MEMBER LOCATOR MAP http://www.bbirdmaps.com

DonB · #1 07-20-2008

I'm posting this to determine whether there is interest in a locator map service for Blue Bird owners.

To understand what I mean by this, take a look at http://map.datastormusers.com where roughly 600 of the members are on the map.

Click on my name (number 1 below the map) and then drill down through the 7 levels.

If there is adequate interest from Blue Bird owners and wannabees, I will consider starting a similar service.

Features:

1. Completely free, always.
2. People drop off the map if not updated for 10 days (keeps data fresh).
3. Reminder e-mail is sent to anyone who has not updated in 9 days.
4. Data set is linked to Google Earth (try the button at the top right of any of the pages referenced above).
5. The bottom 4 levels of the maps are unique to the individual, so links to them can be sent as always valid.
6. You can setup e-mail lists of individuals who are notified if you move, including your note.
7. You can "follow" other people to know when they move.
8. You can receive a list of any others within 25 miles of your new location.
9. You can receive a notification when anyone moves within 25 miles of you.
10. Updates can be done via a web page, or stand-alone software. Obviously internet connection required to update.

An article that describes the Datastorm maps more completely can be found at http://www.datastormusers.com/ds_maps.cfm

Dieselbird01 · #2 07-20-2008

Hi Don,

I’m interested. Do I understand correctly that it wouldn't have anything to do with having a mobile satellite dish? It would just be for anyone with a Bird who knows their coordinates?

DonB · #3 07-20-2008

That is correct. The Datastorm users have the luxury of being able to auto-pull their coordinates from the dish controller, but we have a lot of members on the map with Tripods who have to do it manually and appear to make do just fine.

The maps and the software associated with it are fairly complex, but I can leverage what I've already got going without a huge effort, and I'm willing to do it if I can get modest participation. I do not expect huge turnouts, but hopefully many of the more active folks on these forums will be interested. Part of my motivation is that we will be heading out on bicoastal trip soon, and just as I enjoy meeting other Datastorm users (I've met more than 500, at least half due to the maps) I would enjoy the same with fellow Bird owners.

I would include wannabees as well as owners, and have a field that includes year/model for owners or "none" or "SOB" for wannabees.

Dieselbird01 · #4 07-20-2008

Thanks Don,

You can count us in if you decide to go with it.

John & Nancy Wyatt

bloomas · #5 07-20-2008

It will work for me.
Thanks Don

Randy Dupree · #6 07-21-2008

i'm in.
Thanks Don.

JackandLiz · #7 07-21-2008

Us, too.

Jack and Liz Pearce

DonB · #8 07-22-2008

I received a number of replies, both on and off forums, and most were positive and said they would like to participate, so I'm going to proceed.

There are a number of hurdles I have to cross before I will have the maps working, mostly server-side issues getting a different set of maps to coexist with the datastorm maps, but I think I can resolve them within the coming week.

So, I've set up a registration procedure where you can pre-register now and lock in one of those desirable low Map ID numbers (I've got #1 sewn up <g>)

Those who pre-register will get an e-mail when the maps are ready for testing. To register, go to www.bbirdmaps.com which will also be the map URL when it is ready. Let me know right away if you run into any bugs in the registration form, thanks.

Example signature using the datastorm maps that shows how you will be able to use this:
My Location: http://map.datastormusers.com/user3.cfm?user=1

Dieselbird01 · #9 07-22-2008

Hi Don,
It seemed to work fine.
Thanks!

iamflagman · #10 07-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonB

I received a number of replies, both on and off forums, and most were positive and said they would like to participate, so I'm going to proceed.

There are a number of hurdles I have to cross before I will have the maps working, mostly server-side issues getting a different set of maps to coexist with the datastorm maps, but I think I can resolve them within the coming week.

So, I've set up a registration procedure where you can pre-register now and lock in one of those desirable low Map ID numbers (I've got #1 sewn up <g>)

Those who pre-register will get an e-mail when the maps are ready for testing. To register, go to www.bbirdmaps.com which will also be the map URL when it is ready. Let me know right away if you run into any bugs in the registration form, thanks.

Example signature using the datastorm maps that shows how you will be able to use this:
My Location: http://map.datastormusers.com/user3.cfm?user=1

Don,

I went ahead and STUCK this thread so it will always be close to the top of the Wanderlodge Owners Group > Takin' it Easy > Tell Us Where You're At sub-forum, that will make it always easy to find.