it. However, as the map fills up with more overlays, this method becomes sluggish. Try zooming in to the desired perspective, then clicking the "pan" arrows in the upper left-hand corner to move the map. Or simply click the POIs to move.
  • Click on one of the region buttons to view only trails in that part of the state. Click on one of the trails listed in that region to find its location.

More Navigation Tips

  • Important! The trail buttons only display bikeway markers. To change your viewing perspective, click one of the POI's or use any of the navigation tips mentioned above.
  • Clicking the back button on your browser will take you back to the previous page, rather than undoing your last map action.
  • Clicking the "Reset" button will reset the map to its original perspective.

Powerful Searches -- A Trip Planner's Dream!

The Google local search feature, in the lower right-hand corner of the map, adds a new dimension to map viewing. You can now plan your trip with the trail map! The search engine brings up local hits and plots mini-markers to show you their location. The closest hits appear in your target area. Other hits throughout the surrounding region are also shown.

Here's how it works: Start by picking a spot on or near a bikeway and zoom in to that location. Now you're ready to search. Hungry? Type in "food," "ice cream" or "pizza" to pull up local hits right along the trail. Ok, you've got your food stops, next try "camping," "campgrounds," "hotels" or "lodging" if you're interested in staying the night. Get the idea? You can now look up anything you might want or need along a trail. Need a repair? Try "bike shop." None in the immediate area? Perhaps you can rig that broken pannier rack for now. Try "hardware store." Doing a long tour and want to stay connected? Try "internet cafe" or "library."

Printing Gmap Copies

At this time various web browsers handle the Gmap printing chore differently. If you're not getting the results you want, you can perform a "print screen" with your operating system. Capture the image, then use an image editor to chop off the header (or anything else you don't need), then print. Or use a "screen capture" utility -- if you have one handy -- to do the same.

Don't know how to capture an image on your monitor? Here's a link for XP users with a video demo. Here's a clip for Mac users.

Go to the Gmap.