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Route Sorting - MP wants your opinion

Original Post
Nick Wilder · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2005 · Points: 4,098

After many years of displaying routes in alphabetical order, we're finally going to build a system that allows routes to be sorted and displayed Left to Right (or Right to Left). This will be a big help when finding a route, especially when using the upcoming mobile app.

We have a migration plan and sorting tools coming soon, so many (most?) areas will be sorted after we release the tool.

The big question is what to do about new route submissions: do we REQUIRE new routes to be sorted properly?

Our concerns:
If proper sorting is required, the site as a whole will be more useful, but new route submissions may go down (if the submitter doesn't know the location), or the user may enter the route in the wrong position, which can very frustrating for the rest of us.

If proper sorting is NOT required, displaying routes will be a bit messy: there will be some routes listed alphabetically, then another group that are sorted Left to Right (or R to L). But on the other hand, we won't have raised the burden on new route submissions.

So, MP users, what do you think?

S.Stelli · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 150

YEAH! I'm VERY excited for the routes to be listed like this!

I think it would be great to have the option of putting it in order, or if you are putting it in and don't know where it goes in realtion to other nearby lines, add it to a list in the area that other MP users can then put in order. Maybe the lists need to be more free form so that routes can be added and moved as necessary, especially if an area is under heavy devolpment. You might get routes popping up in between eachother every day!

Brad Brandewie · · Estes Park · Joined Apr 2001 · Points: 2,931

Nick,

Could there be a function that allows us (users) to move a route into is properly sorted order if the person who adds the route doesn't know where it should be at a crag?

In any case it sounds like a great addition to the site. Thanks for the hard work!

Cheers,
Brad

dss · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

First of all, many thanks for undertaking this project! Anything that helps one find particular routes would be most appreciated.

Regarding the specifics of how to best handle this, how about assigning all climbs at a particular crag a number or letter, based on relative position (left-to-right in the US, anyway). Then, either a large beta photo with the actual routes superimposed with their designations and/or a diagram/map/drawing of the crag (à la guidebooks) would make it easy to find a climb. If a new route goes up (or is at least described) between a couple of existing ones, its designation could reflect that (e.g. if numbers were used and a there was a new route between 7 and 8, it could be 7.1--variations could use letters, like 7a).

M Sprague · · New England · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 5,090

I would stick with alphabetical. People can make maps with the locations, or have it so you can personalise if you want it location or alphabetically listed. There is something to be said for buying the damn guidebook instead of everybody always staring into a gadget 24/7.

Matt Lisenby · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 631

Is there a way for the route location(and therefore placement in a list) to be determined by consensus like YDS grades or star ratings are done now? That way it can be modified after posting and amended if there was a mistake or as new routes are added.

Another general issue that I would like to see addressed is that of "zone" designation within a particular climbing area. Many of the current zones, are too small when trying to use the mini guide feature. Wouldn't it be great to be able to combine areas to create a not so 'mini' guide?

John Farrell · · Phoenix, AZ · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 85

Maybe don't require a sort order when you submit it. When the routes are listed, do the routes first with a sort order, then have a an [hr] tag to separate the unsorted routes?

Mojo Stylee · · Ft. Collins, CO · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 40

Yes!

Peter Pitocchi · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 70

Ideally offer both sorting options, but I would love sequential sorting. New routes should be sequential also.

Red · · Tacoma, Toyota · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 1,625

Lot of work. Every area will have to be gone over to make sure they are in proper order. This will take someone that actually knows an area or areas real well to make sure every route is in order. This will have to be done to every area on MP for it to work right.

If you do decide to do this; then yes make it a requirement that new routes are listed properly.

good luck!

Tradiban · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2004 · Points: 11,610

Don't require it, it can be sorted out proper if wrong, by the admins.

Leo Paik · · Westminster, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 22,800

This is likely to run into problems. We discussed this years ago at some CB.com or MP.com meeting. There are many crags where L->R doesn't work. Routes cross, there are multiple layers/strata, second /nth pitches that are independent of lower layers. Example - Eldorado Canyon.

It may generally work for simplistic crags like N. Table Mt, but even there it runs into problems at times...the far right side of the main cliff, where routes share starts or finishes.

So, net-net, I would not require it. Square peg, round hole.

