Google is just too sloppy and just got done looking at "OpenRailwayMap" which is great but too detailed. I want a click and drop program that I can easly share maps here and elsewhere on the internet even fanatasy lines. I need indvidule line and need to turn on and off local streets. I am hoping to make a subway style map of railroads in the USA heres a start but what program did he use? What program does Trains mag use?http://www.cambooth.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Amtrak_01.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Trains/Maps_task_force
We use Adobe Illustrator to draw all our maps. Drawing's the easy part. Then we research the map with the goal of telling the best story with the least clutter. To that end, we use any and every source we can lay our hands on: the Trains DVD collection; Official Guides; USGS quad sheets, railroad track charts, Google Earth (the best invention since sliced bread), historic aerial photos and putting the arm on our friends to dig into their collections.
I have two sheets under the glass on my desk that list the sources available. I'm constantly updating it.
Research is the key. Do your homework.
Bill Metzger
Contributing Illustrator, Trains and Classic Trains
+1
This is not a "one size fits all" effort. Never will be. You are limited more by a user's education and understanding than anything else.
Constantly LMAO watching non-railroaders and some railroaders read and comprehend what a track chart tells them. GIS and railroads usually don't mix.
Bill, thanks much for those insights - and your fine maps !
Would ACME Mapper 2.1 be of any value ? http://mapper.acme.com/ I like it because it's easy to toggle/ click between Map, Satellite, Mapnik (a rendering of the topo),and USGS map views for the same point, which can also be read in Lat./ Long. coords., and a "Marker" left there to make it easy to come back to later.
Also, multimodalways.com ? Especially the "Railroad Archives" list - http://www.multimodalways.org/archives/rrs/rrs.html
- Paul North.
I like Acme Mapper for the reasons already mentioned. In addition, the topo maps often include references to abandoned lines, either by actually showing them as rail lines, or by indicating where they were with the notation "old railroad grade."
I've also used the USGS maps that are available on-line (sorry - can't recall the URL) by doing screen captures, trimming down to the desired area with a photo editting program, then stitching them together. Working with any graphics program (I've even used MS Paint) allows additions, deletions, etc.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
OK how do U draw a line onj Acme mapper?
trackrat888 OK how do U draw a line on Acme mapper?
OK how do U draw a line on Acme mapper?
You don't. But you can do a screen capture and play with that image. Acme Mapper actually uses Google satellite imagery. What's really handy is the ability to switch between satellite, topo, and a plain map. So it's an excellent research tool.
A fellow in my area uses openstreetmap.org to document local rail lines. I can't speak to the program/system as I haven't played with it.
tree68 I've also used the USGS maps that are available on-line (sorry - can't recall the URL) by doing screen captures, trimming down to the desired area with a photo editting program, then stitching them together. Working with any graphics program (I've even used MS Paint) allows additions, deletions, etc.
I'd love to understand USGS' naming convention for railroads. It's always several generations of ownership off. CCC&StL in the 1990's? (Big 4 lives on!)
It's not that hard to understand. In your example, the Big Four continued to exist as a separate entity under the PC banner until at least April 1, 1976. Also, not every item on a map is updated at the same time. There may also be a caveat on the map that not all updates have been field-checked.
The mudchicken is probably familiar with a similar situation. Real estate and property maps for Oak Lawn IL continue to show the line I ride to work as the Wabash RR.
CSSHEGEWISCH It's not that hard to understand. In your example, the Big Four continued to exist as a separate entity under the PC banner until at least April 1, 1976. Also, not every item on a map is updated at the same time. There may also be a caveat on the map that not all updates have been field-checked. The mudchicken is probably familiar with a similar situation. Real estate and property maps for Oak Lawn IL continue to show the line I ride to work as the Wabash RR.
When you move over contiguious sections on Google Earth, you will find different area being photographed at different times - some times you will find a section that was photographed in June and the adjoining section was photographed in January. Gives one the stark contrast between Summer & Winter. Indicative that not all maps get updated at the same time.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
tree68 trackrat888 OK how do U draw a line on Acme mapper?
I'd like to hear from others who have faster, better, or simpler, etc. methods.
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/maps/RailMap/RailMapbackside.pdf is one of the best state railroad maps out there. How they did it may take a few phone calls. Now how can we get the rest of the country like this!!
Just about every state has a rail map, usually found on their department of transportation site. What I do is google "rail map (state)." However, having used these (or in some cases tried to) they vary widely in timeliness, quality and accuracy.
If you want to create a subway-style map similar to the one in the original post, a vector graphics editing program will have to be used (e.g., Adobe Illustrator as mentioned). If you want to make a map like the state rail map for Ohio, you will have to use GIS software. QGIS is a good free and open-source GIS software program that is relatively user-friendly. I made the map below in a couple of hours, including downloading the spatial data. I used ArcMap 10.2, which is the industry standard and not free. This is as close to drag-and-drop as you're going to get while maintaining any level of accuracy.Please do not criticize the accuracy of the map. This was quick and simple, not an exhaustive effort.
mudchickenGIS and railroads usually don't mix.
Let's see. Mapping thousands of miles of a rail system. Check. Storing the attributes for the millions of segments of those thousands of miles (division, radio channels, signal system type, trackage rights, track speed, rail weight, max. tonnage, crosstie type, construction dates, etc.). Check. Points and additional attributes for grade crossings, signal masts, communications equipment, etc. Check. Being able to query this data in a matter of seconds. Check. Being able to access all this data from a laptop, tablet, or phone in the field. Check. I can't think of a single benefit the railroads might gain by using a GIS.
Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this.
dubch87 Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this. -Management doesn't know the difference between GIS and GPS...and then espouse gabage regarding PTC. mudchicken GIS and railroads usually don't mix. Let's see. Mapping thousands of miles of a rail system. Check. Storing the attributes for the millions of segments of those thousands of miles (division, radio channels, signal system type, trackage rights, track speed, rail weight, max. tonnage, crosstie type, construction dates, etc.). Check. Points and additional attributes for grade crossings, signal masts, communications equipment, etc. Check. Being able to query this data in a matter of seconds. Check. Being able to access all this data from a laptop, tablet, or phone in the field. Check. I can't think of a single benefit the railroads might gain by using a GIS. Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this.
Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this. -Management doesn't know the difference between GIS and GPS...and then espouse gabage regarding PTC.
mudchicken GIS and railroads usually don't mix.
UP is way out in front of the industry regarding GIS. FRA is way at the back of the pack.
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