OpenStreetMap is a free, editable, open-source map of the world. It is being created by enthusiasts who upload their GPS tracks to the system. Contributors are pedestrians, cyclists, sailors and even a few motorists. UCD and Dublin are quite well mapped though some minor roads are missing.
Map of UCD from OpenStreetMap
The Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) are producing web versions of their Trailmaster maps which are available through Geolives to all Trailmaster customers at a cost. Maps in USA are available free of copyright restrictions. Unfortunately OSI and the Ordnance Survey (UK) are not following their example. Meanwhile Google are mapping the world.
January 14th, 2009
Helsinki is setting the trend in real time public transport information. Travellers can see where their tram or bus is right now by clicking on a Google map of the city. Buses update their position by GPS every second. Of course, the map can be viewed on a mobile phone so you can make travel plans at home, in the office or as you go. Every bus is also a wireless hotspot offering free broadband Internet access.
According to the Guardian, “Every bus and tram stop in Helsinki is being fitted with small ‘near field information‘ (presumably mobile RFID) tags that allow anyone with a Nokia cameraphone to take a snap of the tag and launch a Java application bespoke to that stop. This means that you don’t have to have to take off your mittens or tap in tricky Finnish place names such as Herttoniemenranta when it’s -22C and you’re faced with sleet’s bitter sting.”
See the Guardian for more information on the future of public transport in London and Helsinki.
April 2nd, 2008
Two young UCD Geography students, Paul Alexander and Robert Mathews, had a vision of a user-friendly interactive map that would help first year students, international students and occasional visitors, easily find their way around the biggest university campus in Ireland. Their vision led to the collaborative development of the UCD Interactive Map by the Orientation Mapping Centre, UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy and Media Services, UCD IT Services.
Google Maps were used to build the interactive map. Using Google Maps, you can view a satellite map, a street map or a hybrid of both maps of many parts of the world. The maps are scaleable and you can zoom in and out of any location or feature. Google Maps are customisable. You can locate an address on the map; add a placemark and a description. Add a second location and Google Maps will give you a route map and directions with times and distances. Using My Maps Plus you can embed your map in your blog or website.
Features of the UCD interactive map include full and accurate building outlines, as well as the current outline of UCD Belfield Campus. Each outline is a doorway to information containing useful hints, tips, floor plans (for room navigation), pictures, virtual tours, access points and much, much more. Students simply have to click on the name of the building they wish to find and they are shown the way. A range of photographs of important buildings have been built-in to help students and visitors recognise the buildings.
To view the interactive map go to http://www.ucd.ie/itservices/mediaservices/interactivemap/map.html
October 5th, 2007
