Shape File Necessity

[Matt]

I am working with a transit agency interested in exporting their
schedule to google transit. Thus far, the most difficult component
looks to be creating the shapes.txt file containing the lat/lon
coordinates of not only stops, but the actual route. Does anyone know
what is lost by not supplying this file as a google transit provider?
Thank!

[Scott Allen]

Yes, you get direct lines drawn from point a to point b.
So you may see lines going through buildings etc.
check this out, this can be very helpful in creating the shape files.
http://bmander.com/makeshapes/

Scott

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From: Matt <matt.c...@gmail.com>
To: Google Transit Trip Planner <google...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 2:46:45 AM
Subject: Shape File Necessity

[Joe Hughes]

Hi Matt,

Since you're working with a data provider, the best place for nuts-and-
bolts questions about creating a feed is the partner support group:
http://groups.google.com/group/google-transit-partner-support

Thanks,
Joe Hughes
Google

[Tom Hixson]

shapes.txt contains lat/lons for route (on the street) traces, not
stops (at the curb), and is not necessary. stops.txt contains stop
lat/lons, which are necessary so riders can find them and transfers
will work.
Tom in Sacramento

On Oct 15, 2:46 am, Matt <matt.cech...@gmail.com> wrote:

[MartinCatala]

Hi Matt,

I am assuming a couple things:

1. The agency has a scheduling application like HASTUS or Trapeze. If
that is the case the routes in that system can be converted/exported
into the Shape file format (ESRI).
2. The agency has ESRI's ArcMap softare

If those two things are true then:
1. Using Vertices to Points application in ArcToolBox from ArcGIS
ArcView you are able to create a point file of the routes. This tool
will create a point file with all the vertices of a route/line.
Look here for a graphic of the toolbox
The initial setup:http://screencast.com/t/c7YHhpOdp89
The dialog Box: http://screencast.com/t/GiUkxUSqKBV


2. Calculate the xy from the new point file.
using ArcToolBox again:
http://screencast.com/t/RTHSp17gE


This should be adequate to create the shape.txt file.

Martin Catala
GIS Manager
Center for Urban Transportation Research