Region 12 Soaring Map - Help the soaring community!

[Michael Reid]

All,

I have been flying with Evergreen Soaring in Seattle, Wa for the past
year but will be moving to Tehachapi, Ca for work at the end of this
month. At Evergreen I have been developing a local knowledge soaring
map using simple google map tools. The map has proven very valuable
in documenting local soaring conditions, and very popular with with
new and experienced X-C pilots alike.

Here is the link to the Evergreen Map: <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.00044fe1653a0df76f713&ll=48.306948,-121.790314&spn=0.807474,2.114868&t=p&z=10>

Because of the positive feedback I have received, and that I believe
that this is a very valuable tool I have created one for all of Region
12. The permissions are set so that anyone can edit the map and add
content. This is an ambitious project and I need support from the
Region 12 Soaring community to make it a success!

Here is the link to the Region 12 Soaring Map:
<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.0004583d6163152dd0622&t=p&z=10>

How To / Rules:

To learn how the google map tools work read this link:
<http://local.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=68480>

All I ask is that you follow 6 simple rules when adding content to the
map:

1) Good thermal generators or ridges that generate lift should be
marked with yellow balloons, yellow lines, or yellow polygons. Try to
give detailed information on the lift source.

2) Airports should be marked with a Blue line showing the approximate
runway heading and length.

3) Landout fields should be marked in purple showing the usable
landing area, link to photos if possible.

4) Danger areas, caution areas, or areas that consistently lack lift
should be marked with red balloons, red lines, or red polygons.

5) Try to add as many pictures from the air and on ground as possible.

6) Since this map is intended to be studied, not used in flight feel,
free to add as much information as possible.

Thanks to all who supported the project in Seattle, and all who help
out with the Region 12 map.

Thanks!
Michael Reid "BK"

[Michael Reid]

On Oct 12, 10:02 am, Michael Reid > wrote:
> All,
>
> I have been flying with Evergreen Soaring in Seattle, Wa for the past
> year but will be moving to Tehachapi, Ca for work at the end of this
> month. At Evergreen I have been developing a local knowledge soaring
> map using simple google map tools. The map has proven very valuable
> in documenting local soaring conditions, and very popular with with
> new and experienced X-C pilots alike.
>
> Here is the link to the Evergreen Map: <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
> ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.00044fe1653a0df76f713&ll=48.306948,-121.790314&spn=0.807474,2.114868&t=p&z=10>
>
> Because of the positive feedback I have received, and that I believe
> that this is a very valuable tool I have created one for all of Region
> 12. The permissions are set so that anyone can edit the map and add
> content. This is an ambitious project and I need support from the
> Region 12 Soaring community to make it a success!
>
> Here is the link to the Region 12 Soaring Map:
> <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
> ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.0004583d6163152dd0622&t=p&z=10>
>
> How To / Rules:
>
> To learn how the google map tools work read this link:
> <http://local.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=68480>
>
> All I ask is that you follow 6 simple rules when adding content to the
> map:
>
> 1) Good thermal generators or ridges that generate lift should be
> marked with yellow balloons, yellow lines, or yellow polygons. Try to
> give detailed information on the lift source.
>
> 2) Airports should be marked with a Blue line showing the approximate
> runway heading and length.
>
> 3) Landout fields should be marked in purple showing the usable
> landing area, link to photos if possible.
>
> 4) Danger areas, caution areas, or areas that consistently lack lift
> should be marked with red balloons, red lines, or red polygons.
>
> 5) Try to add as many pictures from the air and on ground as possible.
>
> 6) Since this map is intended to be studied, not used in flight feel,
> free to add as much information as possible.
>
> Thanks to all who supported the project in Seattle, and all who help
> out with the Region 12 map.
>
> Thanks!
> Michael Reid "BK"

Better Links:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.00044fe1653a0df76f713&ll=48.306948,-121.790314&spn=0.807474,2.114868&t=p&z=10
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.0004583d6163152dd0622&t=p&z=10

[noel.wade]

I added some data to the Region 12 map around the WS area (based on my
limited flying time there). Hope more folks jump in and share their
knowledge!

