Technology (Outdoors)

Travel is sort of synonymous with asking directions, being a bit confused, places with several different names, getting lost, and maps scribbled on the back of a bus timetable. Then you come back, memories fade at different rates, and all of your photos get put back in the wrong order.Google Maps and Google Earth made a splash, coming up with the best way to pass the time on the internet since googling yourself. Suddenly you could see your house from above! Joy! Google were several steps ahead with their eyes on the prize, busy making it into a truly useful resource.

As we tried to get our heads round all of their dark magic, they kindly sent their most expert Googler – a chap called Chewy – to explain it all.

“They are the perfect tools for a bit of pre-trip planning and exploration. Not only are they packed with information like street maps, hotels and travel directions but they are also used by millions of other travellers around the world to share the latest information on where to go, what to see and what
to miss – saving time and connecting you to like-minded people all over
the globe.
And while you’re away you can get all of the features on your mobile phone. I’m a big fan of rock-climbing, snowboarding and kite surfing and I’ve got a few useful tips for how to get your perfect trip of to a great start!” says Chewy.

before you go>

Do a virtual recce of the place you’re going and find the nearest local facilities. Are you really as close to the ski lift or dive centre as your hotel says for example? Are there really plenty of places to eat at the end of an exhausting day?See for yourself by zooming into the local area in detail on Google Maps or Google Earth.

> Let’s say you’re looking for canoe hire in the Lake District area, just type ‘canoe hire’ and ‘lake district’ into the Google Maps search box. Results are displayed directly on the map, making it easier to find your way around in advance. And with the addition of user-generated content such as listings and ratings, you also benefit from others’ travel experience and knowledge.

> Driving directions are one of the things I use most often; it just makes it so much easier when you land somewhere new. Enter your starting point (that can be a place name, postcode or even lat long reference) and an end point and Google Maps gives you detailed written and visual directions.

> Lots of European countries have comprehensive local transport info within Google Maps so you can figure out in advance exactly where the train station is and work out a detailed route.

> One of the coolest features I think is the ‘terrain’ view button in Google Maps. It means that you can literally check out the lie of the land so if you’re planning a walking or biking trip with people of mixed ability you know how easy or difficult they might find it.

> If you’re swanky enough to have an iPod Touch then load it up before you go with a cached copy of the local area map. Then even if you don’t have wifi access you still have all you need.

when you’re there

> Google Maps on your mobile phone is brilliant. As with the online version, detailed driving directions, local business listings and some transit information where available means you know where you are and how to get where you’re going. (it’s free but you’ll have to pay for the data usage, so check your contract). It’s also great on walks – find your bearings by looking at a satellite view of the area. You’ll soon be able to pick out a path and find your way home (or to the pub). If you haven’t got GPS on your mobile, Google Maps will still tell you your location to the nearest mile or so using the cell information – good enough once you’ve found a landmark.

> I’m a believer that if in doubt just ask someone. Online communities with a passion for the outdoors are popping up everywhere and are one of my favourite ways to find the coolest or newest places to go and things to try out. Check out one of my favourite Google Maps mash-ups at www.wikiloc.com – there you’ll find over 16,000 biking, walking and cycling routes all over the globe, all generated by a global community of users. Alternatively, just type your location into Google Earth and explore the user generated information there too.

> One easy way to trace back over your footsteps is to take a GPS device with you to record your route. Devices track routes in different ways so choose one that works for you and when you get back you just connect it to your computer and import your waypoint and track data into Google Earth.> If you’re one of those content generating users make sure others benefit from your experience too – write a review of a local climbing centre, campsite or restaurant and put it directly on to Google Maps.

after you’re back

> You can create a map online in a matter of minutes. Click on ‘My Maps’ in Google Maps and zoom to your location. From there you can customise and save your own personalised map, with icons, pictures, video and links. Over time you’ll build up a personal online store of your trips to share with as many or as few people as you like, or stick on your blog. Once complete you can elect to display your map in Google Earth too, giving you a global perspective of your travels. Alternatively upload your adventure photos to www.panoramio.com and share them with the world.

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