TripGeo Updates: Scrambled Maps and Halloween Games

There are a number of new projects added for our map / games website at TripGeo.

Scrambled Maps

Can you unscramble the city map tiles into the correct order?

Scrambled Maps is a fun game that isn't as easy as it looks.

There is a different city each day to play!

Happy Halloween

Here are some special Halloween games for you to play!

Scrambled Monsters

Similar to Scrambled Maps but with monsters! Unscramble the monsters to view the special Halloween video.

Nightmare on View Street

Street View has been possessed. Ghosts and goblins have begun haunting famous landmarks around the world. Get ghostbusting and help pinpoint these eerie spots on the map!

Haunted London

Explore spooky locations around London in this special Halloween game.

31 Oct 2024

TripGeo Trivia is a fun daily geographical game which takes a few minutes to play.

• Test your geography and travel trivia skills.

• Identify cities from trivia clues.

• There are 10 cities per game with 3 clues to help you find each city.

• Play a new challenge every day.

The TripGeo Cities resource is used by the TripGeo Trivia game and the Guess This City game.

• The data was generated by a combination of GeoNames, Open AI / ChatGPT and Wikipedia.

• The data is by no means 100% accurate and the project is definitely a work-in-progress.

• Generally the data is pretty good and will be a foundation for further development.

• There is an initial cluster map which contains 10,000 cities and towns.

• Each city has its own guide map containing approximately 20 landmarks and attractions.

• You can view the city guides using Google Maps and Street View.

The aim is to expand and improve the TripGeo Cities resource and to incorporate the data into more projects including mapping tools.

• Create and edit travel routes

• Add and edit place markers

• Use the index to locate places and steps along the route

• View your tour on desktop or mobile

• On mobile turn on geolocation to follow your progress along the route

• See animated street view of the tour

• Auto-rotate the street view panorama when stationary

• Set the animation travel speed

• Customize the map appearance and behaviour

• Share your Tour Map with friends, family and colleagues

Spooky Maps

Generated using the AI Search Map from Map Channels.

Halloween Quizzes

Test your knowledge of Halloween and other spooky subjects.

The Great Veggieville Riot

An illustrated story about vegetables !

TubeGuessr is a challenging new game developed by Maps Mania that tests your knowledge of the London Underground rail network.

The game has evolved over the last few weeks and now has features such as progress saving, filtering by line, and cryptic clues for some stations. The source code is also available if you want to adapt or modify the game.

This game was inspired by the SF-Street Names game by Benjamin Tran Dinh who has since released his own London Tube memory game and now has a collection of these games at metro-memory.com.

Mashed World has been updated. The main new project is the The Library of Quizzes where you can find a selection of AI generated quizzes to test your general knowledge.

Also you can Create Your Own Quiz to share with others (Google sign-in required).

Other new projects include The Gallery of Fine AI Art and The Cinema of AI where you can explore collections of AI generated media.

The Library of Quizzes

The Gallery of Fine AI Art

The Cinema of AI

The QR Code Generator

Mashed World is a sibling website of Map Channels that predates Map Channels. Over the years it has hosted a range of projects.

The new aims of Mashed World are to :

• Provide a range of interesting and fun AI-related projects.

• Continue to learn more .NET Core and Blazor and to develop more projects using this platform.

• Keep non-mapping projects separate from the main mapping tools hosted on Map Channels.

Do you need a web project built ?

Please get in touch using the Contact page if you need any kind of web project developing.

Have you ever wondered what all the national animals of the world's countries would look like all dressed up in their nation's colours ? Well thanks to the wonders of AI technology and Google Maps you can now see for yourself some of these animals in their smartest national dress. Using the International Map of Mascots you can see detailed images of these mascots expertly rendered by our resident AI artbot (Bing Image Creator). Find out more about each national animal and explore their natural habitats using Google Street View !

The Mascots Are Awaiting Your Visit

The International Map of Mascots started as a demo for our new mapping tool, Map Channels version 9, which lets you create and share your own Google Maps with Street View and custom markers.

