MétEX requires a fast internet connection and a relatively powerful computer due to the large amount of pictures and sounds displayed. It also requires the Macromedia Flash plugin, downloadable from Macromedia's own website. Before continuing, make sure you have the latest version of Macromedia Flash available.
What is MétEX?
MétEX is a virtual tour of the Paris métro system. It uses a combination of photos, sounds and descriptive text to document and recreate the experience, architecture and trivia of the Paris métro.
How do I use the Tour?
You must first select a line from the drop-down box marked "Line". Then select a station from the drop-down box marked "Station". The station will then load in the main window. To go to a different line, select one from the Line box. To visit a different station, select it from the Station box or use the Next Station/Previous Station links.
Nothing's Happening!
Are you sure you have the latest version of Macromedia Flash? Click on the link, and wait for a version number to apperar. If this number is less than 7, you will have to manually install the new version of Flash. You will find instructions on how to do this on the Flash website.
If you already have the latest version of Flash, try clearing your cache and reloading the page. Remember that MétEX is a large site and will take longer to download on slower connections.
I clicked on a station, but it's not changing!
Be patient. Especially on slower connections, things can take some time to change. Feedback on what is happening is usually displayed when MétEX is waiting to load, but if you've waited a reasonable amount and nothing happens, try selecting another station. If that works, you may be experiencing network congestion. If a station continually refuses to load, please contact the webmaster.
Why did you create MétEX?
I created this website for my final-year project at the University of Kent. My intention was not only to create a virtual tour which fused photos and sound, but also to create a system for making any number of interactive virtual tours. In fact, almost everything you see is dynamically generated. The tour's Flash movie weighs in at only 132kb. The colour scheme is controlled with CSS, the photos are retrieved from the server when requested, and the data is pulled from a MySQL database, which is read by the Flash movie using XML returned from a PHP script. This means that almost anything in the site can be changed without recompiling the Flash movie.
I have since graduated from University, and am now developing MétEX as a personal project. You may read up on the updates I make on the Development Blog.
Does RATP (the Parisian public transport company) know about MétEX?
Yes, I contacted RATP before commencing the project. Clearing copyright issues was a requirement imposed by my University. RATP granted me a permit to take photographs, and allowed me to publish the site on condition that it remains non-commercial. However, please note that this website is not affiliated with or endorsed by RATP.
How can I contact the webmaster?
Please direct all emails to Richard Whittaker, at metex@sblorgh.org. Before sending me a bug report, please make read the Development Blog to make sure it isn't already a known issue.