In the time since we launched printed maps we've been literally innudated with feedback -- some positive, some negative.  We want to thank all those that took the time to write in... 

First, a quick introduction. My name's Artur E. and I've been on the MapMyFitness team at the Denver office since the begining of the year and I'm working on improving the printed maps from their current state. Members who've purchased or accessed printed maps via their premium membership will have full access to the improved version, and these new printed maps will not cost any more. 

The biggest issues we're aiming to address with the printed maps is the low resolution and absense of a dedicated cue sheet. 

 Segmented Maps

The improved printed maps will allow you to print a map overview like you have now, but also split your map into smaller distances, you will get to choose the distances you want, here's an example of a segment generated with an ideal distance of 10K. 

Here's one with a distance of only 1K, of course this resolution may be a bit much if you're tracking the entire Tour De France stage

Each segment will be accompanied by the notes that correspond to that segment in particular, click on the images to view a full resolution version. 

Cue Sheets

The second option we're looking at is generating cue sheets for cyclists, which will feature three mini maps showing the overall course of the route as long as notes, these can then be folded into threes. I will post a preview of this as soon as they're ready and I can get my hands on a color printer. 

Your Opinions

If you have any ideas with how we can improve the printed maps, let your opinions be heard here, we look forward to reading them. 

Thank you

I'd like to have the segment and cue sheet functionality as part of the standard (that is, I don't have to pay anything MORE for it) mapping service.  But, will it work?  I ask this because I signed up to be a premium member primarily to gain access to printing out maps.  But, not happy Jan! (Aussies will get this comment), the new improved (?) map service seems to mess up the distance key in the printable version. 

Can you explain why my distance key starts out as miles/km in the online viewable version, and then when it's converted into the pdf it suddenly is shown as m/ft?  This wouldn't be a problem, other than the fact that the key doesn't correlate with the distance markers set out on the route on the map.  For example, my route, Memorial Boulevard, Newport Harbour, Beacon Hill Rd ... would only be about 11kms according to the distance key instead of just under 16 kms/9 miles that the mile markers are showing on the mapped route. 

Am I getting this glitsch because I have my profile set to metric? Or do imperial system users also have this problem on their maps?

Just a tad sceptical after signing up for a year -

Stevie

The improved premium maps will not cost extra and will be free for premium members, these are in fact replacing the current system.

Distance calculations are working properly in this new version and I have been testing with metric :)

We've updated our elevation server to address to unit conversion issue -- it should be all set now.

Cheers - Kevin

Here's another look (this is a screenshot of a PDF) scaled down :)

Click for Screenshot

 I will look into posting a sample PDF shortly. 

What I want is a forum whereby cyclist can share ideas about routes.  What is the safest way to get from point A to point B?  Which route is the most fun and the most scenic?

The only way I would ever pay $48 a year to MapMyRide is if MapMyRide then paid $35 to the League of American Bicyclist as my membership dues for a year.

Before you work on the maps, get the cue sheet generation features working first.  Go to Bike Route Toaster to see some good cue sheet ideas.  It is a free site.  They have the auto generation of cue sheets and it works.  You can edit the cue sheet and it doesn’t delete the other notes like MapMyRide (MMR).  They create a CSV file and a utility that loads it straight into a MS Excel file.  With MMR, you have the copy and paste to do this.  Or on their site you just print the cue sheet.

Do not combine the cue sheets with the maps.  Cyclist don’t use them that way.  The users will know the only reason you are combining the maps and the cue sheets is to force people to pay to print them.  They will not tolerate that BS.

Then add a feature whereby users can contact each other directly via email.   Protect us from spam of course.  This would expand our ability to “  share ideas about routes”.  Bikely has this feature (another free site).

If after you do that and MMR is still in business, work on the maps.  I only use maps when I get lost because I didn’t pay attention to the cue sheet.  Sometimes I enjoy the scenery or watch traffic or think I know the way and then I am not on the route anymore.   I then stop, pull out a map and figure out how to get back home.

The only maps that I have seen that are really useful required huge amounts of user effort.  With the old MMR system we could copy the maps into a Word or Excel file and then add text boxes.  I would add street names and other info.   Don’t think for a minute I would put this much effort into a map into a map MMR controls.  I would only do this if the map was on my computer and I could share it with anyone I wanted.  This is what we need and want.  I know this would not allow MMR to sell my work to others.

TDF Sample Map - Segmented (High Segment Resolution)

TDF Sample Map - Segmented (Low Segment Resolution)

Those maps would be next to useless if someone got off the route accidentally. 

I'm also curious as to why you use the Google Maps API for everything except for the printing functionality.  Is it a ToS issue with Google?  Or perhaps a technical limitation? 

We're slowly rolling out the advanced printed map functionality right now, very soon you will be able to specify the level of detail you need on a route (for instance on a hike you can choose to see 500 m segments rather then 10km).

Unfortunately Google doesn't license their maps for printing and thus we're forced to use MapQuest here. Believe me, I would love to have used the Google maps here :)

We're still working on adding more levels of customization:

* Select Distance Segments (ie, do you want 15 mile details or 5 mile details)

* Line Width

* Line Opacity

Is there anything else you would like to see customized?

-Kevin

I'd rather just draw my route on Google.

In the route engine be sure to select follow roads and automatic notes to see cues. Or if you wish you can edit the markers in your old route and add your cue notes there. Reprinting purchased maps is free.

Thanks,

Jesse Card

Ride Green Build Green (.org) 

 Most important, we need the street names to be readable even if the route passes over them!

Seán

Thanks,

Jim 

Mike