National Park Service Claims to Have Added New Map Feature to Web Sites
Posted February 8th, 2008 by Kurt Repanshek
Where's the map? NPS graphic.
National Park Service officials say they've added a new, "high resolution," map feature to each park's web site. Has anyone seen it?
I only ask because the NPS issued a press release in which Chief Information Officer Larry Curran said the maps have been placed on each park's web site.
Each park website now includes a 'View Map' link that provides a high resolution digital version of the same park map used in the official park brochure. Visitors can zoom in to focus on key landmarks and print a copy for their trip planning purposes.
That sounds like a great addition to the park web pages, but I'll be darned if I can find it. I spent a while looking at both Yellowstone's and Glacier's web sites and for the life of me couldn't find a "View Map" link. I even went to the Everglades' site, since that's the model promoted in the press release, but still couldn't find this feature.
Could just be my old eyes, but if anyone else can find the links, please let me know.
Comments
Anonymous (not verified)
It's in the green banner displaying the park name at the top of the page. I really like this feature, thanks for pointing it out.
Kurt Repanshek
Hey, thanks for pointing it out, Anon. Not sure I like the color coding...it blends in too well, but I sure like the feature.
RangerChris
It is a really great feature. Before--and still--the way to find maps was under "Directions," which was not as clear as a link to a map on the front page. It did take me a while to find the link, though, since it blends in with the rest of the page.
"God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars." -Martin Luther
wonderly00, The Lone Ranger
MRC (not verified)
Could any of you print the maps into a file? I got an "unknown error" each time I tried. I'd prefer to to se that feature, as I can edit the map then much better than on paper.
Gary Robb (not verified)
Sorry-- I just noticed that all parks DO NOT have the maps. Check out Valley Forge as an example of one that does.
Mookie
I have to say that the NPS has upgraded their website in the past 20 months or so, from horrendous to almost mediocre. There's still lots of improvement they could do, but they are trying. Adding the maps is a huge help, even if they aren't topos.
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