Gmap4 guy checking in

Hi Everyone - My real name is Joseph and I like maps.

A few years ago it was common in a hiking forum I visit for people to post a jpg snip from a topo map as part of their trip report. Often times these jpgs included a GPS track. Now while those maps certainly made the threads more informative, they did not let the reader zoom in, switch to an aerial view, pan to one side, etc. I also was aware of programs like http://mapper.acme.com/ that let you view topographic maps in a google map interface. But Acme does not let you display a GPX file on the map.

With that in mind, I decided to dust off my programming skills and write my own version of an enhanced Google map viewer that would provide a super easy way to display several different file formats (including GPX) and let the user flip back and forth between a really nice topographic map and any of the standard Google map views. The software I developed is called Gmap4. Both ACME and Gmap4 do some of the same things and each program also does some unique things.

Everyone likes high quality online and hardcopy maps whether you are a hunter, hiker, bird watcher, gold prospector, biker, etc. And speaking of hardcopy, since I am a map guy I was intrigued to see what Jason’s Apex Mapping was all about so I jumped on his website. Wowie zowie! I am generally aware of what other vendors charge for hardcopy maps and Jason has beat them on price. In fact, maybe Gmap4 can help you zero in on an area for which you want to buy one of Jason’s maps.

After I registered on publiclandbowhunters this morning I actually wound up talking with Dave. Once I explained what Gmap4 was all about he gave me the OK to go ahead and post in the scouting/maps/gps subforum. Later today I will post some Gmap4 info there and then subscribe to that thread. Now while I am happy to answer questions, I do have a favor to ask of everyone. Please do not send me a pm with your question. Instead, please post your question in the Gmap4 thread so others with the same question (but too shy to ’fess up and ask it) can share in the answer.

Teaser: To start with I am going to show everyone how easy and fast it is to make a Gmap4 link that will (1) start Gmap4, (2) be zoomed in anywhere, and (3) display the highest resolution topographic map available online. You can use those links when you post here in the forum or anyplace else that a link can be used. Wanna know more? Keep an eye on the scouting/maps/gps subforum and join the discussion there.

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy

Welcome & you have my full attention.

Joseph, welcome to our forum it was really nice to speak with you this morning (sorry about not noticing the time zone difference .) Anyhow, I really do appreciate you approaching me about contributing to the forum, for the MEMBER'S BENEFIT.

I think your expertise is a fantastic addition to our forum, and will nicely compliment our awesome Forum Mapping Specialist, Apex Mapping Solutions. All the best- Dave