FAQ: Other Questions

Q:What software does the Great Circle Mapper use?

A:The Great Circle Mapper uses primarily custom software, with severalthird-party libraries and data from many sources.Please see thecredits page for details.

Q:Why not use Google Maps?

A:UsingGoogle Mapswould add some features, notably the ability to pan, but would have anumber of downsides:

• The site would be slower. In addition to reducing the utility of the site for experimentation, the speed difference would make it especially painful with slow network links (like smart phones when not using WiFi).
• Fewer browsers would work. Google Maps depends on JavaScript and other browser features. The Great Circle Mapper is designed to work with any graphical browser, though appearance and some features may degrade with less capable browsers or without JavaScript.
• A choice of map projections (such as orthographic maps, including the polar aspects) would not be available with Google Maps.
• Non-web ports of the site would not be possible.
• Simplicity and independence from other sites helps make the Great Circle Mapper more reliable.

Google Maps is a great site but considering the tradeoffs and aftermuch testing, homegrown maps were selected as the best solution forbuilding the fast, reliable site that Great Circle Mapper users havecome to expect.

Q:Can I get the source code for the Great Circle Mapper?

A:No, there are no plans to release the source code.

Q:How can I buy advertising on the Great Circle Mapper?

A:Advertising will be offered on the site soon. Please check back for details.

Q:What browsers does the Great Circle Mapper work with?

A:The Great Circle Mapper is intended to support all standards-compliantweb browsers. It has been tested with the following browsers:

• Camino 2.0 (Mac OS X)
• Chrome 3.0 (Mac OS X)
• Firefox 3.5 (Windows/XP, Mac OS X)
• Firefox 3.6 (Windows/XP, Mac OS X)
• Internet Explorer 6 (Windows/XP)
• Internet Explorer 8 (Windows/XP)
• Safari (iPhone)
• Safari 4 (Mac OS X)

There are known problems with Internet Explorer (IE) due tonon-compliance with web standards. In IE 6, the map scalingwidget is not visible. This problem does not occur in IE 8though a few minor cosmetic issues remain. IE 7 is believedto display like IE 8 but this has not yet been tested. A fixfor the IE 6 problem will be implemented as soon as possible.

Q:How many points/paths can be on a map?

A:Seeanswer here.

Q:I found a bug in the Great Circle Mapper. How can I report it?

A:Pleasee-mail the following data:

• The URL at which the problem occurred.
• A description of the problem.
• The name of browser you were using and its version.

A screen image is rarely necessary or helpful so please do notinclude it.

Q:Does the Great Circle Mapper have a Facebook page?

A:Yes, please see theGreat Circle Mapper on Facebook.

Q:Is the Great Circle Mapper on Twitter?

A:Yes, atGreat Circle Mapper (gcmap) on Twitter.

Q:How can I make a donation to help keep the site going?

A:See thedonations page for details.

Q:May I use the Great Circle Mapper's maps on my web page?

A:Thisanswer has moved.

Q:May I use the Great Circle Mapper's maps on Wikipedia?

A:Thisanswer has moved.

Q:May I use the Great Circle Mapper's maps on my commercial site?

A:Thisanswer has moved.

Back to main FAQ page