Log 2015022101

I just received a couple updated and replacement maps from the BTA.  And where I have merged it's tracks from the BTA GIS/ GPS Data Depository before, and some had working elevation profiles and measurement, not all work like that.  Take Stockport Section for instance, I've been able to get it's track segments merged into one so it's entire length appears as one entry on my hand GPS.  But the elevation profile shows errors and it does not have a "measurement" tab in the tracks "properties" menu regardless of whether I convert it to KML or GPX.

While I was merging Stockport's tracks, I paid special attention to what direction the segments were facing before I merged.  And while the were all in order, my merges were still coming up with errors.  I'd like to blame this one on "pilot error."   I have a gut feeling that it probably is, but when working GIS tracks, I'm at a loss sometimes.  Even though what I work with is more point and click, working with KML and GPX directly relates to the XML computer programming language.  And I've had a basic computer programming class before and this feels like there's an elusive flaw in my logic, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

So, I left the Stockport as it is for now and moved on to New Straitsville Section's track segments.  Using Google Maps Engine to recreate the on-road trail, I downloaded it's tracks and that brought the section down to 50 segments.  I wasn't able to get the measurements tab to work with the tracks as they were.  So, I did a conversion, leaving every track unmerged into KML to no avail.  I then did it to GPX and I now have both.

I renamed the tracks to split merging New Straitsville Section's track segments into 4 parts.  I want to see if an entire 50mi+ section is too large for GPSVisualizer to keep track of?  Or was my method of converting the segments into GPX first and commanding it to compute the track statistics the right thing to do?

I just got word that Google Maps Engine will loose it's support on January 29th, 2016 and that I have to start shopping for another product.  I subscribe to the "pro" version. Can you hear nails screeching on a chalkboard right now?

Log 2014041001

At 133,975 miles on my 2008 Chevy HHR, I noticed that the USB cigarette lighter adapter was powering up and down while I was driving and the adapter and 3 port splitter's rocker switch was no longer lighting up. Furthermore, I don't remember turning it on to begin with.  So either it over heated, or took a surge? Either way, they need to be replaced this month if I leave for my 4 day cycling trip.

I took some tracks along the Valley Bridle Trail in the Everett area in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Two days ago, I was tracing some trail on Google Earth for an amenity spur on the Ohio Transit Hiker's Resource - 2014 Edition. And the application was giving me some conflicting readings.  I've noted in the past that the NP doesn't always upload every one of their trails to Google.  And I think I saw something that I could use in the imagry,  but I didn't realky know what it was. So, I went down there today to find out just that. Some times, you can't do it all from behind the desk.

For instance... there's a new map update for the Old Man's Cave Section in South Central Ohio.  Because some of it takes place on an off-road bridle path in a heavily forested area (impossible to determine a trail's course in places like this from the desk), unless the BTA updates it's tracks, I won't have any new data until I'm there to get it myself.

Work on OTHR's guide is progressing.  I only have the Akron, Road Fork & Whipple Section's left to do. The latter two are easy, they're just I'm putting the information on the county lines. The Akron Section. .. I'm about a 1/3rd through inputting it's information, but I needed to stop to get that GPX data today in the NP and in person.