Map and map holder system and method

A map holder system comprising a planar top plate having a plate face surrounded by a rim with one or more tabs disposed about the rim; a coupling plate rotatably coupled with the top plate, the coupling plate comprising a coupling architecture; and a mounting bracket removably coupled with the coupling plate via one or more coupling heads that are configured to engage with and removably couple with the coupling architecture of the coupling plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1illustrates an exploded view of an example map holder system having a top plate, a coupling plate and a mounting bracket.

FIG. 2illustrates a coupling architecture of the coupling plate corresponding to and being aligned with coupling heads of a mounting bracket.

FIG. 3illustrates the underside of the top plate with the coupling plate rotatably coupled to the top plate.

FIG. 4aillustrates the coupling architecture corresponding to and being aligned with the coupling heads such that the coupling plate can be placed over the coupling heads with the coupling heads extending into the respective larger-width portions of the coupling architecture and with a bottom face of the coupling plate engaging the coupling face of the mounting bracket.

FIG. 4billustrates coupling plate being slid along an axis from the position illustrated inFIG. 4ato lock the top plate and coupling plate to the mounting bracket.

FIGS. 5aand 5billustrate the top plate being rotatably coupled and rotatably movable relative to the coupling plate, mounting bracket and handlebars of a bicycle.

FIG. 6aillustrates actuating a release lever, which allows the coupling plate to slide relative to the mounting bracket.

FIG. 6billustrates the coupling plate being slid so that the coupling heads move to larger-width portions of the coupling architecture.

FIG. 6cillustrates the release lever returning to a non-actuated position.

FIGS. 7aand 7billustrate cords being flipped to the underside of the top plate.

FIG. 8aillustrates a circular map inserted under cord portions with the circular map disposed on the top plate within the rim.

FIG. 8billustrates a map cover inserted under cord portions over the circular map and within the rim.

FIG. 9aillustrates cord portions being flipped to the top face of the top plate to hold the circular map and map cover on the top plate within the rim.

FIG. 9billustrates rotation of the top plate.

FIGS. 10aand 10billustrate a map holder system holding a square map and a rectangular map respectively.

FIGS. 11, 12aand12billustrate the top plate and coupling plate rotated 180 degrees compared to the orientation shown inFIGS. 2, 4aand4b.

FIGS. 13aand 13brespectively illustrate two example methods of generating a circular map.

FIG. 14illustrates a computer interface for generating a circular map in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15illustrates a computer interface for generating a circular map in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure relates to the generation of maps and map holder systems and methods. Turning toFIG. 1, an exploded view of an example map holder system100is illustrated, which comprises a circular and transparent map cover105, which can be configured to reside over a circular map110A. The map110in this example is shown comprising a map portion111and a plurality of cardinal direction indicators112including north, south, east and west cardinal direction indicators112N,112S,112E,112W, a magnetic north declination114M and a circumference band113that surrounds the periphery of the circular map110A.

As discussed in more detail herein, the map cover105and map110can be configured to couple with a planar top plate120, which comprises a plate face121that is surrounded by a rim122with a plurality of tabs123. As shown in this example, the tabs123can comprise cardinal direction indicators124, including north, south, east and west cardinal direction indicators124N,124S,124E,124W. Additionally, one or more cords125can extend between the tabs123and through holes126proximate to the tabs123. For example, as shown in the example ofFIG. 1, a single contiguous cord125can extend between the tabs123and through the holes126such that the cord125extends below the tabs123as shown by dashed lines.

The top plate120can be configured to rotatably couple with a coupling plate130, which can comprise a coupling architecture131, which is described in more detail herein. The coupling plate130can be configured to removably couple with a mounting bracket140, which is configured to removably couple with the handle bars101of a bicycle102as shown in the example ofFIG. 1. In various examples, the coupling plate130can be rotatably coupled with the top plate120via one or more clips132that can be secured to the top plate120via one or more coupler133(e.g., a bolt, screw, pin, or the like). The clips132can be desirable for keeping the top plate120and coupling plate130rotatably coupled and to prevent separation of the top plate120and coupling plate130during use. As shown in the see-through example ofFIG. 1, the clips132can abut and outside edge of the coupling plate130and can include a rim134that extends over the face of the coupling plate130to generate a rotatable coupling between the top plate120and coupling plate130.

