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March 21, 2011
Skiing with OpenStreetMap
A few weeks ago we showed you a handful of neat tools to help you enjoy the ski season a bit more, but we missed a big one -- Skimap.org.
The main idea behind SkiMap is to allow users to upload maps from various ski resorts and share them with other users. Recently, however, they added a feature that uses the OpenStreetMap API to convert OSM data into KML vector ski maps. In just the past month, 940 ski maps were generated for use on the site!
The quality of the maps varies by location -- European resorts are more fully mapped than US ones, and in the US they're in better shape on the eastern half of the country. However, with the rate at which new ones are being added, your favorite ski area will probably look good on there very soon.
To see a good example of a ski area, check out Whistler Blackcomb. They have 67 different printed maps for Whistler, along with a handful of "OpenSkiMaps". Here's a KML file
from one of them if you want to see it in Google Earth.
What site do you like to use before you hit the slopes?
Posted by mickmel at March 21, 2011 8:51 AM
Comments
Posted by: Kevin Wittig at March 21, 2011 11:52 PM
and because it's openstreetmap, if your ski resort isn't covered then you can add it....
Posted by: Chris Fleming at March 23, 2011 7:35 AM
You may also have a look at this page:
http://yukonlive.ca/outdoors/skitrails.faces
Much more ski and hiking trails are coming soon.
Google Earth makes it possible.
Posted by: Stephan Bardubitzki at April 1, 2011 12:36 AM
For an even better map of Whistler and Blackcomb mountain (still using GE), which also has user interaction in order to find your way around both the mountains and the village.
Check out http://whistler3dsolutions.com/whistler/
It is also available on the iPhone.
Posted by: Greg at May 1, 2011 1:02 PM
Thanks Greg. That is an excellent resource. Whistler is fantastic and can't wait to head back this year once ski season rolls around. KH
Posted by: Kirsten Howard at June 7, 2011 4:09 PM
Very cool stuff. Makes me want to hit the slopes right now.
Posted by: Jeff Johnson at June 21, 2011 8:33 AM
The complete OpenPisteMap in one dynamic KML link is here:
Posted by: Martin at September 11, 2011 7:27 AM
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Great post! Skiers & snowboarders are really taking advantages of the capabilities Google Earth has to offer. We invite winter enthusiast to view our project using Google Earth to raise backcountry skiing awareness in Jackson Hole. Thank you Google Earth for keeping mountain sports in mind!