--Noel

[Jim[_13_]]

On Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:02:47 -0700 (PDT), Michael Reid
> wrote:

>All,
>
>I have been flying with Evergreen Soaring in Seattle, Wa for the past
>year but will be moving to Tehachapi, Ca for work at the end of this
>month. At Evergreen I have been developing a local knowledge soaring
>map using simple google map tools. The map has proven very valuable
>in documenting local soaring conditions, and very popular with with
>new and experienced X-C pilots alike.
>
>Here is the link to the Evergreen Map: <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
>ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.00044fe1653a0df76f713&ll=48.306948,-121.790314&spn=0.807474,2.114868&t=p&z=10>
>
>Because of the positive feedback I have received, and that I believe
>that this is a very valuable tool I have created one for all of Region
>12. The permissions are set so that anyone can edit the map and add
>content. This is an ambitious project and I need support from the
>Region 12 Soaring community to make it a success!
>
>Here is the link to the Region 12 Soaring Map:
><http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?
>ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110809831428160373070.0004583d6163152dd0622&t=p&z=10>
>
>How To / Rules:
>
>To learn how the google map tools work read this link:
><http://local.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=68480>
>
>All I ask is that you follow 6 simple rules when adding content to the
>map:
>
>1) Good thermal generators or ridges that generate lift should be
>marked with yellow balloons, yellow lines, or yellow polygons. Try to
>give detailed information on the lift source.
>
>2) Airports should be marked with a Blue line showing the approximate
>runway heading and length.
>
>3) Landout fields should be marked in purple showing the usable
>landing area, link to photos if possible.
>
>4) Danger areas, caution areas, or areas that consistently lack lift
>should be marked with red balloons, red lines, or red polygons.
>
>5) Try to add as many pictures from the air and on ground as possible.
>
>6) Since this map is intended to be studied, not used in flight feel,
>free to add as much information as possible.
>
>Thanks to all who supported the project in Seattle, and all who help
>out with the Region 12 map.
>
>Thanks!
>Michael Reid "BK"

Thank you for this. I have not before seen a Google Map used in this
way. Very helpful and easy to use. I do miss the inclusion of
Crystalaire though. Wonderful people and wonderful desert, wave and
mountain soaring. But other than this (and I am sure there may be
many other personal favorites that folks could mention), very useful.

[noel.wade]

On Oct 13, 11:02*am, Jim > wrote:

> Thank you for this. *I have not before seen a Google Map used in this
> way. *Very helpful and easy to use. *I do miss the inclusion of
> Crystalaire though. *Wonderful people and wonderful desert, wave and
> mountain soaring. *But other than this (and I am sure there may be
> many other personal favorites that folks could mention), very useful.- Hide quoted text -

Jim -

The whole idea is for the map to be collaborative, so if you have a
thermal location or landing strip or glider ops area that isn't
marked, go ahead and add it! You may need to click on the "edit"
button in the information column to the left of the map, in order to
see the editing tools show up at the top of the map.

Enjoy,

--Noel

[Michael Reid]

Jim, Noel,

Yes, if you find the map missing information please make a few quick
clicks and fill it in. I'll stop by the map every once an a while and
clean it up so it's nice and orderly.

To learn how the google map tools work read this link:
http://local.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=68480

This is a perfect winter activity!

Thanks!
Michael

[Jim[_13_]]

On Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:55:05 -0700 (PDT), "noel.wade"
> wrote:

>On Oct 13, 11:02*am, Jim > wrote:
>
>> Thank you for this. *I have not before seen a Google Map used in this
>> way. *Very helpful and easy to use. *I do miss the inclusion of
>> Crystalaire though. *Wonderful people and wonderful desert, wave and
>> mountain soaring. *But other than this (and I am sure there may be
>> many other personal favorites that folks could mention), very useful.- Hide quoted text -
>
>Jim -
>
>The whole idea is for the map to be collaborative, so if you have a
>thermal location or landing strip or glider ops area that isn't
>marked, go ahead and add it! You may need to click on the "edit"
>button in the information column to the left of the map, in order to
>see the editing tools show up at the top of the map.
>
>Enjoy,
>
>--Noel


Noel,

I'm a little slow on this sort of thing, but I think I've added
Crystal to the map. At least it is now on the map I see in
Google Maps. I hope I did this properly. Thank you again
for providing this very useful tool.

Jim

[[email protected]]

Greetings all,

I have added yellow balloons in the area of Crystalaire ( Great
Western Soaring ) with which I am familiar. However, the cursed
cursor got away from me, and I placed a balloon in Azusa, which I have
not been able to delete -- yet. This was inadvertent, and please
don't go flying there ! It's on the wrong side of the San Gabriel
Mountains, and in the L.A. T.C.A. !