It turns out that there are quite a lot of countries in the world so in this initial release our AI artbot only managed to imagine 75 of the mascots. More mascots will be added sometime in the future !

Thanks to Maps Mania with help on this project !

View The Mascots In Their Natural Habitats

Create Your Own Maps With Map Channels v9

Map Channels v9 is part of a move to use more modern web technology for our mapping tools. The version 9 site uses ASP .Net Core with Razor. Blazor and SignalR will be used for the next project (coming soon).

If you need an advanced custom web project developed please get in touch !

Dual Maps Update

Palace of Versailles

View this example Dual Map featuring the Palace of Versailles in France.

More information is available at the official site and the Wikipedia page.

Visit the Dual Maps page to create your own interactive Dual Map for any location.

Street Earth Map

Street Earth Map is an old project that has been reworked to use the new Google 3D Photorealistic tiles. Using Street Earth Map you can view synchronized Street View, overhead map and 3D imagery.

This is an early prototype which will be developed further. Please use the contact page to provide feedback.

Dual Maps version 8

Dual Maps version 8 has replaced older versions of Dual Maps. Version 7 is still available here if you wish to use that.

The new version has improved synchronization for the second map and new streamlined sharing and settings options.

Here is a demonstration Dual Map showing the Roman amphitheater at Nimes, France.

• AI Search Map is a brand new tool which utilizes the power of ChatGPT to let you search for anything, anywhere and to view the results on a Google map.

• Export map data in KML format to integrate results with other map projects.

• Save and share your searches. Bookmark your favourite results and share with friends and colleagues through social media or email.

• AI Search Map is free to use for all registered users and site supporters get bonus credits. Register Here to create a free user account.

Example Maps :

A Worldwide Map of Unusual Museums
Iron Age Hill Forts in Britain
Strange attractions to visit in Canada
A Worldwide Map of Dinosaur Statues
Mythical Creatures of the World (Adaptation by Maps Mania)

Dual Maps Version 8 is now the default version of Dual Maps.

Dual Maps let you view a location using a synchronized combination of road map, birds eye imagery and street view.

Try the new Dual Maps now at https://www.mapchannels.com/DualMaps.aspx.

Features in version 8 include integrated map settings and sharing so that you can create a map for a new place and share the link, all from within the Dual Map.

The Street View and Place Marker on the second map can also be dragged and dropped to new locations. During the dragging the street view coverage layer is displayed so that you can move the marker easily to a location with street view imagery.

Here is an example Dual Map of Warwick Castle in England.

There is a new beta version 8 of Dual Maps available. Dual Maps let you view a location using a synchronized combination of road map, birds eye imagery and street view.

Try Dual Maps version 8 beta now at https://www.mapchannels.com/DualMaps.aspx.

• Version 8 of Dual Maps has a more streamlined interface. It's now even easier to create, edit and share links with Dual Maps.

• There are new Settings and Share icons which let you change settings and generate new map links within the Dual Map itself.

• The POI (Points of Interest) control has been moved. Also when you click on a POI map marker the street view for that location is automatically displayed.

• Dual Maps version 8 is free to use without the need to register on the site.

• One ad unit is displayed on the loading panel. After this is skipped no further ads are displayed.

• Feedback on v8 is welcome via Twitter or the website.

• During the beta phase the default version 7 will continue to be available as the default version of Dual Maps.

Explore this example Dual Map of The Angel of the North, Gateshead, UK.

AI Map Markers : How To Use AI Art To Create Your Own Map Markers

This is a prototype project which explores using AI Art to create marker images which can be displayed on a map. Visit the AI Map Markers page to view the guide, see the AI marker library and get started creating your own AI map markers!

Animated Route Maps Version 3

Animated Route Maps let you easily create and modify a travel route on Google Maps and then view the scenery along the route using animated Street View. There is a range of options to customize your maps's appearance and functionality. View the maps in either 2D or 3D mode. Switch locations by clicking on any point along the route. Generate new routes directly within the map. You can embed animated route maps in your web site or blog and easily share links to the maps on social media.

