Mapping the Bay of Islands

Photo by Erica Burke

Hugh Palliser (Admiral Palliser's Trail or Route 440) visited the Bay of Islands in 1764. It was during this time that he sent Captain James Cook to survey the West Coast of Newfoundland.

What many people don't realize is that Joseph Gilbert, a sailing master aboard the HMS Guernsey was most likely responsible for the early depiction of our land. While Cook was more than capable of fulfilling the task given to him by Palliser, he most likely used existing charts to his advantage including those sketched by Gilbert.

Today's maps of the Bay of Islands is the result of a collaborated effort, yet it is far from perfect. Our landscape is constantly changing and for our maps to be perfect, they must change with it.

Google Maps is widely used, there is no denying it and when they say that they are striving to build the perfect map, they mean it. Google Map Maker is a tool available to just about everybody and is aimed at allowing the public to edit their local map by adding new and existing roads, walking trails and attractions.

I've dabbled with Google Map Maker and I like it. As of today, I have charted the Blow-Me-Down Nature Trail and have added markers for the First, Second and Third Pool often used for swimming.

I plan to add more walking trails and attractions in the future and greatly encourage anybody who knows anything about the surrounding area to do the same.

Update: Google Map Maker is officially closed as of March 31, 2017