Creating a network together
Table of contents
Why designing a network together?
Networks are a fantastic way to make clear which routes or paths are suitable, interesting or beautiful. Such a network makes it possible for other users to compile routes tailored to the user.
The knowledge of the various elements of such a network is usually not held by one person but by a group of people and then it is necessary to put together such a network as a group. That is what this topic is about.
3 steps to design a network together
Step (1) Draw and bundle individual routes
Step 1 is the drawing of individual routes by the different participants. This phase is based solely on the individual knowledge of each author.
Each author draws her/his own prefered path(s). This is possible with the RoutePlanner (see below).
The author makes the route public or shares it privately in a group. We recommend you to keep it public.
Others (or group members in case the route is private) can comment on the route.
Step (2) Testing, discussions and consolidation
Testing
The individually proposed routes should be tested in practice. This can be done by printing the route (road book) or via smartphone or GPS.
Debate
After the test phase, other project participants can add an opinion or question to the route. Read here how you can do this.
The author can give an answer or give arguments of the created path. This creates a discussion + argumentation + consolidation.
It is best to organize the debate in smaller groups (see below) based on areas of the network.
Consolidation
From the debate, it is best to have one proposal for a particular trajectory, so that a network of consolidated and approved trajectories emerges. This can be worked out by a person in charge for each section or through co-authorship.
This iteration may need to be repeated several times.
Step (3) Integration, visualization and routability
The third phase is the integration of the network: visual presentation as one network, supplying it on a map and making the network routable or not. It is also possible to choose to visualize a network purely as a graphic layer and as a background in route planners.
What should participants do?
Step 1: Create an account
Read here how to create an account (if you don't already have one).
Step 2: Log in
If you create an account, you are already logged in immediately. If you already have an account and you are not logged in yet, please log in first. Read here how.
Step 3: Draw up your proposal process
Via the RouteYou RoutePlanner you can draw up a route as a proposal of part of the network.
- Get a general introduction on how to use the RoutePlanner here.
- This video tutorial shows you that it is best to use the OSM-Shortest option if you want to draw up a known route.
Step 4: Link the route to a relevant group
Usually a project will consist of several (work) groups. Groups are a useful way to maintain structure in your project. You can group routes in it, among other things.
Read here how to link your route to the relevant group (s).
In the example of the BXLdotNODE project, several groups are created. Have a look here.
Step 5: Join the relevant (work) groups
Why become a member?
As described above, groups are a useful way to maintain structure in your project. A group can also group "users".
This is useful for keeping track of activities in the group, for editing routes together, or for viewing private routes.
How to become a member
There are two ways for a user to join the group:
- You join a group yourself by asking for membership: read here how to do that.
- You are invited to join a group and you confirm your membership: read here how as a group administrator you can invite someone to join a group.
Different "roles" within a group and editing routes together
As a group administrator, you can give members of your group more permissions by changing their type. This way you can make them authors in a group.
This is useful if you want to work on a route together. You can indicate for a route whether there are co-authors who may also edit that route. You do that by linking a group in the 'co-author' section. [Help=629]Read more about it here.[/help]