Author Topic: BR66 GPS Data ??  (Read 15775 times)

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Offline jim51

BR66 GPS Data ??
« on: April 02, 2015, 03:17:57 pm »
Hello ACA, will you have the BR 66 GPS data soon ? I could use it ASAP.
Thanks, Jim

Offline JHamelman

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2015, 03:09:59 pm »
Hi Jim51,

We are aiming for the end of the month to have data available.

.Jennifer.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Jennifer Hamelman

Adventure Cycling Association
Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.
800/755-2453, 406/721-1776 x205
www.adventurecycling.org

Follow Routes & Mapping on Twitter: @acaroutes

Offline touringengineer

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2015, 05:04:27 pm »
Thanks - that's important! BR66 tour planned for May.

Offline mdxix

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2015, 09:41:24 am »

Offline touringengineer

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2015, 03:32:07 pm »
Thanks

Offline John Nettles

  • World Traveler
  • *****
  • Posts: 1996
  • I ride for smiles, not miles.
Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2015, 08:48:15 pm »
Jennifer,

I see that we are now required to purchase the data for the BR66.  Will all routes eventually be converted to a profit center like the BR66?  Is this no longer a benefit of membership I take it?  Will the routes and/or service points be made available?  I personally do not like tracks and prefer waypoints and service points.

Thanks, John

Offline mdxix

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2015, 10:38:38 pm »
I personally do not like tracks and prefer waypoints and service points.
Service points have the same format as before, only with more information. Where available, each service point includes category of service, name, phone number, address, directions, web site, etc.

What is it that you prefer in route points (as waypoints) better than tracks?

Offline John Nettles

  • World Traveler
  • *****
  • Posts: 1996
  • I ride for smiles, not miles.
Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2015, 11:32:25 pm »
Honestly, it is probably because I am getting to be old fogie and originally learned how to use Waypoints to do routes way back when.  For some reason, I have a really tough time wrapping my head around tracks as routeable info, i.e. gives directions.  Overall though I strongly do not like to do direct routing on the GPS but prefer follow the road.

I figured that about the service points but just wanted them for free.  I can somewhat understand charging for the waypoints/track points, but the service points are much more fluid than the paper maps so they should be included.  Perhaps if they did not charge if you bought the paper maps.  It seems ACA is getting like the airlines where they are starting to charge extra for things that used to be included in the membership price.

Offline JHamelman

Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #8 on: May 20, 2015, 12:42:20 pm »
Hello John,

We appreciate hearing your feedback about our new data product. We consider this product as being in an evaluation phase. We are listening to the comments we receive and will look at making changes in the future to address them as needed.

In the meantime, have you seen the FAQ page that goes along with this information? (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/digital-data-for-devices/tracks/faqs/) I think it addresses some of your concerns, in particular the points below:

Quote
What is this new product?

Adventure Cycling is now offering GPS data in the format of GPX tracks. The tracks are navigational paths, following our Adventure Cycling Routes, that will display as a line on your device. When GPS is turned on, an indicator will show your location in relation to that line. This data may be used on a GPS device, smartphone, or tablet. Use it with the paper maps of the Adventure Cycling Route Network to improve your navigation, both on and off the route.

How is it different than what was previously offered?

This data is of higher accuracy, greater compatibility across multiple devices and is more user-friendly than the legacy GPS waypoint data.

Why am I now paying for this?

This data represents a significant commitment of time to produce and support. It is much more accurate and the intention is to update it more frequently. In 2014, we released some new digital data for free as a trial. We have made changes and improvements based on comments from those using trial data. New products are now available for purchase.

Again, I thank you for letting us know your feedback.

Best,
.Jennifer.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Jennifer Hamelman

Adventure Cycling Association
Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.
800/755-2453, 406/721-1776 x205
www.adventurecycling.org

Follow Routes & Mapping on Twitter: @acaroutes

Offline John Nettles

  • World Traveler
  • *****
  • Posts: 1996
  • I ride for smiles, not miles.
Re: BR66 GPS Data ??
« Reply #9 on: May 20, 2015, 01:22:00 pm »
Jennifer,

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I did read the FAQ section prior to my post.  While you did not address it, based on your answer I assume ACA will not be offering the service points and/or the way points in the future, especially not as a benefit to members as in the past.

For what it is worth, I can understand why ACA would charge for the data IF they are not a member and/or if they have not purchased the corresponding maps since I am sure there have been at least a few cyclists who have just downloaded the info and not purchased the corresponding maps.

I have been a member since BikeCentennial published the magazine on newspaper stock.  While ACA has grown dramatically since the 70s, the core values/mission seem to be slowly but steadily evolving away from its founding roots.  Inevitable I suppose but it doesn't mean I gotta like it  :).  I will still support ACA, namely since they are the only group involved in route development, but wish ACA would keep to its original core mission a little more.

Thanks for considering the feedback Jennifer and thanks for all you and the Mapping Staff do!

John