3D trip-planning... you might like it

[glwilson]

For those that are looking to plan some routes... you might want to try using the Bing Maps 3D.

This is Microsoft's answer to Google maps... only that it offers a 3D version whereby you can zoom-in and "slant" the view so that you can get an idea of what the road elevations are. You can make it appear very close, as if you are actually on the road you are looking at.

I have found this tool to be a great value, despite the quality is not entirely accurate and is "comprimised" at times. However, the effect of elevations are pretty close to what you can expect on the route.

For example; instead of just looking at the map and choosing "twisty-roads"; you can actually zoom-in, then slant the view; and then move forward along the road to see if it also provides any changes in elevation. (Be sure to use the satellite view.)

I have discovered a few roads that I thought were flat, or nearly so; but actually ended up have some hills and valleys along them. I have also found the exact opposite also -- thus saving me from having to ride those roads someday only to find out they were flat.

Now... you may need to know that sometimes the elevations may not look all that high or low in the view. I have found this to be deceiving to some degree.

I have compared some road-views with roads I am familiar with and have found even though it may not look that hilly in the slanted-3D view... it would be more than you think if you were actually riding the road.

Anyway... check it out and play around with it until you get familiar with it (it can take awhile to get the zoom, slant, and forward buttons coordinated at first).

Be sure to check out roads like: The Dragon... Spearfish Canyon, SD and some of your local favorites for comparison purposes.

Again; I found this to be a great tool to work with for my planning. I hope it helps out where you live or plan on riding.

[Sin City Stan]

Google Earth will do this also. When slanted the view can look amazingly real.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Sin City Stan

Google Earth will do this also. When slanted the view can look amazingly real.

Thanks. I just went on it and checked it out. I need to explore its capabilities a bit more... but so far it is rather incredible.

I particularly like the flight simulator.