The mounting bracket140comprises a coupling face141that includes a plurality of coupling heads142and alignment pins143, which are configured to engage with and couple with the coupling architecture131of the coupling plate130as described in more detail herein. The coupling face141also includes a locking tab144that can be movably actuated by a release lever145that extends from the coupling face141.

A plurality of screw ports146can be defined by the mounting bracket140, which can allow a respective plurality of coupling screws147to extend from the coupling face141within sidewalls148of the mounting bracket140. The sidewalls148can further define slots149that are configured to engage the handlebars101of the bicycle102, including engaging a pair of mounting gaskets160. A pair of mounting arms150that define slots151can also be configured to engage the handlebars101of the bicycle102, including engaging the pair of mounting gaskets160. The mounting arms150can couple with the mounting bracket140via the coupling screws147, with the coupling screws147respectively coupling with ports152at ends of mounting arms150(e.g., via threads of the ports152, or the like). Accordingly, the mounting bracket140and mounting arms150can surround and engage the handlebars101and mounting gaskets160to couple the map holder system100to the handlebars of the bicycle102. In some embodiments, the map holder system100can include one or more pairs of mounting gaskets160of different thicknesses which can be desirable in some examples to accommodate different sizes of handlebars (e.g., 35 mm diameter; 31.8 mm diameter; 25.4 mm diameter, or the like).

The map cover105can be rigid or flexible and can comprise any suitable material in various embodiments, including a plastic, glass, or the like. Also, while an example of a round and planar map cover105is shown inFIG. 1, in further embodiments, the map cover can be any suitable size or shape. In further embodiments, the map cover105can be absent from the map holder system100.

The map110can be rigid or flexible and can comprise any suitable material in various embodiments, including paper, plastic, metal, fabric, or the like. In some examples, the map can comprise plastic-laminated paper. Additionally, while some preferred embodiments, include a circular map110A as shown inFIG. 1, further embodiments can include maps110of various suitable sizes, shapes and configurations, including a square map110B (see, e.g.,FIG. 10a), a rectangular map (see, e.g.,FIG. 10b), or the like.

The map portion111can depict various types of maps, including a physical map, a topographical map, a road map, an abstract functional map, or the like. Additionally, the map110can comprise various suitable types of images, text or other information, including a ledged, key, written description, written directions, or the like. Additionally, in further embodiments, the map110can comprise various suitable types of devices or displays, including a smartphone, tablet computer, or the like, which may or may not have a circular display.

As illustrated herein, the top plate120can comprise a circular plate face121with tabs123extending from plate face121that indicate cardinal directions, including north, south, east and west. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, (which illustrates the underside of the top plate120with the coupling plate130rotatably coupled to the top plate120), the tabs123can be aligned along diameter axes X and Y and extend past a circumference edge C defined by the plate face121and/or rim122. As shown in the example ofFIG. 3, the north and south tabs123N,123S are aligned along diameter axis Y and east and west tabs123E,123W are aligned along diameter axis X, that is perpendicular to diameter axis Y. Additionally, as shown in this example, the north tab123N can comprise a different shape than the south, east and west tabs123S,123E,123W. This can be desirable to physically distinguish the north tab123N from the south, east and west tabs123S,123E,123W.

While the examples herein illustrate a top plate120having four tabs123associated with the cardinal directions north, south, east and west, in further embodiments, the top plate120can comprise any suitable number of tabs123, which may or may not be associated with cardinal directions. For example, in one embodiment, the top plate120can comprise a single tab123associated with the cardinal direction north. In another embodiment, the top plate120can comprise eight tabs123associated with the cardinal directions of north, north-west, west, south-west, south, south-east, east, and north-east. Additionally, in some embodiments, the top plate120can comprise one or more tabs123associated with magnetic north and such a tab123may or may not be movable. In a further embodiment, tabs123can be absent.

As discussed above, one or more cords125can extend between the tabs123and through holes126proximate to the tabs123. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, a single contiguous cord125can extend between the tabs123and through the holes126such that the cord125extends below the tabs123as shown by dashed lines. However, in further embodiments, there can be any suitable number of separate cords125. Also, while the examples herein illustrate the top plate120having four portions of chord125that extend along the plate face121, further embodiments can include any suitable plurality of portions of chord125that extend along the plate face121in various suitable configurations, including one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and the like.

