MapSherpa Launch is Nearing – Can You Believe It?

Writing this blog post feels a bit surreal after the long road to getting to where we are at today. It’s hard to believe this ‘idea’ that is now about to come to fruition was born 18 months ago – almost the same age as my daughter. Hmmm – coincidence? Perhaps lack of sleep is the secret to creativity.

The beta for MapSherpa is winding down — our beta testers have been hitting our web site, providing incredible feedback, and it has all come together in what we expect to be THE final version for launch.

Topographic Maps and Nostalgia

Ok Dave – that heading means you must be off your rocker …

But in truth, it really hit home the other day that we might have created something truly special. It was the day when I decided to put my own journal entry into our Map Journal, and it meant I actually had to USE MapSherpa for a real purpose. I started work on the Barron Canyon canoe trip I took annually with my dad, sister, and friends as a kid in Algonquin Park.

While recollecting those trips and mapping out the routes we took — those memories came flooding in. I have to admit I’m a sucker for the Terrain maps. Through the vivid feel of the land, the map and my memories connected. That’s the great thing about maps, they’re a wonderful way to connect ourselves to the real world.

The point was — MapSherpa really made it possible for me to relive those adventures. And although there were a few frustrating moments (it is beta software afterall!) ultimately in a little over an hour I accomplished my goal and voila — the map was done, waiting for me to use on my next trip to the park. Thanks to the Map Journal — hopefully it will help some other folks before then!

A Thank You to all my Mapping Friends

Many folks have been involved in getting MapSherpa out the door and since we’re now so close – I wanted to put out a few thank yous to some really important people and organizations for making this happen:

• Our staff and contractors – Paul, Paul, Fred, Jason, Dennis, Steve, George, Shawn, Sean, Sean, Christy, Teresa, Assefa, Zak, Mike — you all know who you are. Thank you for your commitment, ideas, talent, and perseverance turning MapSherpa into something real.
• Our beta testers — what can I say, your feedback was awesome! Our revised interface and workflow owes much to their feedback
• Our partners – World of Maps, NAVTEQ and Mountain Equipment Co-op – who have work patiently with us to ensure MapSherpa is a high quality service for our customers
• The GeoConnections Program – who provided partial funding for this project
• All the people who’ve listened to me ramble on about MapSherpa – and have kindly given back to me the ideas that have made this possible.

And of course on a personal note — a big thank you to my family for putting up with me. The closer we’ve gotten to launch – the more focused I’ve become – making me more than a little distracted in the rest of my life.

OK – it’s time for those final touches before we go live. Stay tuned!