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Other Resources On The Web
While this article has focused on the USGS aerial photographs and topographic maps offered on Microsoft's TerraServer, there are several other interesting sources of aerial photographs and maps accessible, free of charge, on the web. MapQuest is certainly an important resource for the railfan. The MapQuest website couples road maps with aerial views in a manner similar to the aerial/topographic views on the TerraServer. Many of the MapQuest aerial views are in color, although not all locations currently have aerial views at all zoom levels. MapQuest also provides access to USGS topographic maps, but they are not coupled directly to the road maps and aerial views. Nevertheless, MapQuest does what it does best exceedingly well. That is, it provides interactive road maps. The map views range from very high-level right down to street level. While the maps do include rail lines, the track configurations may not be current. Best of all, MapQuest can help the railroad enthusiast with road trip planning and driving directions for that next railfan trip. MapTech offers some interesting capabilities deserving the attention of the railfan. The MapTech Website, through its MapServer facility, provides on-line interactivity with high quality, high resolution USGS topographic map images, at no charge. The user can also toggle to an aerial view, as well as nautical and aeronautical charts, as applicable, for the selected location. Some aerial images are in color; although, aerial views are not currently available for all locations. Using the "My Maps" feature, which is also free of charge, the user can customize maps with icons and notes, as well as save, print and email them. TopoZone.com also offers interactive access to high quality USGS topographic maps at no charge. The TopoZone.com website features include map bookmarking, printing and emailing, also free of charge. Terraserver.com, not to be confused with Microsoft's TerraServer (see the sidebar on page 1), is yet another on-line resource in which the virtual railfan may be interested. The terraserver.com website is unique in that it offers global satellite imagery. Images can be viewed on-line down to 8-meter resolution free of charge. At this writing (August 2001), U.S. coverage is sparse, but thousands of square miles of global coverage are added daily. Back To Terra Firma 
The resources reviewed in this article can help you locate and travel to
interesting railroad locations. But remember, railroad property is private property and the private property of others often adjoins
railroad rights-of-way. Always show that you are a responsible railfan. Respect private property and always obtain permission if you
want to get closer.
Railroad
crews are usually friendly. Many of them are railfans too and certain to understand your interest. So wave back; however, keep in mind that they are at work. Above all, use
common sense and practice "Safety First" for everyone when railfanning.
Acknowledgements & Credits The author would like to thank the following individuals for granting permission for use of their photographs and/or for their assistance in preparing this article: John Olson, Bob LaForce, Jim Herzman, Ken Buckman and Clark Bauman.
Want to learn more about DOQs and DRGs? Check-out the TerraServer and USGS websites. Interested in some of the places mentioned in this article? Then check-out This Issue's Special Links. 
The SideTrack at Jim's Junction www.jimsjunction.com |
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