May Website of the Month: Gmaps Pedometer

Eric Fredericks • Wednesday May 31, 2006

This month’s selection for site of the month is a bit different from our previous selections. But the site is so useful and cool that we could not resist giving it top honors during a month supposedly dedicated to biking. Therefore, Gmaps Pedometer is the Site of the Month for May. The site is a Google Maps API hack that allows you to create walking route maps on top of the existing Google Maps interface (complete with aerial photos). You can edit your points on the map and create a walking route, measure distances and calories burned, and even SAVE your favorite walking routes.

To see this program in action, click here to view a sample walking route I created in Downtown Sacramento. I created this map for a group of transportation planners I led on a walking audit of the revitalizing downtown. This was not the route I chose, however, I will hopefully post that route soon along with a narrative guide for interesting destinations along the route. This is just one of the many examples that I have used this website for in the past. For example, I use it for my cycling routes. I see it used in many other functions that I participate in as well.

Congrats to Paul for creating such a successful site that has very useful purposes in the walkable world! Gmaps Pedometer will be considered for the 2006 Walkable Neighborhoods Website of the Year award along with the past and future recipients of the monthly awards.

Category: Site of the Month • Region: General

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