Walking directions
Monday, March 15th, 2010, Travels, whanau, life
If I had the time when biking to Canterbury university I’d make a detour on the way. This wasn’t to stop off at friends to argue about politics or to grab a fresh coffee.
My detour was for aesthetic reasons. I took the long way so I could bike through a glade of trees and duck across a wooded park. This was far more pleasant than sticking to the tarmac even if I could get to my destination quicker.
I was reminded of this the other day when looking up a route to walk to a meeting when I was in Auckland.
The mighty Google maps now suggests walking routes, as well as giving directions for cars. I printed out the map but ignored the route suggested.
Why would I want to walk along busy, congested roads even if it was the most direct route?
Instead I ducked and dived through the inner city. Along tree-lined Greys Avenue, through the underpass beneath Mayoral Drive to Aotea Square, passed the art gallery, then an amble along Lorne Street gazing at fashion and books. Under the towering Metropolis, then through a wedge of Albert Park.
This wasn’t efficient nor direct, but it was enjoyable.
Sure, search parameters can calculate distances with astonishing accuracy. This isn’t really enough. Relying on what some programmers think is most important reduces how the world is portrayed to a narrow and incomplete picture.
I’m all for finding room for art, nature, spontaneity and taking the long route. Suggesting this could be avoided by using a “I feel lucky button” is a cute idea – but actually, I think it’s best to follow your nose.
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Better than googlemaps for the Wellington region is this active planner. You can always take the scenic route but it’s quite nice to know how long a journey takes – and how steep it is.
Going from Hataitai to Mt Victoria ,this planner will take you over the Town Belt or through the Mt Vic tunnel but NOT the bus tunnel. That’s better than Google maps!
I’d love to see this expanded to all NZ – local knowledge is great for walking and cycling. Even better ifi t integrated into http://www.metlink.org.nz to connect up with bus and train info!