Additionally, examples herein (e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 3) illustrate that the holes126are positioned proximate to the tabs123and coincident with the circumference edge C defined by the plate face121and/or rim122. However, in further embodiments, such holes can be positioned in various other suitable locations in further embodiments. Additionally, other suitable structures such as slots, clips, or the like can be used to direct, hold or constrain cords125in various suitable ways and therefore the example holes126should not be construed to be limiting.

The cords125can comprise various suitable materials of any suitable elasticity, flexibility or rigidity. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the cords125can comprise elastic shock cords, or the like.

The cords can be configured to hold maps110and/or map covers105of various sizes and shapes in accordance with some embodiments as described in more detail herein (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10aand 10b). However, in further embodiments, maps110and/or map covers105can be held in other suitable ways, and a holding structure that includes cords125should not be construed to be limiting on the variety of suitable alternative holding structures that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The coupling plate130can be configured to rotatably reside within a slot on the bottom of the top plate120. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the coupling plate130can be centrally located within the body of the top plate120such that a circumference edge of the coupling plate130has a consistent distance from the circumference edge C defined by the plate face121and/or rim122. The coupling architecture131of the coupling plate130can therefore allow the assembled top plate120and coupling plate130to couple with structures on the coupling face141of the mounting bracket140.

For example, referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the coupling architecture131can comprise a first and second peripheral coupling slot205A,205B that respectively correspond to peripheral coupling heads142A,142D on the coupling face141of the mounting bracket140. The coupling architecture131can also comprise a central coupling slot210that corresponds to coupling heads142B,142C on the coupling face141of the mounting bracket140. The coupling architecture131can further comprise a plurality of alignment slots215that correspond to alignment pins143on the coupling face141of the mounting bracket140.

As discussed herein, the coupling plate130can be rotatably coupled to the top plate120with one example rotational configuration of the top plate120and coupling plate130shown inFIG. 3. In this example, the coupling architecture131is shown having axis Y as a first axis of symmetry and having axis S as a second axis of symmetry with axis S being parallel to and spaced apart from axis X. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 3, the coupling architecture131can be centrally offset from the center of the top plate120and coupling plate130along one axis. As described in more detail herein, such a configuration can be desirable so as to provide a first and second coupling configuration for the top plate120and coupling plate130on the mounting bracket140(e.g., as shown inFIGS. 4band 12brespectively). Such a first and second coupling configuration can be desirable in various embodiments to provide a different position of the top plate120relative to the handle bars101of the bicycle102, with a certain position being desirable over another based on the type of bicycling activity, desired map use, or the like.

For example, some embodiments allow a user to select a position that won't interfere with a user's pedaling knees or impinge upon their rider space immediately behind the handlebars and around the stem of the bicycle102. In other words, if a bicycle102has a short stem then it may be desirable in some embodiments for the user to select the position shown inFIG. 12b, or if they have a longer stem, then selecting the position shown inFIG. 4bcould be suitable. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the coupling position of the top plate120relative to the handle bars101of the bicycle102can be selected based on stem length of the bicycle102(e.g., a short or long bicycle stem).

As shown inFIG. 3, the peripheral coupling slots205can extend parallel to axis Y and can include a central larger-width portion306having a larger width compared to a pair of smaller-width end portions307,308extending from the central portion306. The central coupling slot210extends along the Y axis and includes a pair of larger-width portions311,312separated by a central smaller with portion313therebetween and smaller-width end portions314,315. The alignment slots215also extend parallel to the Y axis pairs extending along the same axis between the central coupling slot210and a respective peripheral coupling slot205A,205B. Specifically, a first and second alignment slot215A,215B extend along a common axis that is parallel to the Y axis and between the first peripheral coupling slot205A and the central coupling slot210. A second and third alignment slot215C,215D extend along a common axis that is parallel to the Y axis and between the second peripheral coupling slot205B and the central coupling slot210.

As shown inFIG. 2, the larger-width portions306,311,312of the coupling architecture131correspond to and can be aligned with the coupling heads142, such that the coupling plate can be placed over the coupling heads142with the coupling heads142extending into the respective larger-width portions306,311,312of the coupling architecture131and with a bottom face of the coupling plate130engaging the coupling face141of the mounting bracket140as shown inFIG. 4a. Specifically, coupling heads142A,142D extend into the larger-width portions306of the peripheral coupling slots205A,205B and coupling heads142B,142C extend into larger width portions311,312. Additionally as shown in the example ofFIG. 4a, the alignment pins143extend into and engage alignment slots215A,215D.

