A Handy Tool for Making Scale Comparisons

One of the most valuable graphics in the planner's toolbox is the scale comparison. However, producing such graphics can be a tedious process. A web-based tool utilizing Google Maps seeks to make cartographic “mixtures” much easier to produce.

1 minute read

May 10, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

Henry Grabar looks at MapFrappe, "Kevin Thompson's cartographic mixing engine." The site lets users outline any location on a Google Map and view that outline overlaid on a comparison map that retains the scale of the original shape.

"Once you get tired of outlining your own interests -- your walk to work in London, or Buckingham Palace on your block -- you can check out Drew's MapFrappe blog, which has hundreds of preset outlines to choose from." The site even lets you generate a permanent URL of the comparison to direct others to, or bookmark for later use.

FULL STORY: Compare Cities, Streets and Other Shapes With This Cartographic Mixing Machine

Friday, May 10, 2013 in The Atlantic Cities

Technology World Scale Comparison MapFrappe Google Maps

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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