Obscure Stairways, Ramps, and Paths of Somerville - updated

[ron_newman]

Last month, I began creating a Google Map of stairways, ramps, and pedestrian paths around Somerville. My previous post on this subject attracted lots of comments and suggestions, which I've incorporated into an updated map:

Obscure stairs, ramps, and paths of Somerville.
Since Google Maps URLs are quite long, the map now also has a shorter link: http://TinyURL.com/ObscureSomerville

The map now has 108 places marked on it, A few of these are in neighboring parts of Cambridge, Arlington, or Medford. Please comment here if I've left out your favorite path, stairway, or ramp. I can also add you as a map collaborator if you'd like.

Comments

[gruene.livejournal.com]

This may be too far out of Somerville's sphere of influence, but there's a path that connects University Ave and Brookings Street in Medford. It crosses the railway at grade though, so it is somewhat dangerous and possibly illegal, but it is a useful short cut.

[ron_newman]

I didn't know about this. I'll take a look, but I'm unsure if I want to include an unprotected crossing that has about 70 trains a day (including Amtrak Downeasters).

[gruene.livejournal.com]

There's also some stairwells on the North side of Tufts that could be included if you're doing that region. They have the added benefit of not being at risk of getting flattened by a purple train.

[ron_newman]

Can you describe where these are? Alternatively, I could add you as a map collaborator so you can add them yourself.

[gruene.livejournal.com]

It might be easier just to add me. I'd need to walk by there again to double check where they are, it's a little hard to tell just from the satellite images.

[ron_newman]

Done. Go for it, and let me know (either by e-mail or a comment here) what you've added.

[ron_newman]

Did you add these? Please let me know one way or the other. Thanks.

[gruene.livejournal.com]

I haven't added them yet. I was planning to, wanted to walk there again to double check mt memory and didn't get around to it then forgot about it. Sorry! I still could do so if I have time.

[ron_newman]

Did you add these yet? Please let me know where they are on the map. Thanks.

[ron_newman]

I finally investigated this path (yes, almost two years after you told me about it). The descents are quite steep, so much that if someone tripped and slid down the slope, they'd probably land on the active railroad tracks. The railroad tracks curve about 200 feet southeast of the path crossing, making it hard to see an oncoming train until it's almost on top of you.

I would feel personally responsible if I put this on my map, and then someone followed it and got hurt or killed here. So I'm not going to do it. Sorry.

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

This is great stuff, Ron!

[motive-nuance.livejournal.com]

This is great. Is there any significance to the colors/shapes of the markers? If so, a key might be useful.

[ron_newman]

I don't know how to add a 'key' to a Google map. If you do, please let me know.

The colors don't have any significance, other than me erratically and inconsistently trying to distinguish some nearby points from each other.

As for the shapes:
- stairway
- ramp
- park (I sometimes used this instead of showing all the paths in a park separately)
- NO access - a fence or cliff or other obstacle blocks access where you might otherwise expect it

I'd be happy to replace the markers with better ones, but I don't know how to do that without running my own PHP web server. I'd appreciate any advice or assistance.

[motive-nuance.livejournal.com]

Neat. This would be kind of a hack, but you could put one of each of these somewhere off-map (in Morocco, for instance) and list these definitions at the top of the list of markers.

[tlaad.livejournal.com]

Thank you; I really appreciate your creating this and making it available.

[squirrelitude]

You might look at OpenStreetMap and check to see if these are already there -- and send any that aren't there to someone who is active in the area.

[ron_newman]

I'm not familiar with OpenStreetMap. Is there a straightforward way to export data from my Google map to their map?

[squirrelitude]

I don't think so, but I just found out about them recently. They have a *huge* amount of data of the sort you are collating, and I'd hate to see duplication of effort. However, it is all crowd-sourced, so it is quite patchy. Here's an example of their work:

http://osm.org/go/ZfI4x30h1-

I guess if what you're focusing on is "surprising shortcuts and barriers", then it's not really duplication. Anyway, I've dropped a link to your map on the Boston discussion page on their wiki -- we'll see what happens!

[ron_newman]

Thanks. Can you post a link to that wiki page here, so I can follow the discussion?

[squirrelitude]

Sure. Looks like someone is already on it:

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Talk:Boston,_Massachusetts