About Planet kayak
Planet Kayak uses the Google Maps API to link the Wavelength Magazine article article to a geographic database. It also incorporates a vast knowledge base based on years of kayaking the coast as well as research. It is a work in progress. The data that you see now will be continually added to, plus you have an opportunity to contribute content yourself.
Optimum viewing: The Planet Kayak interface is best viewed with a 1200pixel screen or wider. This can be accommodated by most widescreen monitors.
News and developments
April 15/09: We have our first populated region, the Gulf Islands off southeast Vancouver Island. You can now view launch sites, rest areas, campsites and other features in a relatively complete overview. Photos to come next! Also, some finessing remains, as the "Articles" category includes all articles, not just those relating to the Gulf Islands. We'll fix that soon.
April 7/09: We're currently adding some detailed content for the Gulf Islands off southeast Vancouver Island. Check out the boat launches and rest areas for Saturna, Saltspring and Pender islands.
March 27/09: Planet Kayak went "live" March 21. We are currently adding the article archive, and are back as far as 2004. We have added a few campsites and boat launches, but these elements are in their infancy. Much work is to be done! We should have the ability to add content up and running in a few weeks. Don't be shy about submitting content.
The array
The sidebar to the right of the Planet Kayak map can be used to control the information you see. Remove classes of icons by clicking off the checkboxes. Zoom in and add checkboxes to see the information available for any given region.
Regional overviews: This icon represents the various regions that icons will be grouped into. The regional overviews are visible by default. By clicking on the checkbox you can remove the overview icons from the map. In future versions clicking on one of these regions will bring you into view of the region. In the meantime you can use the navigation bar, double-click or scroll wheel on your mouse to close in. Some information bubbles will also contain additional information on traveling these regions.
Wavelength articles: Clicking on any of these icons will bring up an information bubble with a synopsis of an article published by Wavelength Magazine, as well as a link to read the entire article. The article icons are visible by default. You can remove them from view by clicking on the appropriate checkbox in the sidebar to the right of the Planet Kayak map.
Services: These icons represent services at the specified locations. The represent a wide range of opportunities, from tour operators to accommodation to retail outlets to kayak manufacturer locations. These icons are visible by default. To remove them from view, click on the appropriate checkbox in the sidebar to the right of the Planet Kayak map.
The following icons are not visible by default. Click on the appropriate checkbox to make them visible on the map.
Boat launches: This icon represents where to launch, and will be used for boat ramps, cartop launch locations and kayak-only beaches. Clicking on them will bring up an information box that can include a photo and technical information. If it is not visible you can contribute this information.
Rest Areas: This icon will be used to locate beaches and marine-accessible points suitable for a stop but where camping may not be suitable (due to development, private property or obstructions, for instance).
Photographs: Planet Kayak has huge potential to show the coastlines of the world from a kayaker's perspective. We'll be adding our own inventory over the coming years; you can also contribute your own.
Casual campsites: The red tent icon indicates locations where camping is possible but the campsite has no official designation. In wilderness areas it may not be useable at all tide levels or may not be developed.
Drive-in campsites: These indicate parks, marine areas or strategic locations where vehicle access is possible. Also, use it as a warning that sites may not be wilderness location you desired. Oceanfront campsites are usually taken first, so arrival by a kayak may mean setting up away from the beach. Fees may apply. Check the information bubble for details.
Established campsites: Use the green tent icon to locate campsites with official standing that should be marine-accessible only (though they can be walk-in as well. No cars though!) They can be in parks or recreation areas. Fees may apply.
Navigation hazards: Watch for tidal currents, tricky locations and advise under these icons. Be warned, though, that the list is not exhaustive. We're offering some helping hints, but by golly don't think if there's no icon there's no hazard!
This is just the start. Watch the information options grow.
