A Google Map of Your Dives

[deco_martini]

I am a big advocate of using an online google spreadsheet (docs.google.com) as an electronic dive log. One dive per line including all the essential fields in their own columns with notes is much more readable than your old and faded (and possibly wet smudged) hand writing. However, a flat spreadsheet lacks something. Then last night I had an idea.

J and M's Dive Map

Using google maps, you can just make a custom map to remember where you've been. If the area of the map allows for deep detail, you can even put markers on individual dive sites you have been on.

Someone may have suggested this before, if so forgive the redundant tip. Some of you 1000+ dive guys may have maps that look like pushpin factories. I think it definitely makes a good complement to your traditional dive log.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Thats great if your one of the people who like to log dives or even if your one of the people who force yourselves to log dives but I dont log dive, never had a good reason to or the motivation to I guess.

 

[deco_martini]

Thats great if your one of the people who like to log dives or even if your one of the people who force yourselves to log dives but I dont log dive, never had a good reason to or the motivation to I guess.

Make a different map then. A bucket list of the places you want to go. Heh.

 

[NudeDiver]

Thats great if your one of the people who like to log dives or even if your one of the people who force yourselves to log dives but I dont log dive, never had a good reason to or the motivation to I guess.

This response reminds me of a comment I once got after doing a presentation for a technical writing class. It was, um, 1995 I think - and I did a very nice technical write up and presentation of how to configure a Mac to get on-line, using PPP and the university's dialup service. It was all technically correct, complete with great graphics and explanations of what to do - overall, well-presented - I got an "A" on the project.

As part of the process, other students were required to give feedback. After the 20 minute or so presentation, after listening to the what, why, where and how to do what I was explaining to do, one outstandingly brilliant student graded my project as a "C" simply said, "Not everyone has a Mac."

Now that's insight.

 

[sschlesi]

I think that map is a great idea. I made one some time back and I continue add markers as I dive new sites. Somewhere on SB I found a link to a whole series of maps that someone made for dive sites in the Phillipines, that was where I got the idea.

You can see my map at: Google Maps

P.S. you need to zoom in a lot on areas with markers to see the separate sites.

 

[sschlesi]

I was PM'd and asked how to create a personal google map like the maps deco_martini and I created. Here are some instructions for anyone who is interested.

1. Go to maps.google.com

2. Click on "My Maps" on the left just under the Google logo

3. If you are not already logged in, you will need to login with your google account. The same account that you use for gmail, or google documents or pretty much any other google service will work. If you don't have a google account will need to create one.

4. Click "Create new map" all the way on the left just under the blue bar.

5. Locate the area(s) where you want to mark your dive sites. This is probably best done in satellite mode. Once you have found the general area, zoom in as much as you can.

6. Place your marker. In the upper left of the map there are several icons, one of them looks like an upside down tear drop, click it. Click on the map where you want to mark your dive site.

7. When you click to place the marker a window will pop up where you can place a title and short description.

8. After placing all your markers, can give your map a title and description in the white column on the left side of the map.

9. When you are finished (for now) with your map be sure to click the "Save" button. Also in the white column on the left side of the map.

10. Finally post a link to your map by clicking "Link" on the far right of the blue bar above the map. Copy the link for IM or email and paste it into a post on SB. You can also get a link for pasting a map into your own web site or blog.

 

[deco_martini]

The more I play with this idea, the more I like it. Since some of the maps have pretty good detail you can put detail about things other than dive sites into them.


For this area of belize, there was enough detail to note the tiny airstrip, the bungalow I was in, the main part of the resort and 3 points of data connected with a line showing what happened when they let the cook pilot the dive boat.
Blackbird Caye

 

[altaskier]

I haven't put in all individual dive sites, but I have mapped regions...
Google Maps link

 

[L_A_S]

I think it's an awesome idea. I've used Google maps to find and measure running and cycling routes, and I've saved my favorite dive spots on my GPS, but I never thought to put the two together as a log. I haven't had a chance yet to try the Underwater Google Earth, maybe if that allows markers to be placed you can "relive" dives virtually later? I'm sure the possibilities are endless.

 

[Baracuda Smile]

Much like Scuba Board I found a polish web site that you can plot your dive sites in google earth but also you can plot, dive area, dive shops, decompresion chambers, training centers, rental shops, wrecks and more.

For you are tech savie you can plot your dives online with PADI. I have three copies of my dive log one tradional paper copy, one downloaded Sunnto dive computer that I can upload to DAN, and the final one on PADI. This way when I travel and I am asked for my experiance I can have them log onto PADI web site and show them my experiance and dive log. I would have to have a dive center prohibit me from diving a wreck or a drift because I forgot or dive not have proof of my qualifcations. Logging your dives also helps if you ever want to pursue a proffesional dive career.

www.hotdive.com