Compass Map, Tab Bar and Route PlannerFORUMS HOME SEARCH FORUMS

We're pleased to announce some updates we've made to our mobile app, including a new Map and Compass option, a Tab Bar at the bottom of the screen for quick access to core functions and also some design changes to the Route Planner.

Plotaroute is great for plotting routes, but sometimes you just want to look at a map and see where you are or to explore a new area. The new Map and Compass option fulfils this need, giving you a variety of maps, with a simple search facility and quick access to any places you've previously bookmarked. It also includes a position tracker and compass, where supported by your device. Tapping the compass will toggle between three modes: Map Rotation, Compass Rotation and No Rotation. We've also included our Map Inspector on this new screen, so you can check road type, track surface and elevation when looking around the map by double tapping on the crosshair.

The new Map and Compass screen will now be the first screen displayed when you open the mobile app, provided you are signed in, so with one tap to launch the plotaroute app, you can open a map to see where you are. You can select the Keep Me Signed In option when signing in to avoid having to sign in each time.

We've also added a new Tab Bar at the bottom of most screens on the mobile app. This gives you quick access to the most used functions of the app, as well as access to the full navigation menu.

Lastly, we've made some design changes to the Route Planner on the mobile app. This includes new style buttons that are easier to use, improved location search and bookmarking and a larger map once you start plotting.

If you haven't yet installed the plotaroute mobile app, you can find more details about how to do this on the Mobile App information page.

I'm glad to see there is some attention given to track surface in the mobile app. Unfortunately this looks limited by use on the app and giving info only at the selected point.

I only create routes on my laptop.

It would be useful (to me anyway) to have an indication of track surface along a marked section of track.

I ride a road bike with 28mm substantial tyres and can manage most tracks - but sometimes I get caught out by tracks that are only fit for moutain bikes or tanks.

I broke a wheel this year on a 200 mile trip - which caused a few problems.

Hi Alan - the track surface features are available on both the mobile and desktop versions of the website, so you can use them on your laptop too. See our announcement about the Terrain Inspection features for more details.