conductorchris wrote: ↑Wed Jan 24, 2024 1:43 pm
I don't know that many have gone down this path.
You have three choices:
- openrailwaymap.org
- layers available in GIS maps
- KMZ files overlaid google maps
Making a google maps KMZ file is the simplest path. Next simplest is probably to take screen shots of openrailwaymap and modify in a graphics program. Open railway map, being a subset of open street map can be customized pretty easily, but not just for your personal needs. You can't be adding your personal routes and travels. Exporting data from openrailway map or GIS layers to make your own maps is doable but requires significant technical skills.
I don't know about "significant technical skills" - what I usually do is start at
https://overpass-turbo.eu/, which allows you to run custom queries against the OpenStreetMap data. First, find the area you want to show rail lines in, then use their wizard to look for “railway = rail”. That will automatically select all of the tracks shown in the map area. You can export that information as a kml file and open/modify it in Google Earth.
It isn't that hard to start, and gets easier with practice.