The Ohio Google map is a work in progress. Below you'll find updates and notes on the map features. To fully explore all the map capabilities, see the user guide.
Ideally, the trails and markers will appear accurately positioned on the map, regardless of the zoom level or view you choose. And they often do, however we've found there are some hiccups to be aware of. Occasionally a trail may wander out into a highway or try to make its way upstream through a river, rather than alongside it. This results when Google's photo imagery does not line up perfectly with their "map" view. When this occurs, simply switch to satellite or hybrid view for an accurate representation of the trail route. If this doesn't solve the problem, please report it.
In "map" view the old railroad lines still shown along bikeway corridors are sometimes out-of-sync with bikeway routes. In many cases the tracks actual position has been estimated rather than accurately mapped (some spur side streets as well). Other cases, where a trail deliberately deviates away from the corridor, will show a similar result. We've let the tracks wander and try to stay true to the actual position of the bikeway that aligns accurately with photo imagery views, when available.
It should be noted that currently Google maps do not have close up satellite imagery for many parts of Ohio. Therefore, we expect the 'out-of-sync' issue to pop up periodically whenever new images are made available. Let us know if you find a glitch so we can tweak it into shape.
At this time the focus is on adding bikeways that are easy to plot. After that we'll head out to round up stragglers with a GPS unit.
Map markers will cover the basic needs for trail users which include parking, restroom and water information. Green markers are used to easily identify this group. Some services such as food or bike shop locations will also be added, as well as some nearby points of interest. But the primary goal is to list useful trailside services for cyclists; stuff right along the bikeway. Exceptions will certainly be made, especially on rural bikeways where sometimes even water can be hard to find.
To find other amenities or services (lodging, restaurants, etc.), use the local search feature in the lower right-hand corner of the map. Results appear on the map as mini-markers. See the user guide to learn more about this feature.
Note: The word bubbles, the info windows associated with the map markers, list more information regarding trailheads and other points of interest. Be sure to check them when trip planning.
Construction alerts will be posted on the map when we are aware of them. Contact us if you know of one. However, don't assume a trail has no closed sections if none appear on the map! A thorough trip plan includes checking with trail overseers to anticipate such problems.
If you find a trail on the map that is missing a parking lot, trailhead location, restroom facility, etc., submit the item and location so it can be added. GPS data is also being accepted. Learn more below.
If you would like to submit longitude and latitude coordinates to help us plot an Ohio trail, please do! A fairly accurate and complete depiction of each bikeway is our goal. And that typically involves logging a large number of data points. Before you head out to collect them, give us a shout to make sure we don't have the data yet.
If you can recommend an accurate handhelp GPS unit that can store loads of waypoints and can run several hours on a single charge, please email us!
Send in your thoughts and ideas regarding the Gmap and how it's being used. We're always open to suggestions and with your help, look forward to building the premier Ohio Bikeway map interface on the web!
Go to the Gmap.
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