Google Maps

[embi]

This must have been taken just days before we started building.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q ... 9&t=k&om=1

[zactyl]

Until recently I had writen google maps off as a bad joke like macromedia flash or as something only for broadband but it seems it works if you wait long enough on dialup and all the cache pins are cool .

The question:
When a map loads the PC sits there for some time without downloading data and a partly built map. Is that due to the PC chewing over some java, maths etc or a delay at the server end ?

For example this map of C@W's cache takes 2miniutes and 25 seconds to load over a 48000 bps connection but it stopes in the middle for a wile.

http://geocaching.com.au/cache/ga0409.gmap

My guess is that it's waiting for the server to give you all the map images. There are quite a number of individual images coming down, so your dial up is probably causing most of the delay.

There is some server time at GCA to get the pins from the database, but that shouldn't be too bad.

There is a bit of processing at your end, so if you have a less than stellar PC that will also add to the delays.

The map loads almost instantly for me, and the pins a few seconds later. I'm on a very fast connection, so it does look like a speed issue with dial up.

[Geof]

Thanks for that info C@W & Zactyl . Yes I think my work P1 100Mhz with 64m ram qualifys as less than steller .

[zactyl]

Thanks for that info C@W & Zactyl . Yes I think my work P1 100Mhz with 64m ram qualifys as less than steller .

Ouch 1mb Graphics card?!
With that information, I think it's more than just the dial up connection...

[caughtatwork]

Thanks for that info C@W & Zactyl . Yes I think my work P1 100Mhz with 64m ram qualifys as less than steller .

Less than stellar?
Try using it as a door stop, it would perform better

[Cached]

...or a boat anchor!