The present format for maps sent to the USATF web site search engine is:
.png format
8 ½ x 11 size
300 dpi
(above translates to 2550 x 3300 pixels, .png format)
File size will typically be in the 200 KB range, although some are bigger and some smaller, depending on the amount of detail in the map.
When Mike Wickiser began scanning maps, at the beginning of the online search engine, he scanned the maps in .tif format, which resulted in great detail but large file size (around 4 MB each). When Stu Riegel became registrar, Keith Lively, then USATF’s webmaster, Stu, Bob Baumel and I worked until the above format was agreed upon. Detail is not as good as before, but it is good enough. I’m continuing to produce the maps in the above format.
Almost all active courses have maps stored in the USATF search engine. I say “almost” because perfection is impossible to achieve, and some error will inevitably creep in. Some of the errors are made by certifiers and some are mine. They are corrected when found, but not all are found.
As registrar I don’t enjoy receiving material in two ways. The process of scanning and entering requires many keystrokes and constant attention being paid. Having part of the job requiring a different procedure leads to extra time and extra potential for error.
Having a measurer prepare a map in the proper electronic format may or may not be of help. The certifier is the one who forwards the material onward, and he or she must add text to each map before this is done. Unless there is a compelling reason for use of electronic format coming to me I would rather not have to deal with it. It makes the job harder, not easier.
In the past certain requests have been made for measurers and certifiers to add things to the certificates and maps. While most have been helpful, some have not, and it has been found that for a uniform product some things must be done at the registrar level.
Note that we have been scanning certificates as well since Stu became registrar. I am continuing this. In about 8 more years all the active courses will have electronic images of both certificates and maps. This will permit us to discard 30,000 pieces of paper which hardly anybody has a use for, and we may, at some time, become brave enough to rely totally on our electronic copies.