The new Cloud Exporter for MapKnitter uses a cloud-based process to produce full-resolution exported images and map tiles from [MapKnitter.org](https://mapknitter.org) maps. To use it, shift-drag, shift-click, or long-press (on tablets) the images you want to export, then press the "download" button in the upper left of the screen, as shown here: ![cloud-export-gif](https://publiclab.org/mapknitter-cloud-demo.gif) Your export will appear under the Exports tab alongside previous exports. ## Overview From the Export tab, you can export a map in a variety of formats. If you've changed the map at all since last exporting, you can re-run the export and the previous export outputs will be saved. All formats are generated sequentially, so if you're waiting for a JPG you will have to let all the other formats complete first. This may take some time - a large map could take as long as **an hour or more**. Closing the page will not stop the export. ### Comparison to the previous export system **What is the same?** * Same: all previous formats are still exported * Same: closing the page will not stop the export. * Same: privacy or lack thereof in anonymous maps **What are the differences?** * New: each export is now saved in a list, rather than overwriting previous exports * New: you must select images in order to export * New: exports run only on selected images, not all images * New: where to find the “start export” button ### Get Involved Please help provide feedback here: https://github.com/publiclab/mapknitter/issues/1244 Here is another demo at higher resolution: ![cloud-export-gif](https://publiclab.org/mk-cloud-export.gif) ### TMS The Tiled Map Service format can be used from a MapKnitter export to use the output of a MapKnitter map in another program, like the OpenStreetMap's editor, ID. To do so, you take the base URL provided: `https://mapknitter.org/tms/EXPORT_ID` (where `EXPORT_ID` is a unique number) And you add a formatting string to the end, forming: `https://mapknitter.org/tms/EXPORT_ID/{zoom}/{x}/{y}.png` Then the ID editor will be able to display map tiles from MapKnitter's export directly in the editor for tracing. See the screenshot below: [![Screen_Shot_2021-11-01_at_6.32.31_PM.png](/i/45021)](/i/45021?s=o) ### Background Mapknitter Cloud Exporter was one of four main coding projects of 2019's Google’s Community Atlas Grant to Public Lab. These four parts are: * Redesigning MapKnitter’s overall UI: tour feature, gallery, etc. * Rewriting the foundation of MapKnitter’s backend to 2019 standards (up from 2012 standards) * Overhauling and rewriting Leaflet Distortable Image Library for the rubbersheeting we use * Cloud Exporter! Sasha, Vladimir, Varun, Sebastian, and others spent several months working on this system in 2019. It connected with this global collaboration involving over a dozen people: https://publiclab.org/notes/warren/07-26-2019/community-atlas-an-around-the-world-collaboration-on-mapknitter :D