The map, with the permanent address www.ceburunning.com/runsafe, will contain such data as areas where runners are robbed or attacked. It will also indicate which parts of Cebu runners should avoid for being unsafe, especially at night.

To view the data, click on the icons on the map.

I will also indicate areas in the city where there are vicious stray dogs on the loose (think A.C. Cortes Ave. near the Shell Station at night). I was chased by stray dogs there once. I’m coming back with dogfood heavily-laced with vetsin. (Ling, it’s a joke )

If you want to report an incident, send me the following data 1.) all information related to the incident (date, circumstances behind it etc.) and 2.) coordinates of the area where it happened.

MAP COORDINATES. Getting map coordinates using the ITouchMap.com tool. Click on the image to load a larger version.

To get the coordinates of the area where the incident happened, 1.) Go to the iTouchMap Latitude and Longitude page and navigate to Cebu, 2.) zoom into the area in the map where the incident happened and click on it, 3.) click on the placeholder that will appear in the spot, and 4.) copy the numbers that will appear in a balloon pop-up. (For guide, check the image above)

Send me an email using the contact form found in the menu above with the needed information.

My next interactive map projects will indicate great running grounds in Cebu.

Here’s a smaller version of the map. To view the larger version, visit its permanent home at www.ceburunning.com/runsafe.

It’s easy. Use Google Maps.

PLANNING, MEASURING LONG RUN ROUTE. Google Maps allows you to plan ahead and measure your running routes. Above is the route I planned for our two-city long run this Sunday, Nov. 1. Click on photo to view larger image.

Google Maps offers two tools that allow you to trace a route on a map, satellite image or a composite of the two, and then measure its distance. To use the tool, log into Google Maps using your GMail account and then click on My Maps and then choose Browse Directory.

You will then be presented with several add-ons to your Google Maps account. You can either pick Distance Measurement Tool or Area and Distance Calculator. I’ve long been using Area and Distance Calculator but I recently tested Distance Measurement Tool and found it to be better. Click on the Add it to Maps button below the tool area.

After adding the tool, just load a map and start tracing your route. The panel on the left side will keep updating you on the total distance of the route you are tracing on the map.

Is it accurate?

In my experience, yes. I plan out Marlen’s and my Sunday long runs using Google Maps and then use a Garmin 205 for the actual run. The variances in distance are negligible.