Featured Map : Combe Laval, France The Combe Laval road is a scenic route located in the Vercors Massif region of southeastern France. It is a narrow and winding road that climbs up to an altitude of 1,450 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. View the Combe Laval Travel Guide to see how Animated Route Maps provide an interactive experience for visitors.

Example Maps

Here are examples of some of the most scenic routes from around the world :

Visit the Animated Route Maps Project Page to create your own Animated Route Maps !

Cat Has Hat

I have recently started work learning mobile app development using Xamarin and .Net MAUI with the aim of creating a range of apps.

In time for the holiday season the first app is now available which is a simple image based game. It is a mobile adaptation of the game 'Cat Has Hat' which was initially released last year on Map Channels Arcade.

The Cat Has Hat app is available for Android devices (sorry no iOS yet). It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

If you enjoy the app please rate it and leave a review.

The Cat Has Hat app needs no special permissions, does not require an internet connection to run and does not contain adverts. The cat images were supplied by the Cat API.

More Apps

More mobile apps will be added over time. The next app currently in development will be a simple map based app.

If you would like a custom app developed please get in touch with a summary of your requirements.

See also the new Apps page.

This new primer video shows the use of Team Maps in real estate / property searches.

See how to create the map, add a property location and a route. The video then demonstrates the use of animated street view to explore the locality around the property.

Links : Team Maps Project Page   Demo Map   View On YouTube

Music : "From the Mountain Tops" (c) MH Media Services

Team Maps Interface Improvements

Visit Team Maps to get started.

1. When only one place or route is displayed on the map then the index and filters are initially hidden to simplify the interface (similar to Dual Maps). The place/route is initially selected (which displays place information and route animation controls).

2. The order of the 'Create map' options has been changed. 'Create map from directions' is now the default option.

3. The 'Create map from directions' interface has been improved.

• The default directions map type in now 'hybrid'.
• You can click on the directions map to create the start and/or destination markers.
• When the start marker is created the directions map will zoom in to make selecting the destination simpler.

4. The route animation 'play' and 'pause' icon colours have been changed.

5. The 'route draw' icon is always visible.

6. The link icon shape has been changed.

7. Routes and polygons can be edited by dragging and dropping their component points (up to a limit of 2,000 points since editing really large shapes can slow the browser).

8. The default speed of the street view animation has been slowed. This speed can be modified as required in the map settings page.

Upcoming Changes to Dual Maps

From next month (October 2022) the api key parameter will no longer be supported. One skippable intro ad unit will be displayed for all Dual Maps (and the default Map Channels API key will be used for all maps).

More ad free options for maps will be available once we find a partner company to assist with a licensing system (currently searching).

Note: Before 2022, two ads were displayed by default or one ad if an api key was supplied. The current system reduces the number of ads without requiring an api key to be supplied.

The latest update to Team Maps lets you display maps in a similar format to Dual Maps. Site supporters can locally host Team Maps without ads.

More updates have been made for Team Maps.

John o'Groats to Land's End : Street View Animation

Here is another excessively fast street view video created with Team Maps showing the route from John o'Groats to Land's End in the UK.

The animation step here was around 300 metres with a pause of 5 seconds per frame. The video was sped up by x64 to turn a 7 hour video into under 7 minutes.

There will be less motorway footage in the next video. View more on the Videos page.

Introducing Team Maps

View on YouTube

View the Team Map.

Street View Animation

View on YouTube

View this route using Team Maps

Team Maps Updates

A number of improvement and fixes have been added for Team Maps.

Please visit the Team Maps project page to get started.

• Street View Labels are a new feature available in Team Maps. Street View Labels can be used to identify important places or features within a panorama. Create and edit the labels in the Team Map Editor.

• The Data Schema within the Team Map Editor can be used to create and manage extended data fields for the map. These fields can be used with custom filters and can be displayed in the index side bar as a data column.

• The Sidebar Place Profile layout has been improved. The profile now includes extended data field values, street view labels and external maps links.

