Anyone have good ideas for planning a road trip online? I want a google maps interface where I can plot multiple spots along a desired route. An online version of AAA’s Triptiks (maps of just your desired route, along w/ places of interest) would be ideal & I’m suprised something along those lines is not readily available online. You know - one of those google maps mashups. There is gmaptrack.com, but seems pretty limited at this point. How about google earth, Anyone using that? Backpackit seems like its too much work, If I’m going that far I’d just create my own website, plus the free version are pretty limited.
cpawl #
At this point, Backpackit might be your best option. Although you will have to do a bit of copy and paste- it is still relatively easy to set up. Search your maps (use the google map widget in Tiger) - search your destination, copy the image and text- email it or IM it to your Backpackit and add your own associated links. You can then use whiteboard to share the planning. After all that you can even create an area that “blogs” about the trip for the world to see. All without having to create one database, install anything, FTP from Starbucks, ..etc. Maybe not the end all be all service but a cry better than building your own website when you don’t have the will, time, or for some the ability to do so.
YES- the AAA’s Triptiks has GOT to happen…
I am going to add that to my list of things I personally would like to do but never do.
colleen #
http://www.bootsnall.com
budget world travel site, but may have something for you
Bill #
I would try more w/ backpackit, but their free service is pretty limited. There’s no way I’m paying just for them to host some imgs.
huphtur #
tons of Geotracking and mapping links on eHub: http://www.emilychang.com/go/ehub/category/
cpawl #
I agree about the “limited” service. Also, your only going to San Fran man… that is like driving from NYC to Boston… I am sure you can pull it off without the internet. Hell- I drove cross country twice from Philly to LA with only a maps I bught at a few gas stations.
cpawl #
I hate that I can’t edit my typos… how about that for a service.
Bill #
Yup - Rt 1, there and back, but half the fun is the planning.
It’d be nice if there was at least the ability to preview a comment, right?
cpawl #
Or if I got a new keyboard that doesn’t have coffee spills on it, or bothered to spell check now and then, but we can’t always have everything.
mac #
where you goin bill?
Heather Your sister #
YO, Billy, I say buy a map and go.
hedle
takk #
The best application for this is Microsoft’s MapPoint 2004. It is a desktop application that will do exactly what you are looking for. I have a copy for PC. If you want to develop your own site that does this MapPoint has a Web Service that you can use to integrate MapPoint functionality into your website. I’ve done some MapPoint programming in VB, used it to integrate customer databases with MapPoint software. But haven’t done any web-type programming with it yet.
huphtur #
http://www.tipmonkies.com/2005/10/27/major-search-engines-add-trip-planning-services