diff --git a/docs/travel/my_maps.md b/docs/travel/my_maps.md index 3aab1f7..7032b19 100644 --- a/docs/travel/my_maps.md +++ b/docs/travel/my_maps.md @@ -1,3 +1,169 @@ +Understood. Given your preference for using Google My Maps as the primary source for your data and your goal of being well-prepared for your next travel, let's focus on a streamlined workflow that revolves around using Vim to manage your data and QGIS for visualization. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored to your needs: + +## Step 1: Data Collection with Google My Maps + +1. Open Google My Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/d/) and create a new map. +2. Search for places of interest (e.g., hotels, restaurants, attractions) and add them to your map using the "Add marker" tool. +3. Customize the marker style, color, and icon as needed. +4. Repeat this process for all the locations you want to include in your travel planning. + +## Step 2: Exporting Data from Google My Maps + +1. In your Google My Maps, click on the three-dot menu next to the map name and select "Export to KML/KMZ." +2. Choose "KML" as the export format and click "Download." +3. Save the KML file to your computer. + +## Step 3: Converting KML to CSV using an Online Tool + +1. Go to an online KML to CSV converter, such as https://kml2csv.com/. +2. Upload your KML file and click "Convert." +3. Download the converted CSV file. + +## Step 4: Data Editing with Vim + +1. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where you saved the converted CSV file. +2. Open the CSV file in Vim by running: + + ``` + vim your_converted_file.csv + ``` + +3. Use Vim commands to edit and refine your data as needed. For example: + - Use `dd` to delete a line. + - Use `i` to enter insert mode and make changes to a line. + - Use `:wq` to save changes and quit Vim. + +4. Ensure that your CSV file has columns for latitude, longitude, name, and description. + +## Step 5: Visualization with QGIS + +1. Launch QGIS and create a new project. +2. Click on "Layer" > "Add Layer" > "Add Delimited Text Layer" from the menu. +3. In the "File name" section, click on the "..." button and navigate to your edited CSV file. +4. Ensure that the "CSV (comma separated values)" option is selected in the "File format" dropdown. +5. Specify the columns containing the X (longitude) and Y (latitude) coordinates. +6. Click "OK" to add the layer to your QGIS project. +7. Customize the layer styling, labeling, and other properties as needed. + +## Step 6: Enhancing Your Travel Experience + +1. Use the "Identify Features" tool in QGIS to click on points and view their attributes (name, description, etc.). +2. Utilize the "Measure Line" tool to calculate distances between points of interest. +3. Export your QGIS map as a high-resolution image or PDF for offline access during your trip. +4. Consider installing the QGIS2Web plugin to create an interactive web map that you can access from your mobile device. + +By following this workflow, you can leverage the user-friendly interface of Google My Maps for data collection, the power of Vim for data editing, and the visualization capabilities of QGIS to create a comprehensive and personalized travel map. This approach allows you to be well-prepared for your next adventure while minimizing the need for additional tools or complex data processing steps. + +--- + +# Technical Guide: Setting Up a Travel Mapping System with Google My Maps and QGIS + +## Prerequisites + +- Google account +- QGIS 3.x installed +- Python 3.x installed +- GDAL library installed (for `ogr2ogr`) +- Basic knowledge of Python and GeoJSON + +## Step 1: Create a New Google My Map + +1. Go to Google My Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/d/). +2. Click on "Create a New Map." +3. Set up the following layers: + - Accommodations (Style: Blue, Hotel icon) + - Transportation (Style: Orange, Bus icon) + - Activities and Attractions (Style: Green, Camera icon) + - Dining (Style: Red, Restaurant icon) + - Essential Services (Style: Purple, Hospital icon) + +## Step 2: Add Data Points to Each Layer + +1. For each layer, add data points with the following structure: + - Name (string) + - Address (string) + - Coordinates (latitude, longitude) + - Contact Information (string) + - Personal Notes (string) +2. Ensure data consistency by using a standardized naming convention (e.g., CamelCase) and data format (e.g., ISO 8601 for dates). + +## Step 3: Export Layers as KML + +1. Select a layer in Google My Maps. +2. Click on the three-dot menu and choose "Export to KML." +3. Save the KML file with a descriptive name (e.g., `accommodations.kml`). +4. Repeat this process for each layer. + +## Step 4: Convert KML to GeoJSON using Python and GDAL + +1. Create a new Python script (e.g., `kml_to_geojson.py`). +2. Use the following code to convert each KML file to GeoJSON: + +```python +import subprocess + +def convert_kml_to_geojson(kml_file, geojson_file): + command = f'ogr2ogr -f GeoJSON {geojson_file} {kml_file}' + subprocess.call(command, shell=True) + +# Example usage +convert_kml_to_geojson('accommodations.kml', 'accommodations.geojson') +convert_kml_to_geojson('transportation.kml', 'transportation.geojson') +convert_kml_to_geojson('activities_attractions.kml', 'activities_attractions.geojson') +convert_kml_to_geojson('dining.kml', 'dining.geojson') +convert_kml_to_geojson('essential_services.kml', 'essential_services.geojson') +``` + +## Step 5: Import GeoJSON Layers into QGIS + +1. Open QGIS. +2. Go to "Layer" > "Add Layer" > "Add Vector Layer." +3. Browse to the location of your GeoJSON files and select them. +4. Click "Open" to add the layers to your QGIS project. + +## Step 6: Customize Layer Styling and Labeling in QGIS + +1. Right-click on a layer and select "Properties." +2. In the "Symbology" tab, choose an appropriate style for the layer (e.g., categorized by a specific attribute). +3. In the "Labels" tab, set up labeling for each layer based on the desired data points (e.g., name, address). + +## Step 7: Perform Geospatial Analysis in QGIS + +1. Use the QGIS Processing Toolbox to access various analysis tools: + - Vector analysis (e.g., buffer, clip, intersection) + - Raster analysis (e.g., terrain analysis, heatmaps) + - Network analysis (e.g., shortest path, service area) +2. Apply these tools to your travel mapping layers to gain insights and make data-driven decisions. + +## Step 8: Create Custom Map Layouts in QGIS + +1. Go to "Project" > "New Print Layout." +2. Add map elements (e.g., map canvas, legend, scale bar, north arrow) to your layout. +3. Customize the appearance of your map elements using the Item Properties panel. +4. Export your map layout as a PDF or image file for sharing or printing. + +## Step 9: Automate Workflow with Python and QGIS + +1. Use the QGIS Python Console or create standalone Python scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as: + - Updating data sources + - Applying styles and labels + - Exporting maps +2. Leverage the QGIS Python API (PyQGIS) to interact with QGIS functionality programmatically. + +## Step 10: Document and Share Your Travel Mapping System + +1. Create a README file in markdown format that includes: + - Overview of your travel mapping system + - Instructions for setting up and using the system + - Dependencies and requirements + - Example workflows and use cases +2. Use version control (e.g., Git) to manage your project files and collaborate with others. +3. Share your project on platforms like GitHub or GitLab to facilitate collaboration and contribution from the community. + +By following this technical guide, you'll be able to set up a robust and efficient travel mapping system that leverages the power of Google My Maps, QGIS, and Python. This system will allow you to manage, analyze, and visualize your travel data effectively, enabling you to make informed decisions and enhance your travel experiences. + +--- + Let's create a detailed and comprehensive guide for Step 1 of organizing and documenting your Google My Maps, focusing on structuring your map effectively. This guide will ensure you capture all necessary details about your map and its layers in a structured and accessible way. ### Step 1: Document Your Map Structure