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Improving Mindat.orgLocation maps error

22nd Mar 2012 04:03 UTCScott L. Ritchie Expert

Hi Jolyon,

I noticed a few weeks back while using the map page for localities, that the USA Topo (USGS Terraserver data) is not working. I figured you might be busy during your honeymoon, so I've refrained... till now.

While you're rooting around in the code, how about increasing that map window size while you're at it. It's too small! ;-)

Scott

22nd Mar 2012 07:56 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder

Unfortunately the service from Microsoft Terraserver, who supply the tiles that we use for this map, is now unreliable.

This is no doubt due to their plans to discontinue the service altogether in May:

http://msrmaps.com/About.aspx?n=AboutShutdown

I believe the USGS are working on, or have, an alternative system to plug into Google Maps code, but I haven't found the documentation for it yet.

Jolyon

22nd Mar 2012 08:49 UTCScott L. Ritchie Expert

Thanks Jolyon, I should have figured you were already on it.

Hopefully the USGS will come through, as it would be very unfortunate to completely lose the ability to access topographic data and the public land survey system for the USA - but a google maps compatible overlay would be a genuine improvement over the status quo, long overdue imo.

I'd still like a larger map window in general for the location map page, if it's something you can implement without complication, even if it is only available to members while logged in, it would be increasingly helpful.

Scott

22nd Mar 2012 09:41 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder

A larger map option isn't a big problem - I'll add it to my todo list.