In order to test different platforms and apps for routes and places of interest we need to look at the following issues, which will also be important in scaling any solution. This note covers Google My maps, Maphub, Humap and Mapbox. Apps/platforms like Go Jauntly, Calvium and Bindy Street raise different issues. The solution(s) needed will depend on what functionality the map aims to offer in terms of navigation along a route; exploration of Points of Interest; a richer experience and deeper engagement through media and links offered.
Agreeing a set of standards for these different elements will not only allow testing, but also enable us to design a system by which common data could be used in different platforms, depending how Footways aims to develop. See +Footways offer for discussion.
Routes
We need to explore for different platforms:
Ways to recreate Footways routes digitally, and formats - e.g. what apps to use and what file format
Options to display just the route on a map, or the route plus some directions or step-by-step guidance
Ways to relate Points of Interest to the route. How far are they on the streets, or nearby.
Relationship of a trail to a Footways route - e.g. the Humap platform will automatically create a trail linking PoIs, but that may not follow the Footways
For example Google My maps and Maphub can easily import routes, and also enable direct drawing of routes. Humap will automatically create a route trail between PoIs, and Layer of London has a Footways layer. It may be possible to upgrade to enable direct drawing of routes. Need to investigate further what Mapbox offers.
Points of interest
What sort PoIs should we aim to cover? The printed map provides a range of features and points of interest, categorised as:
Ancient London
Art
Curiosities
Fine steeples
Food and drink
Housing estates
Literary
London at war
London dead
Medieval London
Music
Transport history
Urban fossils
Water
A note on the map provides an example of how a route(British Museum to Waterloo Station) can provide opportunities for exploration and engagement:
37 independent restaurants/cafes
18 independent shops
17 chain cafes/restaurants
13 pubs
9 hairdressers
8 chain shops
6 theatres, music venues and an opera house
4 health and beauty shops
4 museums
3 churches
4 art galleries
2 cinemas
2 universities
1 mainline station
1 one of the world’s best city views from Waterloo Bridge
Are these the sort of points of interest we should aim to record along a route?
Content taxonomies
How will content be categorised(terms), and how will these be applied on the platform(e.g. drop-down menu or tags). The Footways map provides some starter ideas - as above.
Routes
Points of interest
Content taxonomies