Cheers, Charles

[noel.wade]

On Oct 14, 12:13*pm, wrote:
> cursor got away from me, and I placed a balloon in Azusa, which I have
> not been able to delete -- yet. *This was inadvertent, and please

You should be able to right-click on an item (a line, a polygon, or a
balloon) and pick "delete" from the little menu that pops up. :-)

Thanks for the contributions!

--Noel

[Michael Reid]

On Oct 14, 12:18*pm, "noel.wade" > wrote:
> On Oct 14, 12:13*pm, wrote:
>
> > cursor got away from me, and I placed a balloon in Azusa, which I have
> > not been able to delete -- yet. *This was inadvertent, and please
>
> You should be able to right-click on an item (a line, a polygon, or a
> balloon) and pick "delete" from the little menu that pops up. :-)
>
> Thanks for the contributions!
>
> --Noel

Thanks everyone. I'll take some time this weekend to clean up any
wayward points and what not. The map is quickly growing, so thanks
for the effort!

Michael

[noel.wade]

....I had some slack time tonight and cleaned up the coloring of
various thermal and wave spots.

Lots of good stuff is being added! Cindy's additions to the Cal
City / Caracole soaring area are making me jealous that you're moving
down there, Michael! :-)

--Noel

[db_sonic]

This is pretty slick. It may help those of us in Region 11 when
flying south formulate a plan for long straight outs or long out and
returns in the right conditions. Speaking of which, anybody know if
there is something similar for Region 11? If not let's get one going.

[CindyB]

On Oct 15, 10:08*pm, "noel.wade" > wrote:
> ...I had some slack time tonight and cleaned up the coloring of
> various thermal and wave spots.
>
> Lots of good stuff is being added! *Cindy's additions to the Cal
> City / Caracole soaring area are making me jealous that you're moving
> down there, Michael! :-)
>
> --Noel

Well, I had to go read the thread about Region 12 soaring.
And then I had to promote our site.
And then I had to browse a minute and touch up some spelling's.
But thanks, Noel, because I couldn't figure out how to change colors
of things
that I had posted... grrr.

I am a little reluctant to post things about "landout places", because
of the change
ability of those places by season or by summer thunderstorm, or the
variability of
pilot landing skills. What's good for Jane isn't guaranteed good for
Joe....
but I will add a couple others that should suit almost anyone.

Michael - may we link this through the SoCalSoaring web page, as a
Region 12 activity/resource?
How long does it live?
Can one of you techno-guys figure out a shorter URL link?

I have had SoCal - Caracole visitors use Google as a great tool to
"fly" a
course or the area before they come visit, and it is a great resource
for
getting oriented before you are here.

Navigation by pilotage is taught very little, and it is a primary
skill
for cross-country flying. Natural orientation is something that
occurs
at different levels of proficiency for each person. Then when you
throw
in our great visibility (90 miles today) and often great heights
above
terrain (23,700 on Saturday past), it is a whole new world to be
looking down upon.

Thanks Michael for getting this started! Maybe the other Regions will
enjoy starting their own map to share.

Cindy B
SSA Region 12 Director
www.ssa.org
www.socalsoaring.com
www.caracolesoaring.com

[Michael Reid]

Cindy,

Thanks for putting in all the information! Our philosophy for
information at Evergreen has been to put as much on the map as
possible with caveats if necessary. We had a landout early in the
season at a field that 2 weeks later was un-landable because of crop
growth, all that info went on the map! So i would encourage you to
put as much info as you can on the map. Also, just to make sure i've
made the correct connection to who you are, I believe we spoke during
a lazy Saturday back in August i was in town for a job interview in
Mojave anyway I'm looking forward to getting out and flying! Sure you
can link to the map, it will be up as long as google provides the
service! Unfortunately I can't do anything about the length of the
hyper-link though.

db_sonic,

Thanks for the input, there is actually a Region 11 map in the works
It's called V-S-A First Draft. link below:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=107499315210947164399.000458355094d3f980c1c&z=7

They decided to input a way-point file and add info to the way points,
it ended up a bit cluttered but any info is better than no info.


Noel,

As always thanks for the help. I'm considering making wave areas a
different color than thermal areas so that they can overlap. If you
don't tow into the wave highlighting the area to thermal into the wave
will be helpful.

Thanks again to everyone for supporting this project, it's coming
along very nicely and lots of people are viewing the map!

