I’m on a mission. Poor little Eastport, while admittedly not the most photogenic part of the Township, comes off very badly on Google’s mapping “street view.” Take a look at the intersection of US 31 and M 88. This is the image that greets visitors all over the world if they search Google Maps for “Eastport MI.” Then there’s the street view for Torch Lake village.
Torch Lake Views readers have all seen much nicer pictures of our landmarks. I’m going to make sure that the rest of the world sees a more rounded picture of us as well.
To that end, I’ve been experimenting with making interactive maps in Google. My first effort (a work in progress) is My Torch Lake map. You can go directly there, and scroll around, or you can just see part of it below. The plan is to attach lots more information and photos. Ah yes, the plan. This from the person who still hasn’t found time to keyboard the rest of the cherry recipe contest winners. Anyway, I’d be interested in feedback . . . and also in links to photos that you would like to have included in the final product. (Your photos would have to be posted on Flickr or Panoramio or another such site, but we can work that out.)
If all of this fascinates you, you can read more about it at the Google Lat Long Blog.
Torch Lake Views 
barbara L. Young
March 28, 2009
Gerry,
Put me on the list to at least take photos for you. I’d love an assignment. I think this is great idea!!
Gerry
March 28, 2009
Great! Examine the US 31/M 88 intersection for possibilities. Same at Sonny’s. I think we need a sunny day. That may be our biggest challenge this week. Sigh. On the other hand, any reasonably recent photos you already have would serve, too.
We have to ask Maryanne about those 360-degree photos – bet she knows all about those and has access to appropriate equipment. And bet she and Duane have some nice aerials, too.
Look out, Google – Torch Lake Township is comin’ atcha . . .
giiid
April 8, 2009
What a great idea, – I love to look at maps. I will try to make one too.
Gerry
April 8, 2009
Birgitte, let me know what you come up with! I’ve found it quite challenging to work with the feature in Google, but I haven’t had a lot of time to spend on it yet. We’ll see . . .