Bicyclist and Pedestrian Map-Based Survey

Map Navigation Basics

The Google Maps interface provides a zoom control and 4-way pan control. Another useful way to pan the map is to click-and-drag with your left mouse button. These methods will work even while digitizing a route feature, as described below.

Adding Route Features

The primary purpose of this survey is to collect information on the routes used by bicyclists, and to a lesser extent, pedestrians. Before you begin drawing routes on the map, you should zoom in very close to improve the accuracy of your sketch (map zoom level 17 or higher). You should also use the "Hybrid" or "Satellite" map modes so that you can see the additional details that are present in the aerial imagery.

To begin drawing, first click the "Draw Routes" button, and then click on the map to begin your route. Continue clicking on the map to add intermediate vertices. To finish your route, double-click on the map. Note that you can pan the map while drawing your route by performing a click-and-drag motion with your left mouse button.

After completing a route feature, you can see that route's individual vertices by hovering over the line. You may delete vertices, add intermediate vertices, or adjust the position of existing vertices.

Completing Attribute Information

After you have finished drawing a route, click on part of the route (not on a vertex) to bring up a balloon where you can fill in descriptive attributes about the route. You may need to zoom in to click on the route if it has a lot of vertices. In the attribute balloon, select from the drop-down lists to accurately describe your primary use of this route, and add any other comments you desire.

Be sure to click the "Save" button when you make changes in this balloon!

Erasing Features

Sometimes, you might make a big mistake while drawing a feature. If you are in the middle of drawing a route and want to start over, just double-click to finish the feature. Then, click the "Erase Features" button and click on the feature you want to erase. However, remember that most features can be re-shaped after you complete them; this might be easier than erasing the feature entirely and starting over.

Adding Point Features

Although these are not the primary purpose of this survey, you are free to add point features to mark places of interest or concern. The only attribute information you can supply for a point feature is a comment.

Submission

Your map-based survey information will not be received unless you submit it. After you have finished adding all of your routes and points to the map, click the "Start Submittal" button. A reCAPTCHA test will appear; you must complete this test in order to demonstrate that you are a human being (and not a robot). After deciphering the two words in the reCAPTCHA image, click the "Complete Submittal" button. A small message should appear indicating that your map-based survey data was received. If your reCAPTCHA entry was incorrect, you can start a new submittal and try again.

Please review the Terms of Use regarding the usage and submission of information via this site.

Technical Requirements

Completing the map-based survey on this website requires an up-to-date web browser. The survey works best with Firefox (3.5+). Other current web browsers, such as Internet Explorer (7+), may also work. The map-based survey works best when using a mouse, rather than a touchpad or other pointing device.

If you are unable to comply with the technical requirements for completing the map-based survey, or if you encounter technical difficulties, please contact tdickers@vt.edu with "bburg bike survey" in the subject line, and explain the nature of your situation.