25 replies to this topic

[amtkstn]

A neat view of the Amtrak routes on Google Maps.

http://www.mapmash.in/amtrak.html

[Devil's Advocate]

If you zoom in sufficiently you'll see that the lines don't follow the actual tracks. Looks like they simply plotted Indiana Jones style lines in between each station stop. I wonder how we could fix it? Might need to research this some more.

[arrow3]

I'm working on the Zephyr route right now on Google maps. Eventually, I'll have all the routes done.

[MikefromCrete]

The LSL and the Michigan routes are shown crossing Lake Michigan (!) instead of going around it. I mean, we all know that Indiana doesn't have much use for Amtrak, but this is just silly.

[Devil's Advocate]

I'm working on the Zephyr route right now on Google maps. Eventually, I'll have all the routes done.

Can you link to what you have right now? I'm just curious to see how it's turning out.

[ALC_Rail_Writer]

Missing the Hoosier State

[mfastx]

I wish the Sunset Limited still went to Florida like it says on the map.

[me_little_me]

A neat view of the Amtrak routes on Google Maps.

http://www.mapmash.in/amtrak.html

Missing a few stations in WV.

[zepherdude]

A neat view of the Amtrak routes on Google Maps.

http://www.mapmash.in/amtrak.html

That is a really good map, did you do that Amtkstn?

[saxman]

Google transit is slowly adding all the Amtrak routes into its system. I know the Capitol Limited is in there. I can now click Washington to Chicago and click on transit, and it will tell you to take the 4:05 pm departure. It's pretty nifty.

[Gratt]

Google transit is slowly adding all the Amtrak routes into its system. I know the Capitol Limited is in there. I can now click Washington to Chicago and click on transit, and it will tell you to take the 4:05 pm departure. It's pretty nifty.

I noticed that about half a year ago. While the typical AU member might not understand (due to their seniority ) how important it is to be part of Google Transit, it is good to see the higher ups at Amtrak do.

It is basically very simple, free advertising that will target groups that know little to nothing about Amtrak. It is a great way to get first time riders who will stumble on to this when they are playing with Google maps and seeing how far the drive will be from their home in Baltimore and their college buddy in Chicago or Florida.

Now all Amtrak needs is system wide Wifi (and not that BS that flickers out b/c you are out of range) likely via satellite.

After that the TSA and The Resistance will bring all the passengers Amtrak needs.

http://www.theatlant...e-updated/65390

[Devil's Advocate]

I noticed that about half a year ago. While the typical AU member might not understand (due to their seniority) how important it is to be part of Google Transit, it is good to see the higher ups at Amtrak do. It is basically very simple, free advertising that will target groups that know little to nothing about Amtrak.

People who are simply looking up driving or walking directions will never see any Amtrak options show up unless they specifically request them and there just happens to be a train leaving during the brief window Google is searching for, typically for the next hour or so. If and when Amtrak starts offering multiple daily trains in every direction like we see in Europe or Asia then giving Google access to their most recent scheduling information will be a major benefit, but for now it's not a strong selling point in my view. The one and only way for Amtrak to grow beyond their current meager offerings is through positive government involvement and that comes exclusively from direct political action.

Now all Amtrak needs is system wide Wifi (and not that BS that flickers out b/c you are out of range) likely via satellite. After that the TSA and The Resistance will bring all the passengers Amtrak needs.

Satellite internet isn't exactly rock-solid either. It's negatively impacted by weather and tunnels and other complications and it's also very expensive. Since Amtrak isn't very well funded I wouldn't expect much progress to be made on this front anytime soon. As for the TSA, I see the same do-nothing reactions among Amtrak passengers as I saw among airline passengers. If you don't support the ACLU you might as well write the TSA a check.

[arrow3]

I'm working on the Zephyr route right now on Google maps. Eventually, I'll have all the routes done.

Can you link to what you have right now? I'm just curious to see how it's turning out.

I finished it tonight. I'll post the link tomorrow.

[railiner]

Internet on satellite certainly is slow. Anyone who has experienced it on a cruise ship knows how frustrating it is. Like old dial-up.

[Chris J.]

People who are simply looking up driving or walking directions will never see any Amtrak options show up unless they specifically request them and there just happens to be a train leaving during the brief window Google is searching for, typically for the next hour or so.

It shows todays and tomorrow's trains for me for the cross country routes. It may not show the sunset or cardinal if you look on the wrong day (but then nor does the Amtrak planner).

It throws up some odd connections at times. part of a "New York to Los Angeles" route sent me on the Lake Shore to Chicago, then Metra (BNSF line) to Naperville then Southwest Chief from there....

Edited by Chris J., 04 November 2010 - 06:11 AM.

[arrow3]

Here is my map of the California Zephyr. The times shown at each station are for the westbound CZ.

To view the map, you have two options:

Method 1 - Google Earth
Go to the following link and download the .kml file. You can then open this file and you will see the map in Google Earth.
http://maps.google.c...3adc836ed39a5e6

Method 2 - Google Maps
Goto http://maps.google.com then type the following into the google maps search box (not your browser's address bar) and click "Search Maps"
http:// maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=11&jsv=292a&oe=UTF8&msa=0&output=nl&msid=110226534902616745267.0004903adc836ed39a5e6

NOTE: Remove the space between "http://" and "maps" before hitting "Search Maps". I needed to do this so the link would show up in full.
Please let me know if there are any problems with the map. I'm sure there may be some issues.

Edited by arrow3, 04 November 2010 - 07:39 AM.

[rrdude]

nicely done, now how do I add realtime GPS to this Google-Map?

[arrow3]

nicely done, now how do I add realtime GPS to this Google-Map?

I believe you can do that in Google Earth if you have a pro version and a USB GPS hooked up to your laptop. Not sure though.

[Devil's Advocate]

First of all, good work! This looks pretty sweet so far.

Go to the following link and download the .kml file. You can then open this file and you will see the map in Google Earth.
http://maps.google.c...3adc836ed39a5e6

This particular link didn't seem to work for me.

Method 2 - Google Maps
Goto http://maps.google.com then type the following into the google maps search box (not your browser's address bar) and click "Search Maps"
http:// maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=11&jsv=292a&oe=UTF8&msa=0&output=nl&msid=110226534902616745267.0004903adc836ed39a5e6

If you want the full link to always be visible then you can use code tags like so...

[code[color=black]][/b]http:[color=black]/[/color]/maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=11&jsv=292a&oe=UTF8&msa=0&output=nl&msid=110226534902616745267.0004903adc836ed39a5e6[b][/code[/color]][/b]

And you'll get this...

[code]http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&vps=11&jsv=292a&oe=UTF8&msa=0&output=nl&msid=110226534902616745267.0004903adc836ed39a5e6[/code]

Or you can use [b]This Link to reach the same information in one go!

Edited by daxomni, 04 November 2010 - 11:20 AM.