To lock the top plate120and coupling plate130to the mounting bracket140, the top plate120and coupling plate130can be slid along the Y axis from the position illustrated inFIG. 4ato the position illustrated inFIG. 4b. In such a configuration the coupling heads142move from the larger-width portions306,311,312of the coupling architecture131to smaller width portions308,313,315, which couples the heads142with the coupling architecture131based on the T-shaped profile of the heads142. The alignment pins143also translate within the alignment slots215A,215D. Additionally, the locking tab144engages larger-width portion311of the central coupling slot210to lock the top plate120and coupling plate130in place on the mounting bracket140.

FIGS. 2, 4aand4billustrate coupling of the top plate120and coupling plate130in a first orientation on the mounting bracket140. However, the top plate120and coupling plate130can also be coupled on the mounting bracket140in a second orientation shown inFIGS. 11, 12aand12b. Specifically, inFIGS. 11, 12aand12b, the top plate120and coupling plate130are shown rotated 180 degrees compared to the orientation shown inFIGS. 2, 4aand4b.

Accordingly, given the coupling architecture131being disposed centrally offset from the center of the top plate120and coupling plate130along one axis and being symmetric along the X axis as shown inFIG. 3, the top plate120can assume first and second positions relative to the mounting bracket140and handlebars as respectively illustrated inFIGS. 4band12b.

Accordingly, in contrast to sliding the top plate120and coupling plate130along with Y axis as shown inFIG. 4ato lock the top plate120and coupling plate130in the position shown inFIG. 4b,FIG. 12aillustrates sliding the top plate120and coupling plate130in the same direction as inFIG. 4a, but into opposite portions of the coupling architecture131.

For example, referring toFIGS. 12aand 12b, in such a configuration the coupling heads142move from the larger-width portions306,311,312of the coupling architecture131to smaller width portions307,313,314, which couples the heads142with the coupling architecture131based on the T-shaped profile of the heads142. The alignment pins143also translate within the alignment slots215B,215C. Additionally, the locking tab144engages larger-width portion312of the central coupling slot210to lock the top plate120and coupling plate130in place on the mounting bracket140.

With the top plate120and coupling plate130coupled to the mounting bracket140, the top plate120can be rotated about the coupling plate130, with the coupling plate130remaining fixed relative to the mounting bracket140. For example, with the top plate120and coupling plate130in the position shown inFIGS. 4aand 4b,FIGS. 5aand 5bthen illustrate the top plate120being rotatably coupled and rotatably movable relative to the coupling plate130, mounting bracket140and handlebars101. As discussed in more details herein, rotation of the top plate120can be desirable to allow the orientation of a map110coupled on the top plate120to be changed to match the heading of a rider of the bicycle102so that navigation using the map110is more intuitive and relative to forward movement of the bicycle102.

Unlocking and detaching the top plate120and coupling plate130from the mounting bracket140can be performed in a manner generally reversing the steps of coupling the top plate120and coupling plate130from the mounting bracket140. For example, referring to the example orientation ofFIGS. 2, 4aand4b, unlocking and removing the top plate120and coupling plate130from the mounting bracket140in such an orientation is shown inFIGS. 6a, 6band6c.

The coupling plate130can be unlocked as shown inFIG. 6aby actuating the release lever145, which disengages the locking tab144from the larger-width portion312of the central coupling slot210and allows the coupling plate130to slide relative to the mounting bracket140. From an initial configuration shown inFIG. 6a, with the coupling heads142starting within the smaller width portions308,313,315, which couples the heads142with the coupling architecture131, the top plate120and coupling plate130can be slid in the opposite direction along the Y axis compared to sliding shown inFIG. 4so that the coupling heads142move to the larger-width portions306,311,312of the coupling architecture131as shown inFIG. 6b, with the change in position shown inFIG. 6cincluding the release lever145returning to a non-actuated position.

As shown in this example embodiment, the release lever145can be biased via a living hinge defined by the material of the mounting bracket140. However, in further embodiments, the release lever145and locking tab144can be configured in various suitable ways and be configured to lock and unlock the coupling plate130in various suitable ways. Accordingly, the example configuration of a locking mechanism including the release lever145and locking tab144that can engage with one of the larger-width portions311,312, depending on orientation, should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of alternative mechanisms or configurations that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, in some embodiments, elements such as the release lever145and/or locking tab144can be absent.

