Vector Maps

A safer way for motorcyclist to navigate.

09/10/03

Vector mapping is the simplest form of mapping, showing you only the key information needed to navigate from A to B.

I started drawing vector maps in 1998 for a trip to Ireland. Up until then I had folded up a map and pushed it in to the map pocket of the tank bag, but I found you couldn't just glance down to follow your route or pick out essential details from the map and ride safely.

That's where Vector maps come in. They contain only the essential information needed to get you from A to B. You can glance down at the map, as you would the Speedo and see immediately; road numbers, junctions and place names that you couldn't possibly see with just a glance at a conventional map.

The example above covers around 50 route miles. Motorway junction numbers have been left off this map but can easily be included as can anticipated mileage points and times. If you download some of the maps below you will see these have sometimes been included. Obviously vector maps aren't for every trip, but they are ideal when you are travelling a long way over unfamiliar roads or on motorways where you cannot stop.

The maps can be drawn freehand or by computer, I use MS Word to draw the important ones using the drawing tools. Using the computer does mean copies can be kept or given to friends so they can follow the route. Each map takes up half a page of A4 paper in the horizontal format, and fit easily in the map pocket of the tank bag or taped to the tank in a sandwich bag!

Vector map examples

Zeebrugee - Andermatt (51kb) and Overview map (35kb) - 550 miles

York - Holyhead 29kb - 190 miles

Disclaimer

How you use this information is entirely your own responsibility. Never try to study a map while in motion.

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