MnGCA

sir_zman · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject: WeekNIGHT Caching Locations

When I read about how WNC is 4 years old, I started to think back to all the good times I have had going out and hunting caches with everyone. But I also started to wonder where we have had WNC events; I figured for the most part they would be close to the 494/694 loop with a few going inside and a few going outside, and then the occasional cache closer to the heart of the Cities, and the rare cache way outside the cities.

I decided to test my theory out, so for the past week I have searched the events section for the WNC announcements, and recorded the first cache that was set to be found that evening. Then I dumped those into a database and using google maps, plotted them. The resulting map wasn't at all what I expected. I invite you to take a look at it, if you click on a flag on the map it will tell you the date, first cache, and give you a link to the cache page.

http://www.sirzman.com/gc/WNCBrowser.cfm

If the map is too big/small for you I have a drop down list on the left side just under the map to change the height of the map.

This project has taken some time to complete, but as I started going through the caches I have hit, I sure brought back good memories. I was surprised to find that we have had 138 WNC outings.

edit by SB to make it sticky

LucidOndine · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:57 pm Post subject:

Incredible! Awesome work Z.
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sir_zman · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject:

I actually programmed the back end to contain a bunch more info, if I (or someone else) wanted to enter it. You can put in each cache for the WNC, attendees, refreshment meetup info (location, place), parking coords...all of which could be displayed on the map...but for now, just putting in one cache was enough work.

pfalstad · Geocacher Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 963 Location: Edina

That's cool! Although it didn't load on my Safari browser, because it didn't like the leading zero on the longitudes (like -093.20930). I replaced them all with numbers like -93.20930 and it works. Firefox gives a warning in the error console but otherwise doesn't care.

TheGilby4 · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject:

Z, that is so flipping cool! I couldn't help but click on many of my favorite memories. Who could forget Loretto?!?! I think some people thought we were going to end up in Hutchinson!

Great job! Is there anyway to make it so that this thread with the link stays in a highly visible area of this site. I am afraid of it falling down the list in the General tab. It deserves a spot, maybe under links???
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"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods..." - Lord Byron

Marsha and Silent Bob · Past MnGCA President Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 6261

casinoman · Geocacher Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 374

that is way cool I had no idea that there had been that many WNC.
Thanks for all the effort.

sir_zman · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:06 am Post subject:

pfalstad · Geocacher Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 963 Location: Edina

EPMinnesota · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 1898

Very cool map!It's fun to see where everyone has been even though I haven't been to very many overall. I know this is probably beside the point but last Oct 17th we didn't actually make it to Mountain Goat. Instead we did the 4 stage Speechless. Awesome cache!

sir_zman · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:10 am Post subject:

TheGilby4 · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

SB, thanks for the "Sticky"! After looking at the map again, I can see some surprising holes where I thought some WNC would have taken place. And, as I figured, the SW metro ROCKS!

Once again, great work Z!
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"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods..." - Lord Byron

sir_zman · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:30 am Post subject:

drat19 · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:59 pm Post subject:

Very cool, Z!

I'm proud to report that I attended both the Westernmost ones...Loretto (I echo/amplify the comments already posted!) and Victoria (the Star Trib one...and I chose those caches that week!).

Not bad for a "non-local local"!

sir_zman · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:57 am Post subject:

One of the main reasons I wanted to do this was to be able to see where we have been caching lately and see if we are focusing too much on one area of the cities.

To help with this, I have added a select list to the bottom of the map (next to the map size selector). You can choose to see All WNC data, or only data for the past month, 6 months, year.