All trails on www.MTBtrails.info are stored as GPX files (see the FAQ to find out more about these). The ‘Trail Viewer’ takes the GPX file for a particular trail and draws it simultaneously on two live maps and also calculates and plots an elevation profile.
Different mapping systems each have their pros and cons. Here we have tried to gain the best of both worlds by plotting on two maps side-by-side and providing correlation between the two using the secondary mouse pointer (see below).
Functions:-
- These are both ‘live’ maps. Click and drag to scroll around. Either use the scroll-wheel on your mouse or the slider on each map to zoom in and out.
- A profile graph shows how elevation changes over the route of the trail.
- A secondary cursor correlates map location of the mouse on both maps and on the elevation profile.
- Press 'Play' to animate the cursor over the route on both maps and the elevation profile.
- Use the ‘Print’ buttons to display a printer friendly version of either the OS or Google map. Then just use your browser’s print function to get a hard copy to take with you when you go.
From the main venue page you can also download the actual GPS file itself so you can put it in your own GPS device, phone, or PC mapping software.
The Mapping Systems Used:-
OS OpenSpace
The OS OpenSpace system now gives free access to the 1:50000 scale ‘Landranger’ maps for the whole of the UK. This is a ‘live’ map system in that it can be scrolled around and zoomed in and out (it works in a very similar way to Google maps). These maps are often the best choice for looking at a mountain bike trail because of the detail they provide in remote areas (particularly the topographical data in the hills).
Google Maps
With the Google map in satellite mode (where detailed aerial photographs are available) it is often very useful to be able to see a picture of the real on-the-ground conditions. In areas where these photographs are very detailed this can provide an incredibly rich impression of an area.
With the Google map in terrain mode it can often also give you a good feel for the basic structure of the hills and valleys you will be passing through.
Secondary Mouse Pointer
As you move the mouse around the maps, you will see a second pointer appear on the other map. This pointer resembles a ‘Cross-hairs’ and is automatically drawn in the location corresponding to where the tip of your mouse pointer is currently pointing.