We’ve now added some “quick-links” to the Webcams Across Michigan page.

At one click you’ll be able to zoom into Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, the Soo Locks, etc. Look for the links at the top and bottom of the map.

I’m hearing that some people are having trouble using the map. Here’s the thing, it’s a good idea to learn how to use it. Why? Because Google maps, and maps like it, are everywhere on the Internet. It’s the way things have moved. Static maps are a thing of the past and this is how it’s done today. (Did you read about the local mapmaker going out of business?)

The new map happened for many reasons …
– The old one was very labor intensive to update, thus didn’t get updated often.
– The high-bandwidth version was just as difficult to update.
– The old map ran out of space to add more cameras.
– We’d get emails almost weekly asking why we haven’t added a newly discovered camera or why we didn’t update the map.
– The new map can be updated quickly and easily.
– Once zoomed in, you can view more cameras more quickly with this version.

Yes, change can be tough. But sometimes it’s needed.

Want to see something super-cool that’s being done with maps today? Check out our building using the bird’s eye view on Live Search Maps from Microsoft.

Regarding this change to a digital lifestyle, here’s a story that comes to my mind.

A relative of mine made the switch to a digital camera about 3 years ago. At that time, she also had a nice laptop and printer from Dell.

Most of us know these things go together very nicely. You take pictures with the camera, hook the camera to the computer, and put the pictures on the computer. Then you can view, print, email, etc.

Despite repeated attempts to explain this to her, she didn’t get the concept. She still doesn’t.

Instead, when her camera card gets full, she buys another card. Actually, she calls them “megapixels”.

In the past three years, I’ve never seen a picture she’s taken. And neither has she.