Kirk Miller · · Catalina, AZ and Ilwaco, WA · Joined May 2003 · Points: 1,824

Great idea, you might want to consider providing editing rights to authors of area pages... they often have the most accurate and up to date info. regarding route ordering. This would also allow for area specific conventions for ordering to convey the details unique to each area. For example ordering for Eldo would look very different than ordering for Castlewood Canyon.

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,705

Great idea. I wonder if it will work?
What I think could work is the by-order sorter on the crag page up front of the routes page. that way you get a LtoR climbs order when you look at the crag info. You could also LIST climbs for which no entry is yet made, but have it appear on the Crag page for reference so people looking at the crag can see that their route is 'the second route left of the dihedral' even if it is the only line actually entered. Maybe you can figure out an elegant way to do this.
I also think a faq on ordering should determine the sequencing. IE: all variation finishes shall be listed left most to right most downhill to uphill or whatever... After all, some crags go LtoR some RtoL depending on which way the trail arrives at the crag!

Nathan Scherneck · · Portland, OR · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 2,370

My vote is to require it. I think those who submit route data will adjust to the new requirement.

Martin le Roux · · Superior, CO · Joined Jul 2003 · Points: 401
Leo Paik wrote:This is likely to run into problems... crags where L->R doesn't work. Routes cross, there are multiple layers/strata, second /nth pitches that are independent of lower layers... So, net-net, I would not require it. Square peg, round hole.
Agreed with Leo. Some other issues:
- Free-standing pinnacles with routes on all sides, e.g. the Maiden. How do you define the "left-most" or "right-most" route?
- Areas where routes are scattered across different formations, e.g. some alpine areas.

Maybe you could require it for areas where it makes sense, but allow exceptions on an area-by-area basis.

JLP wrote:To Leo's point... Maybe some of these cases should be split into more different areas. IMO, the #1 weakness to the MP.com database is locating the route. Sorting L-R would be huge, even with a few incorrect exceptions.
Agree that in some cases it would help to split areas, but it's counterproductive if the result is dozens of sub-areas each of which has only one or two routes.
Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,705

I've read what appears to be an attitude that ends up sounding something like "There will be problems, but the Admins can take care of it."
Well, how eager are they to do so??? I, for one, am not quick to vote that someone else has to work harder in a volunteer position. Nick and the Admins can work this out on their own, but the crowd should realize that this is a factor.

Tony B · · Around Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 24,705

PS- maybe roll this out for a single area as a beta test to see how it works and then perfect and replicate it widely or drop it if it doesn't work. Rather than pick the easiest area there is to do it (IE Table) or the hardest area to do it (the central ramp area between T1 and T2 in Eldo) pick a moderately difficult area that won't make it look easier than it is, but also won't be the hardest work first.

Shirtless Mike · · Denver, CO · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 5,839

Great idea, one of the most difficult things about Mountain Project is figuring out where the route is at a crag. At places with many routes at the walls (Indian Creek, Shelf) this will be a great benifit.

The admins for New Mexico (Tony & George) have already done this by using a number scheme before the route name. If a new route is established it is easy to incorporate with decimals.

Here are a few examples:
Cochiti Mesa North Cliffband
The Dungeon Main Wall
Socorro Filet de Papillon Wall (aka Dirt Wall)

In general I say require the new route submissions to be sorted. At most continuous cliff areas this is fairly easy. However this may not work so well for bouldering areas, so maybe test things out at some easier cliffs first.

Andy Laakmann · · Bend, OR · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,990

Good feedback so far everyone.

The "area containing multiple formations" is definitely a challenge, and one I hadn't thought of. For example, it would be difficult to REQUIRE new routes to be sorted in an area such as this... (containing multiple boulders).

mountainproject.com/v/semin…

Pete Spri · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 347

I think this will be helpful, but maybe a different solution would be better.

Personally, I think there should be an overview topo or 2, maybe one for where the cliff is located/how to get to it from a car, and another that actually shows the routes. Perhaps you could set this up as the first link available to click on, and people with approach info, sketches, or photos could stick overview/topo info there.

I love the MP site and the ability to track down info, but pictures that show where routes are (picture topos) or hand drawn topos should be given top priority on the main page for that areas climbs, or at least in a non-route link of its own. To condense that info into one area would be super-helpful.

Right now, imo, MP is good, but still not as good as a guidebook due to having to sort through individual route names to try to find an associate topo photo or sketch that will help clue you in as to where routes are relative to each other. And even then there is no guarantee.

Just my thoughts.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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