Michael "BK"

[noel.wade]

Cindy:

Of course we can do something about the URL length - just not with
Google. :-)
TinyURL.com provides a nice (free) service:

http://tinyurl.com/r12soaringmap

Ta-Da!

--Noel
(Who helped Cindy with the computer problems at the SSA convention,
too) *grin*

[CindyB]

>
> --Noel
> (Who helped Cindy with the computer problems at the SSA convention,
> too) **grin*

Noel:

Clap, clap, clap.
You are the guy who brought my Dell back from her coffee break?
Thanks.

I have again thrown a pile of data onto the Region 12 Google Map.
This time I figured out how to change colors, opacity, line width.
Vary the icons. But I still can't load up photos.
You fellows can have a good chuckle, and enjoy my data.

Orion and Mark added a good bit too !
Sorry we don't have any Santa Ynez, Krey, or 29 Palms guys posting
onto this yet.

Maybe more next month.

Thanks for the tiny url.

Cindy

[Dan[_6_]]

On Oct 29, 11:32*pm, CindyB > wrote:
> > --Noel
> > (Who helped Cindy with the computer problems at the SSA convention,
> > too) **grin*
>
> Noel:
>
> Clap, clap, clap.
> You are the guy who brought my Dell back from her coffee break?
> Thanks.
>
> I have again thrown a pile of data onto the Region 12 Google Map.
> This time I figured out how to change colors, opacity, line width.
> Vary the icons. *But I still can't load up photos.
> You fellows can have a good chuckle, and enjoy my data.
>
> Orion and Mark added a good bit too !
> Sorry we don't have any Santa Ynez, Krey, or 29 Palms guys posting
> onto this yet.
>
> Maybe more next month.
>
> Thanks for the tiny url.
>
> Cindy

I seem to be having trouble viewing this map.
When I click on the sites I get a huge banner/description but it is
obviously in the wrong place.

What am I doing wrong?

little help please.

thanks,
Dan Rihn
WO

[noel.wade]

Dan -

Are you using the TinyURL we made?

http://tinyurl.com/r12soaringmap

That seems to still be working fine when I test it. Can you see ANY
Google maps (http://maps.google.com)?

--Noel

[Dan[_6_]]

On Oct 30, 2:30*pm, "noel.wade" > wrote:
> Dan -
>
> Are you using the TinyURL we made?
>
> http://tinyurl.com/r12soaringmap
>
> That seems to still be working fine when I test it. *Can you see ANY
> Google maps (http://maps.google.com)?
>
> --Noel

yes, I can see google maps just fine when I open it up by itself.

Using your URL, I don'r get the scaling or zooming feature, they're
blank and then the problems as i described before. I also have this
problem on this lap top with X/C Skies. Maybe i should go back to my
older Windows 95 Laptop! It runs X/C better.

Dan

[Dan[_6_]]

On Oct 30, 3:14*pm, Dan > wrote:
> On Oct 30, 2:30*pm, "noel.wade" > wrote:
>
> > Dan -
>
> > Are you using the TinyURL we made?
>
> >http://tinyurl.com/r12soaringmap
>
> > That seems to still be working fine when I test it. *Can you see ANY
> > Google maps (http://maps.google.com)?
>
> > --Noel
>
> yes, I can see google maps just fine when I open it up by itself.
>
> Using your URL, I don'r get the scaling or zooming feature, they're
> blank and then the problems as i described before. *I also have this
> problem on this lap top with X/C Skies. *Maybe i should go back to my
> older Windows 95 Laptop! *It runs X/C better.
>
> Dan

OK....Got it figured out.
I just had to use the View in Google Earth button.....duh.....
sorry!

this looks great many thanks
Dan
WO

[noel.wade]

On Oct 30, 4:13*pm, Dan > wrote:
>
> > yes, I can see google maps just fine when I open it up by itself.
>
> > Using your URL, I don'r get the scaling or zooming feature, they're
> > blank and then the problems as i described before. *I also have this
> > problem on this lap top with X/C Skies. *Maybe i should go back to my
> > older Windows 95 Laptop! *It runs X/C better.
>
> > Dan
>
> OK....Got it figured out.
> I just had to use the View in Google Earth button.....duh.....
> sorry!

Dan -

Glad you can see it, but you should be able to view it just fine
without Google Earth... Sounds like a plug-in problem or other
corruption with your web-browser. If you have multiple web browsers
installed (like Firefox and IE, or Opera and Firefox), try using a
different browser and see if that helps. Good luck!

--Noel