Gmap Pedometer

After the discussion of a few of our training hikes, you may wonder how we plan these hikes and determine the distances involved.  I’m sure there are many computer programs that do this, and the one I use is called Gmap Pedometer.  It’s not really a program per se, but an applet that runs within one of the family of Google Maps websites.  It’s designed for runners and bikers, but works equally well for hikers.  If desired, you have the option of creating a maintaining a workout log, although I don’t personally take advantage of that option.  It can also create a rudimentary elevation profile of the completed route.

To use Gmap Pedometer, just type http://www.gmap-pedometer.com in your browser’s address line, and there you are.  You are given the choice of map formats – a basic 2-dimensional street map, a satellite view, a hybrid view (satellite view with streets overlaid), a terrain view, or a topo view – and English or metric units.  Routes can be created in any of the view modes, and you can switch back and forth between views as you work.  You can also switch between modes for runners, bikers, or manually creating straight line segments (the latter is useful when the program doesn’t recognize the road or trail you’re following).  To get started, zoom into the location you’re interested in, select the starting point by double clicking, and select subsequent points by double clicking along the way.  The total mileage is displayed in the control panel on the left side of the screen.  For out-and-back routes, clicking “Complete there and back route” will overlay mile markers for the return leg and show the overall total mileage. When comparing the displayed mileage to my handheld Garmin GPS after hiking a route, I’ve found it to always be accurate with a tenth of a mile.  When the route is completed you can print it to have a map to carry with you, or export it as a .gpx file for use with a GPS.  You can also save routes for future reference or for sharing.  You must register and sign in, however, to save routes or to recover previously saved routes. 

Here’s a link to a saved route of one of our training hikes along the Highline Canal:  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6011673 .  This route will open in terrain view, which I prefer for printing.  As you look at the route, you can zoom in and out, scroll around, and switch views at will.