Why CQmaps?
CQmaps was designed from the start to offer more to Amateur Radio operators than just another map with a few specific details concerning Ham Radio. Since first licensed as a ham radio operator in 1992, I have always felt that the maps available to us was lacking in certain fundamental details. As a professional GIS Analyst and Cartographer with more than a decade of experience designing maps and spatial data verification, I decided that there were two primary objectives to achieving the goal of offering the Amateur Radio community the pinnacle in station maps:
- Data accuracy & precision
- Data clarity
Data accuracy & precision were achieved through a series of complex Geographic Information System (GIS) software analysis and data reduction along with verification though several online and physical references. After several months of data preparation, CQmaps can now confidently say that you will be receiving the most accurate set of maps designed from the ground up for any Amateur Radio operator. All zones and districts, whatever they be, were delineated by actual entity boundary information. In the past, map zone information was simply “draw” onto the maps without regard to where the boundary really lay. The results were many mistakes that were often unseen due to complexities in map organization. Additionally, these mistakes were passed down though map generation after map generation. When you receive you map from CQmaps you may be surprised as to where some of your favorite DX entities actually are positioned in relation to a particular zone.
Data clarity was an equally arduous task. More often than not, Ham Radio operators have had to rely on maps that have been pressed into service from standard maps or were created by people lacking a strong cartographic background. This has resulted in some “interesting” color patterns. Maps produced by CQmaps have a more organic color feel that will allow a seamless transition into any ham shack. Even more importantly, the colors selected were done so in a way that allowed positive grouping for each type of data characteristic. What does that mean? It means that each CQ Zone is not only bounded by a border, but each entity within the zone shares the same color. Call sign districts within the US have have the same trait. These color groupings stand on their own without standing out. Identifying these particular groupings has never been easier for the Amateur Radio operator!
About CQmaps
“CQmaps was founded in January 2015 by me, James Viars / N4EGA with the name being thought of by my loving and devoted wife, Amy. My purpose for CQmaps is to provide the Amateur Radio community the very best in custom “Ham Maps for Ham Shacks.”
I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a graduate of the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Arts and Science Geography program. I have been producing maps and geographic information system (GIS) data since 2004. My interest in cartography dates back to when I was kid and would draw maps of our neighborhood along with keeping an eye on our road atlas during family trips.”
Custom Maps
CQmaps strives to offer you the best Amateur Radio maps available. However, sometimes what you are wanting is not available yet. With that in mind, CQmaps has the ability to custom design a broad range of maps to suit you or your groups particular needs. Just send CQmaps an email detailing what you are looking for or give us a call if you are having trouble putting it to words (We all do!)
Additional (but reasonable) rates will apply.
More Info:
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