• Mobile Compatibility: A number of improvements have been added to make Team Maps function better for mobile devices.

View these new features using the test map below.

Visit the Team Maps project page for more.

Further features have been added for Team Maps.

• More functionality is available within the integrated Team Map editor. Categories and extended data fields can be created and edited.

• Routes can be displayed with (or without) a labelled start marker.

• Photographs and other images can be used as place markers. A range of image marker options are available (e.g. square or circle shape, arrow size). See the example map below.

Examples of Team Maps can be viewed on the Featured Maps page.

Giro d'Italia 1962 Map

Dorset Villages Map

Visit the Team Maps project page for more.

Team Maps now has an improved user interface and an integrated map editor. The video above shows how it is easy to create a map with place markers and animated street view routes (Best viewed in 720p, link).

Visit the Team Maps project page to get started.

Multiple improvements have been made to Team Maps.

• A streamlined header menu.

• More options are available within the settings panel.

• Layers within a KML feed can be presented as separate place categories.

• Improved controls for animated Street View routes.

• A new banner panel option allows you to display your own website banner above the map.

• The advert panel now displays below the map.

• Both the banner and advert can be hidden using options within the settings panel.

• Site supporters can locally host Team Maps.

A new interactive Feed Editor is available for Team Maps.

Use the Feed Editor to edit place data for your maps. You can add, edit and delete place markers, polylines and polygons.

Team Maps lets you combine multiple KML, Spreadsheet and GPX format feeds to display on a Google Map.

The Feed Editor incorporates a backup system so you can retrieve old copies of your data if needed.

View this Tutorial for more information about the Feed Editor.

Several improvements have been made for Dual Maps.

Responsive layout for mobile devices

Dual Maps now work much better on mobile devices. The menu and information panels are only displayed in landscape mode, leaving more room for the street view and maps in portrait mode.

Point of Interest (POI) Options

Options are available to hide and show the POI / Business markers on the maps.

Iframe vs Full Page maps

It is recommended now to use the full page map link when creating a Dual Map. Iframe embedding of Dual Maps is still available but when this is used a link to a full page map is displayed.

This is mainly due to the fact that Google Ads (which help to fund the site) were no longer appearing within the iframes.

The new full page option has an ad panel which you can hide after 5 seconds and does not obscure the maps.

Banner options

You can display your own custom banner above the map in full page mode to help users return to your site after viewing a map.

Map Channels Version 5 Update

There is a small update for Map Channels v5 which adds the option to hide or show the Google POI / Business markers on the map.

Geocoder

An Integration Guide has been added to provide examples of how to add maps for geocoded places.

The Geocoder can now generate links for Team Maps.

Street View Driver

An address search control now lets you use Street View Driver to explore any location in the world where street view is available.

Quad View Maps

Bugfixes have been made to improve the synchronization of the birds eye maps within Quad View Maps.

Quad View Maps (beta)

Quad View Maps display a set of synchronized maps plus street view that let you simultaneously view a location from multiple angles.

• When the 'Map x4' option is selected four separate maps are displayed in birds eye mode, each facing in a different direction.

• When street view is enabled a pegman marker is displayed on each map. The pegman marker on the first map can be dragged and dropped to change the current street view position.

• Use the address search text box to view different locations.

• Quad View Maps are free to use, no registration is required.

Geocoder (updated)

Use the Geocoder to find the coordinates for an address and generate an instant map link to display the location.

The Geocoder generates links for the following maps :

   Team Maps

   Dual Maps

   Quad View Maps   

   Local Maps   

   Location Maps

The recent development of GPX Maps involved working with HTML5 Canvas which in turn has opened up new development possibilities.

As part of learning more HTML5 Canvas I have taken a temporary break from maps development and have created a few non-mapping projects over the last month.

These projects are now available at a new subdomain : https://arcade.mapchannels.com.

Three new projects are hosted at Map Channels Arcade, providing a range of content which hopefully is useful, interesting and/or fun in areas beyond mapping.

