The Northern Audio Visual Group

Most of us have wanted to add a route line to a map in an audio-visual production. A still line is easy; an animated one is trickier. As Pictures to Exe doesn’t facilitate an animated map, I’ve been using DaVinci Resolve which, with a few new skills and plenty of patience, works well. But here is an easier and better way.

I’ve now found a much easier, better, and what's more, a free way to animate a route. Robert Baldinger has created a browser-based programme, so there’s nothing to buy, no subscription to pay, no divulging vital information. Just log-in, choose which part of his map applies to your creation, draw the route, pick the line style, choose your method of transport and its speed, draw your route, then download a short MP4 video ready for your PTE project. Simple!

Visit his YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CGv25f8JsA&t=71s  to get started. The instructions are explained but take a little getting used to, however, you can revisit your route, make corrections, and add pop-up signposts as you go. Downloading seems to clear the online map, so later changes may mean starting again—but hey, it’s free.

I have used this animated map a couple of times now and I’m delighted with the results, but I am passing on the information without any warranty. You must make up your own mind.

One last thing: Robert Baldinger has made this programme free to use, but there’s an option to donate. It’s not compulsory or even necessary but if you find it useful, buy him a coffee—it’s well worth it.

The NAVGroup Questionnaire October 2026

Help us plan an enjoyable and inspiring NAVGroup programme. Your ratings will show which talks, demonstrations or activities interest members most and help us invite speakers to well-supported meetings.

Rate every activity from 1 (least interested) to 5 (most interested). Use item 12 to suggest anything we have missed. Your responses will help the committee plan a programme for everyone. Thank you for taking part!

Please download this form from 'Our Files - Public' and complete before 12th October 2026. Email it to our website at northernaudiovisualgroup@gmail.com , so we can compile and include the findings in the October meeting discussion. Otherwise, bring it to the Snods Edge meeting.

The next meeting of the Northern Audio-Visual Group takes place at Snods Edge on Saturday 17th October 2026—and there’s plenty to look forward to.

Malcolm Imhoff has kindly agreed to return and finish the presentation he began at our last meeting. Readers of the IAC’s Film and Video Maker magazine will know Malcolm as its AV correspondent. With years of experience in producing, judging, organising and entering major national and international competitions—and an impressive collection of distinctions and awards—he knows more than a little about what makes an AV programme stand out. Malcolm will build on his previous talk, share some of his latest productions and reveal the ingredients that can help turn a good programme into an award-winning one.

As Malcolm has agreed to attend in person, we will not need the Zoom connection at Riding Mill. The meeting will therefore take place at our original venue, Snods Edge.

And that is only the headline act. We will also be screening programmes made by our own members. If you submitted an AV for the last meeting but it was not shown, you may keep it in the running or swap it for another. If yours was shown, please send us something different this time. New programmes from attendees are, of course, always very welcome.

If all that sounds like quite enough excitement for one day, we have one more item up our sleeve. The committee will invite everyone to join a short, informal conversation about the future of the Northern Audio-Visual Group. As a committee we make decisions on your behalf, so we want to be sure the Group is heading in a direction that members genuinely value:

For example, Should future meetings explore new ways of producing AV programmes, focus more on distinctions, spend more time discussing our own work, or showcase the work of other creative programme makers? What will keep you coming to our meetings? Bring your questions, ideas and hopes—there are no wrong answers, and your views will help shape what comes next. Before the meeting, we will produce a questionnaire to help guide our thinking on the day, so keep an eye on this website.

It promises to be a full, friendly and entertaining day—and here’s an extra reason to come along to Snods Edge: because the last meeting ran to a shortened schedule, the NAVGroup will cover the cost of this one. Attendance is free; you will only need to pay for your refreshments. Our usual caterers are away on holiday, so we have booked a different supplier who may add a little new “spice” to the occasion.

Your secretary will email application forms in September, you can also pick up a form from this website, so please complete and return it as soon as you can. Let us know whether you will be attending and which AV you would like to share. Come for the a-v, stay for the conversation—and enjoy a day of entertainment, inspiration and good company with fellow enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!