Difference between revisions of "Israel Hiking and Biking Maps"
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<big><big>Under construction !</big></big> | <big><big>Under construction !</big></big> | ||
| − | === Initial Aims | + | === Initial Aims === |
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community. | The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community. | ||
| − | === Implementation | + | === Implementation === |
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and | A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and | ||
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. | an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. | ||
| − | === Benefit for hikers | + | === Benefit for hikers === |
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel, | Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel, | ||
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew | which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew | ||
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or | speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or | ||
print them out. | print them out. | ||
| − | === Benefit for bikers | + | === Benefit for bikers === |
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to | Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to | ||
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown. | plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown. | ||
| − | === Volunteers | + | === Volunteers === |
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three | So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three | ||
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All | volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All | ||
development has been pro-bono. | development has been pro-bono. | ||
| − | === Mapping community | + | === Mapping community === |
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open | The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open | ||
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000 | GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000 | ||
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place. | members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place. | ||
| − | === Success | + | === Success === |
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within | Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within | ||
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes | various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes | ||
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data. | government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data. | ||
| − | === Longer term aims | + | === Longer term aims === |
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted. | We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted. | ||
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered. | The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered. | ||
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service. | However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service. | ||
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions. | The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions. | ||
Revision as of 00:51, 21 July 2018
Under construction !
Initial Aims
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
Implementation
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
Benefit for hikers
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel, which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
Benefit for bikers
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
Volunteers
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All development has been pro-bono.
Mapping community
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000 members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
Success
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
Longer term aims
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted. The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered. However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service. The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.