Free Canvas Slideshow An open source HTML5 Canvas Slideshow which is easy to add to your website. https://arcade.mapchannels.com/FreeCanvasSlideshow.aspx

Animated Fractal Trees View a collection of structures and create your own animated fractal structures. https://arcade.mapchannels.com/AnimatedFractalTree.aspx

Tank of Duty A simple HTML5 Canvas game that lets you fight tank battles on your desktop. https://arcade.mapchannels.com/TankOfDuty.aspx

• A Leaflet version of Video Maps is now available. Leaflet is an alternative API to the Google Maps API.

• The Leaflet version is simpler and does not use all of the options available for the Google Maps version of Video Maps.

• Scripts for the Leaflet version are available for any Video Map that you have previously created. Visit the Video Map Edit page to get the scripts and/or links.

Demonstration Video Map

Full Page Map

This map displays trail data from 360 TrailView, a website which lets you virtually explore ATV trails using panoramic YouTube videos and Google Maps.

This particular video is panoramic so you can view the trip from any direction. A map marker indicates the current location and field of view.

• The Name Filter is now optional and has been moved to the sidebar

• There is now a Bounds Filter option. This filter specifies whether to show all places in the index or just the places within the current map bounds.

• The font size within the place title panel is adjusted to fit the available display space.

• The place title is only displayed for routes (not place markers) if the 'Place Info Display' option is set.

You can now create Team Maps from a list of up to 5 addresses or a set of directions.

See these tutorials:

1. Create a Team Map from an address list

2. Create a Team Map from a set of directions

There is now a set of tutorials for Team Maps which provide a step by step guide to creating maps. Sample data and examples are included.

1. Create a Team Map using data from a Google My Map or KML feed

2. Create a Team Map using spreadsheet data, with clustering, a data template and filters

3. Create a Team Map using a GPX trail and synchronized YouTube video

• Data can now be imported from spreadsheets in tab separated value (TSV) and comma separated value (CSV) formats.

• Data from Google Spreadsheets can also be imported.

• Data Templates can be used to format all the fields within the spreadsheet for display on the map.

• Custom filters are available to add advanced functionality and filter places by numeric and non numeric fields.

• Three types of custom filter are available: range slider, drop-down list and checkbox list.

View the Team Maps Reference for more information on these new features.

Data can now be imported from legacy data feeds. Use this feature to display place data from maps created with Map Channels v4, v5, v6, v7 and v8.

KML feeds can be displayed with the KMLLayer object which uses a recent cached copy of the data and the original place markers.

A choice of layouts is now available. Use the widescreen layout to display the street view in full height beside the map, or use the standard layout to display the street above the map.

The route drawing tool within the tools panel has been improved. You can now use this tool to measure distances between points. Routes that you create can be traversed using animated street view.

More options have been added to the map settings and various other improvements have been made to the user interface.

Create a Team Map from existing Map Channels map data

• Click on Create a new Team Map from the Team Maps menu.

• Select the 'Add Legacy Feed' option.

• Select an existing feed from one of your Map Channels then click the 'Add Feed' button.

• Your Team Map will now display the selected map data. You can change the map settings and add further feeds as required.

Team Maps have been updated to support the new WebGL 3D maps from Google.

When 3D Maps are enabled the map heading will adjust to synchronize with the street view panorama.

A compass control is displayed on the map to indicate current heading. The compass control can be clicked to reset the heading to north.

To rotate and tilt the map hold down both the shift key and the left mouse button and then move the mouse.

Note: To view the 3D map imagery please ensure that your browser is WebGL enabled (guide).

Another new feature is the multi-function Tools Panel which includes controls for geolocation, address search and route drawing.

Demonstration Team Map: New York Tour

View the Full Screen Demonstration Map.

Team Maps version 3 is a brand new mapping tool with special features to display multiple places, animated routes and video routes.

•Team Maps Home Page     • Create A New Team Map     • Team Maps Dashboard     • Team Maps Reference     • Demonstration Map.