MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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I'm thinking of creating a trail map of the local woods. Went hunting yesterday and there were a few hidden gems, I had my GPS on and I've got a GPX track with most of the rideable trails (and an unrideable one!) Aiming to perhaps distribute the maps through local pubs near the trails or the LBS.
Anyone had any experience doing anything like this? Any tips?
Best way to convert GPX tracks into a map? Any software recommendations?
Any copyright barriers etc. to consider?
Dont bother with maps, just show people by riding with them. Simpler, eaiser and more fun.
Biggest considerations should be rights of way, land owners permision and any legal responsibilities you create for yourself by publishing them for others.
Do what Trimix suggests for an easier option.
By all means create your own map for your own use - depending on what phone you've got you can do this with Endomondo. There should be software with or available for your GPS to upload tracks onto maps inc Google (subscription required).
Distributing un-official trail maps is generally frowned upon, if the people who built the trails didn't do that then neither should you. Yes there area copyright issues and the land on which the trails are built will belong to someone and have likely access and "terms of use"
Cheers for the advice, I might just have a go at creating a map for myself and then see if the council are interested in promoting mountain biking in the area. The woods are a council administered local space as far as I can see, but I'm not sure on ownership. It's not marked on the map as Open Access.
I'm not sure the trails have been 'built' either, it's just woods with natural singletrack away from the horse churned bridleways. Plus, it's tiny by comparison to trail centres etc.
Also - Trimix, once the weather gets better, I'll be dragging anyone who cares to listen down there to get covered in mud!
If you are producing and distributing paper or digital maps bear in mind that if you are using a copyrighted basemap such as OS you will need to follow the relevant licence agreement.
I'm not sure the trails have been 'built' either, it's just woods with natural singletrack away from the horse churned bridleways. Plus, it's tiny by comparison to trail centres etc.
I have never seen natural singletrack... always man made even if it doesn't look like it. I'd check if it's MoD owned - they'll have a major problem with maps if our experiences are anything to go by.
I'd upload to a mapping website, the best I've found is [url= http://www.justgoride.co.uk/ ]Just Go Ride[/url], you can draw the map onto OS and the site will make a .gpx that people can download to follow.
APF
Also, bear in mind that others who use/maintain the same singletrack may well want to keep it 'under the radar' - the best way to get cheeky trails closed down is to try and publicise them.
OP - Why would you want more people on the trails you ride? If it's quiet where you're riding you should be thankful of it.
We didn't see anyone on bikes on Saturday, given that it was such a good day, I was quite surprised. The woods are between 2 fairly big cities, so I don't understand it!
Obviously I don't want pelotons appearing, but somewhere in between would be nice, just to share ideas, perhaps get some trail building going.
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