As discussed herein, a map110, including a circular map110A, can be coupled with the map holder system100, which can be used to navigate while riding a bicycle102. One example method of coupling a circular map110A with the map holder system100is illustrated inFIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8band 9a. The method begins inFIG. 7awhere a first and second cord portion125A,125B are flipped to the underside of the top plate120as shown inFIG. 7b. As shown inFIGS. 8aand 8b, a circular map110A is inserted under third and fourth cord portions125C,125D with the circular map110A disposed on the top plate120within the rim122. As shown inFIG. 8b, a map cover105can be inserted under the third and fourth cord portions125C,125D over the circular map110A and within the rim122. As shown inFIG. 9a, the first and second cord portion125A,125B can be flipped to the top face of the top plate120so that the first, second, third and fourth cord portions125A,125B,125C,125C hold the circular map110A and map cover105on the top plate120within the rim122.

As shown inFIGS. 8b, 9aand 9b, the cardinal direction indicators112N,112S,112E,112W of the circular map110A can be positioned proximate to the respective cardinal direction indicators124N,124S,124E,124W of tabs123of the top plate120. In various embodiments, such a configuration can be desirable so that a user of the bicycle102can use the cardinal direction indicators124N,124S,124E,124W of the top plate120as a guide for identifying direction on the circular map110A and to select an orientation while riding the bicycle.

For example as shown inFIG. 9b, with the circular map110A coupled to the top plate120, a user can selectively rotate the top plate120to change the orientation of the circular map110A as desired by the user. For some users, navigating with the circular map110A while riding a bicycle102can be more intuitive when the orientation of the map110A matches the direction that the user is traveling. For example, if a user is traveling generally north, it can be desirable to have the leading edge of the top plate120be the northern cardinal direction indicator124N (e.g., the tab123having the north cardinal direction indicator124N as shown inFIG. 9b) and with the orientation of the map110matching northern cardinal direction indicator124N of the top plate120(i.e., the northern cardinal direction indicators112N,124N being aligned). Such a configuration is shown inFIG. 9b.

Following the same example, if the user then turns and begins to travel west, the user can rotate the top plate120to have the leading edge of the top plate120be the west cardinal direction indicator124W of the top plate120is the leading edge of the top plate120and such that the map110is thereby also oriented with the west cardinal direction indicator112W at the leading edge. Accordingly, as the user changes direction of travel while riding, the user can likewise rotatably change the orientation of top plate120to match the current direction travel.

A user can identify a direction of travel in various ways. For example, the user can use memory, the position of the sun, physical landmarks, a digital or analog compass, or the like to identify a current direction of travel. In some embodiments, a digital or analog compass can comprise a portion of the map holder system100, or a digital or analog compass can be coupled to the bicycle102as a separate unit.

Although various examples shown herein relate to circular maps110A, further embodiments can include maps of various suitable sizes and shapes. For example,FIGS. 10aand 10billustrate map holder system100holding a square map110B and rectangular map110C respectively, wherein portions of the map110extend over the rim122of the top plate120and are held by one or more portions of the cord125(i.e., four portions inFIG. 10aand two portions inFIG. 10b).

Additionally, while various examples shown and described herein include a map holder system100coupled to handlebars101of a bicycle102, this should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of other vehicles or non-vehicles that the map holder system100can be coupled to or otherwise associated with. For example, in further embodiments, the map holder system100can be coupled to a boat, ship, aircraft, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), golf cart, motorcycle, scooter, Segway, paraglider, parasail, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the map holder system100can be held or coupled to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the map holder system100can be coupled to the wrist or arm of a user, including animal and human users.

Maps110can be generated in various suitable ways. For example,FIGS. 13aand 13brespectively illustrate two example methods1300A,1300B of generating a circular map110A. The first example method1300A begins at1305, where a user uploads and labels a map file from a user device. For example, such a map file can include an image or other digital format that embodies an image of a map110of any suitable type as discussed herein. At1310, a maps scale can be set in miles or (other suitable unit of measurement) and the map can be geo-coded (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14via input fields1405). At1315, the map can be rotated to align true north in a vertical direction. At1320, the user can zoom in or zoom out on the image of the map110such that a desirable portion of the image of the map110is shown within a circular template. At1325, the image of a map110can be modified to include various suitable labels including a north, south, east and west cardinal direction indicators112N,112S,112E,112W, a magnetic north declination114M and/or a circumference band113that surrounds the periphery of the circular map110A (e.g., as shown inFIG. 15). The generated circular map110A can be saved and/or shared. At1330, a printable version of the generated circular map110A can be generated for the user to review and the user can print the generated circular map110A and cut it out (e.g., as shown inFIG. 15).

