Some extra automation

One of the features I wanted to add was a coarse map of my location when I make a post. I started adding the Maidenhead grid square that I'm in (currently FM05), but most people don't know what those are, or how to get an easy map reference.

My next thought was just to use an embedded map but I don't want to introduce a bunch of scripting or third party services to your browser. Besides, I don't track you here, why should I let some large company know all about you just for a free map.

This led me to learn a few features of the platforms I'm using which weren't a thing years ago. Now when I update a post, an automatic workflow runs to get my (slightly fudged) current position via a service I use, create a map using Mapbox, save that as a static image and update a placeholder token in my HTML file with the path. The end user (you... thanks again) just sees a static image served from my domain instead of contacting Google, Bing or elsewhere.

I've still got some styling to do and I need to automate my RSS feed publishing, but now I have another tool in my toolbox to get it done. There's still a few other ideas I'm going to put together as I can. One thing i keep forgetting is a timestamp, so that might be soon.

At some point, there will be other topics too. 😉

Update: I have been playing around with the code in prod and I broke it. I really should have known better.