Using the Map and its Tools
This table helps guide you on the use of the map and its tools. Please contact the webmaster through website contact page for additional assistance. Return to Map
- Key Terms
- Layers
- Safety Stops
- Icons
- Best Use
- Map Data
- Ruler Tool
- Using the Downloads Tool
- Member Benefits
Key Terms
Key Terms
- Primary Site
A primary site will have several conditions:
- All-weather landing (most instances)
- Landing on all tides
- Shelter on shore from winds
- Four tent sites or more
- Secondary Site
A secondary site may be one or more of these conditions or situations:
- Not all-weather landing
- No landing on all tides
- No shelter on shore from winds
- Small size or capacity
Layers
Understanding Layers
The BC Marine Trails map is layered to help us properly categorize sites. Each layer can be toggled off and on.
Icons
These icons on the lower right side of the main BCMT map are simple to use. The four arrows button simply expand the screen to full view. The Home button takes you back to an original zoom of the map. The lock button recently was outdated as we have switched to a newer database, where our files are now kept. Users have to log in via the log in button on the side of each page and then go to the map page. Easiest to find 'Map' on top menu and choose 'Go to Map'.
Best Use
Recently, we updated our map. If you are experiencing any problems we suggest first of all that you clear your browser cache (the older map still may be stored in part in your cache), turn your computer/tablet off/on and consider updating your browser to the latest version. We are in the process of renaming files in order that users do not have to clear caches.
Firefox and Chrome have been tested and work well with the map.The map largely works with every type of operating system and browser. If the browser is an older version it may not be supported. Internet Explorer, in particular, does not seem to use the latest technology and often causes problems. The map works with the iMac and its latest browser versions. We have tested iMac, PCs, Androids and phones as well as various browser types (i.e. Firefox, Chrome, Safari).
Map Data
Map data is regularly updated using various methods of collecting information. The BC Marine Trails participates with other groups, receives data from paddlers, and uses other sources to update the information. We have hard-working region managers, whom update the information, regularly. The region managers work under the direction of the Trails Development Committee.
Ruler Tool
The rules for the ruler:
The ruler is a tool only for Members. A member can log into the map through the blue, left log in box, which will take you to 'Member Central'. Then Click on 'map/map tool' in the right side box/module and you will be directed to the main map. The ruler should be visible on the map after logging on. If you are not a member you will not have access to the ruler.
Once a member logs in, click the ruler tool on the left side of the map. Follow directions below. More directions about Member Central are here.
1. Login and access the map.
You need to first be logged onto the BC Marine Trails website through the left-side login in box or under the dropdown menu item 'Join'. You can then link to the map, where the ruler tool resides, via the membership pages or clicking on the 'map' dropdown button on all pages.
2. A little information on the ruler.
The ruler is a represented by an icon that looks like a ruler and pencil. By clicking on the ruler you turn on the ruler function. This causes the map to go into a 'measuring mode' and turns off the visible layers of the map (i.e. campsites, access point, day use sites...) but leaves the site icons in a visible but transparent mode. A set of coordinates also becomes visible beside the partially transparent icon.
3. Zoom into a set of campsites.
The zoom tool has approximately 13 levels of zoom. Choose an area you would like to paddle within and zoom down toward the area. It's great if you can see at least a section of coastline where several campsite or access icons are visible.
4. Click on the ruler. Start your path.
Click on the ruler and then click on or near a campsite or access point. If you can't zero the ruler dot right over a point initially you can drag it later. Draw a line to the second campsite or access point.
5. Draw your full path. Drag the dots to better represent your route.
You can draw a path or several routes and plan a paddling trip. Remember you can drag the path by hovering over a 'dot' and dragging it with your mouse.
6. Record information. Coordinates are next to campsites. Bearings and distances are found by hovering over a dot.
Some work will be manual. Keep a notebook handy and record your campsites with coordinates, bearings and distances in km or nautical miles.
Using the Downloads Tool
Quick Instructions:
Note: The downloads tool is for members only. You need to go to Member Central to find the downloads page link, which is located on the right side of the Main Member Central page in a box or module on the right. If you cannot find 'Member Central' for some reason it's located under the 'Become a Member' dropdown menu on any webpage. More directions about Member Central are here. Follow these steps to show a table as well as kml and gpx files:
1. Choose a region from the map such as Vancouver Island.
2. Choose one or more paddling areas within a region.
3. A kml file and a gpx file are produced. kml files cmay be opened in Google Earth; gpx files are opened in navigation software or directly loaded to a GPS receiver.
Detailed Instructions:
The members-only downloads tool allows you to download campsites, access points and day use sites for use in either Google Earth (kml file) or in your GPS software/unit (GPX file).
Google Earth
If you haven't used Google Earth before it's a handy tool to draw a path between a series of campsites, access points and day use sites. This software is free to download and use on your PC or Mac.
Once you have set up Google Earth on your computer you can load up a BCMTNA Google Earth or KML file two ways:
- Go to our downloads page. Choose a region. Choose one or more paddling areas.
- Click the Preview button. The sites are listed below the button. Select sites by clicking the radio buttons.
- Next choose to download a Google Earth file (click on button that says 'Google Earth').
- Choose to either 'Open With' or Save the KML file.
- If you open the file look for the 'Helper Application' which in this case is Google Earth.
- The KML is downloaded into this software. Zoom into the sites.
4. There are videos on how to use Google. Use 'Path' under 'Add' on the Google Earth menu. OR
- Download and save the KML file on your computer.
- Start the application software which is Google Earth.
- Find and open the KML file. Zoom in to the downloaded sites and use the Google Earth tools to plan your trip.
Please note that our ruler on our map performs all of the same functions except for finally saving a route or path.
GPX File
Generally, if you use a GPX unit you will load the file into software that accompanies the unit. In my case I own a small Garmin unit so I use the software called BaseCamp. From BaseCamp I would export the data into my GPS unit. There are two main ways to load the GPX file into your application software:
- Go to our downloads page. Choose a region. Choose one or more paddling areas.
- Click the Preview button. The sites are listed below the button. Select sites by clicking the radio buttons.
- Next choose to download a GPX file (click on button that says 'Download Results to your GPS').
- Choose to either 'Open With' or Save the GPX file.
- If you open the file look for the 'Helper Application' which in my case is BaseCamp.
- The GPX is downloaded into this software. Zoom into the sites. OR
- Download and save the GPX file on your computer.
- Start the application software which in my case is BaseCamp.
- Find and open the GPX file in your GPX software. Zoom in and later export to your GPS unit.
OR
- Download and save the GPX file on your computer.
- Start the application software which in my case is BaseCamp
- Find and open the GPX file in your GPX software. Zoom in and later export to your GPS unit.
Please send any comments to Paul at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.