Viewing Maps
This page gives some hints on options for viewing the main maps. Paragraphs below cover:
Whatever method you use:
- note that it typically takes about 1 minute to
download each map via a 56kb dial-up modem.
- the downloaded files are however then stored in your
internet cache/temporary internet files folder. They are then available
"instantly" until overwritten by other downloaded files or have been updated
by me (and the new version gets downloaded). In order to keep files in
internet cache for as long as useful, consider increasing your
internet cache file size - I use 400MB.
- you will probably find it useful to use
"Shift+LeftMouse" on IE browser, or "Left Mouse > Open in New Window", (or whatever appropriate for
your browser) in order to open the "All Maps Page" in a separate window,
and leaving that open to download the full set. Meanwhile return to the
first browser window for reading the rest of the website.
- The "Re-size" function requires that your browser is enabled for running
javascript. This is now usually enabled by default, but older
installations, or installations especially conscious of security risks may have
javascript disabled - if so you can only view at 100%.
If you open a single map from the "Map Index" page, the
initial view (provided you use IE5+, Netscape 6.2+ or similar, and have
javascript enabled) will be to show the whole of the map fitted to the window
size you are using. To get best results you should
consider:
- setting your window size to as large as possible - setting
to "Maximum" or even better "Full Screen" will let you view the detail
better
- set the scale viewed to suit your needs. This
can be done by selecting the size you require from the drop-down-box at the
bottom of the page.
- note that 100% gives the best detail, and scrolls quicker. This is
because no processing is needed to create a reduced size image - the image is
shown exactly as stored.
- clicking anywhere on the Map returns you to the "Map Index" page
The "All Maps Page" allows you to view any part of the
overall map, spanning the boundaries between individual sheets. It gives you the possibility to print a custom map covering
the area you require. Possible approach may be:
- set your screen resolution to as high a value as you can. For a 17"
screen I suggest 1280x1024 if possible, but 1152x864 or 1024x768 may be
adequate. The viewer works at any screen size down to 640x480, and works well at 800x600
- but you will not see as much as you would like
to!
- set your browser window to "Maximum" or even better "Full Screen" view
- set the scale viewed to cover as much map as you wish
to view
- note that 100% gives the best detail, and scrolls quicker. This is
because no processing is needed to create a reduced (or enlarged) size image -
the image is shown exactly as stored.
- clicking anywhere on the Map returns you to the "All Maps index" at the
top of the page
The advantages of the new HTML Map pages published 30-Dec-2002 are:
- "Fit" size automatically gets fitted to a resized window. BUT it
sometimes only works after all maps have been downloaded.
- On the individual Maps pages I have labelled the 44% option as the "Print
A4 Landscape" best choice.
- On the All Maps page, a "Fit3 across" and a "Fit 12" option has been
added.
- The total number of options has been reduced so all are visible on the
dropdown list, even on IE browsers.
- The new scheme works more consistently with newer Netscape Browsers (6.2
or 7) - BUT see N.B. note
below.
N.B. - They should work well in IE 5+, Mozilla Firefox 1.0+ and Netscape 6.2+ , and
adequately in IE4 and Netscape 4.5+. The MapAll page however still has a
bug when viewed in Netscape 6.2 - when a different scale is chosen, the maps
change scale correctly, but SOMETIMES the width of the cell
each is seen in remains as before, or part of one of the maps remains
blank - to see it properly the user must change the window size slightly to
force the correct update. I'm searching for a
fix - does anyone know one that might work?
The above is not exhaustive. Experts may find "better" methods, or
anyone may find methods which better fit their computer configuration and/or
their needs.
For example, note that:
- Scrolling/Panning up/down or left/right can
always be carried out using the scroll bars. If you have a "Centre
Wheel" on your mouse you can also click the wheel, and then pan whichever way
you want by moving the mouse slightly in that direction, stopping again by
returning to the target.
- If you leave the viewing size highlighted (by not
clicking anywhere else after selecting a new viewing size), you can use the
"UpArrow" and "DownArrow" keys to progress up or down the zoom options.
If you have a "Centre Wheel" on your mouse you can use the wheel to zoom in
and out when the viewing size is highlighted.
- One useful way of working is to use "Shift+LeftMouse" in order to open the
map view you wish in a separate window, then make that window "Full Screen"
and set as you need it for your current purpose. Then use "Alt+Tab" to
return to the normal screen for reading the rest of the website.
