Amtrak Route Atlas

Amtrak’s previous online attempts at a network map have generally been large PDFs or JPEGs (see previous entry), but they’ve just announced a new, Flash-based interactive route atlas that is much improved over its static predecessors. Click on a route name, and the map zooms to the relevant area and displays the route and stations. Quite responsive. Via All Points Blog (where Adena wants the reservation system integrated into the map).

Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Categories: Railroads

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Comments

Although it is a nice feature and upgrade, it could be so much more. I have a real problem with the routing of the Southwest Chief train west of Topeka. It shows the train line heading west to what would be about the Manhattan/Junction City area before heading south. In reality, the ex-Santa Fe line goes straight south and arcs slightly southwest to Emporia. It really is an example of poor geography.
This is simply the route map from the national timetable scanned into this macromedia flash player. One other huge shortcoming is the absence of other close metropolitan areas to the routes. For example, look at Newton, KS, it is just a short ways north of Wichita. Amazingly, except for a shaded area, this large city is not clearly identified on the map.

Jim Woods | 05/10/2006 at 1:22 PM | #

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