For example, a user device can include an interface that allows a user to upload a chosen map image, zoom and in and out on the image of the map110and move the image of the map110within a circular template that illustrates a portion of the map110that will be shown in a subsequently generated circular map110A. The interface can also allow the user to rotate the image of the map110such that the image of the map110is oriented with a true north direction pointing toward the top of the circular template. Accordingly, the user can select a portion and orientation of the uploaded image of the map110that will be made into a circular map110A.

The interface can also allow the user to input a location of the map110, set a scale, or input other suitable information about the map110. For example, the interface can allow the user to identify an address, coordinates, area code, zip code, city, county, state, country, or the like, associated with the uploaded image of the map110. In some embodiments, such an identified location can be used to determine a position of magnetic north compared to true north and can be used to identify a position for the magnetic north indicator114M, which can be added to the circular map110A. For example, true or geodetic north is the direction along the earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole. In contrast, magnetic north is the direction a compass points toward the magnetic north pole. In some locations, magnetic north and true north can be the same direction, but the various locations, magnetic north and true north are different directions. Accordingly, information about location of a map input by a user can be used to identify the difference in direction of true north vs. magnetic north and can be used to identify a location where the magnetic north indicator114M should be added to the circular map110A relative to the true north indicator112N.

FIG. 13billustrates an alternative example of a method1300B of generating a circular map110A. The method1300B begins at1335where a user searches for a location via a mapping utility (e.g., Open Street Map, Google Maps, or the like). For example, the user can use the mapping utility to identify a map location, which can include functions such as zoom in, zoom out, and the like as discussed herein.

At1340, a map scale (e.g., in miles) and a geo code can be set automatically. For example, in various embodiments a mapping utility can provide metadata associated with a map location selected by a user, which can include a map scale and a location indicator (e.g., address, coordinates, area code, zip code, city, county, state, country, or the like). However, in some embodiments, a user can input such data or override metadata provided.

At1345, the map can be oriented automatically with true north pointing directly upward. For example, the mapping utility can automatically default to an orientation where the presented map is oriented with true north pointing upward or can be configured to change the orientation of a map such that true north is pointing upward. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user can change the orientation of a map such that true north is pointing upward or any other suitable orientation.

At1350, the user can further zoom in, zoom out and otherwise position the map as discussed herein, and in1355, the user can generate a circular map110A including a circumference band113and indicators112,114M as described herein. In various embodiments, metadata related to the map (e.g., a location indicator, compass directions, magnetic north indicator, and the like) can be used to determine the position of elements such as the indicators112,114M. However, in some embodiments, the user can input data to effect location placement or manually place indicators112,114M. The user can also save and share the generated circular map110A. At1360, a printable version of the generated circular map110A can be generated for the user to review and the user can print the generated circular map110A and cut it out.

For example, in some embodiments an interface (e.g., a website) can include, be linked with, or otherwise obtain data from a mapping utility, which can be used to generate circular maps110including a circumference band113and indicators112,114M. A user can select a position, zoom in, zoom out and otherwise select a desired view of a map generated by the mapping utility, which can include positioning within a circular template or mask to select an area of the map that will be visible when converted into a circular map110A. In some embodiments, metadata associated with the map or provided by the mapping utility can be used to automatically configure a circular map110A. For example, location, cardinal direction and magnetic direction metadata can be used to position a circumference band113and indicators112,114M.

As discussed herein, in various embodiments, an interface allows the user to upload a map image file and generate a set of one or more circular maps110. Additionally or alternatively, an interface can use a mapping utility (e.g., OpenCycleMap.org, OpenStreetMap.org, Google Maps, and the like) to generate a set of one or more circular maps110. Additionally, generated sets of circular maps110can be shared with other users. For example, a guest user can generate and anonymously share a generated set of circular maps110. In another example, a registered user can generate and share a generated set of circular maps110(e.g., shared displaying a username of the registered user).

Accordingly, in various embodiments, a map server can store a plurality of circular maps110that can be accessed via the interface by a user that generated the circular map110and/or other users. For example, generated sets of circular maps110can be shared into a searchable catalogue. In various embodiments, a user can choose to share or not share any circular maps110that the user generates.

The described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.