Route Finder ImprovementsFORUMS HOME SEARCH FORUMS

We've just released a new version of our route planner with various improvements and bug fixes to the route finder features. With over 12,000 routes now mapped on plotaroute.com, many of which have been shared, the map sometimes gets crowded with markers showing where they all are! So, we've made a few changes that should make it easier to identify and preview routes when you are searching on the map.

You can search for routes on the map by selecting Find a Route from the Routes menu on the home page, or by using the Find menu in the route planner. We also have a shortcut link that loads up the route planner in route finder mode, so if you like you can bookmark this or share it online for direct access to our route finder: www.plotaroute.com/routefinder

Just made my first map but have the following suggestions. 

A auto close loop is required, currently I switch to drag mode to close loop but this isn't very good.

An option to use Ordenance survey maps is required.

A choice to use footpaths is required.

A higher magnification so that you can get in close to make selection easier would help.

An app for the iPad would make life easier.

Thanks for the suggestions Ken - I appreciate you taking the time to put these forward.  We'll do our best to take them on board but in the meantime, I can give you some initial answers:

• Auto-close a loop - You'll be pleased to know that this feature is already available.  You can do this be selecting "Back to Start" from the Plot menu.  If you want to see a demo, have a look at our Quick Start Tutorial video.
  
  
• Ordnance Survey maps - Unfortunately the high costs and restrictive licensing for Ordnance Survey maps mean that it isn’t viable for us to provide these as part of a free service at present.  If circumstances change we will definitely look into adding this for UK users.  In the meantime, we do have a "Paths" map option which uses data from the OpenStreetMap project to provide off-road mapping and routing.  
  
  
• Use footpaths - I'm not entirely clear what you mnean by this one.  It should be possible to distinguish between roads an paths on the map.  Are you maybe referring to our Make Me a Route feature?  I think it would be difficult to restrict this feature to paths only as there would be limited options for circular routes if it was only allowed to route along footpaths.
  
  
• Higher magnification - Again, I'm afraid I'm not 100% sure what you're ferrring to here.  The zoom controls in the top-left corner of the map should enable you to zoom in very close up. 
  
  
• iPad app - We are hoping to be able to introduce an app specifically for tablets at some point.  In the meantime, you may find find it easier to use our Mobile Site rather than the Desktop Site when using an iPad, as this uses a different approach for plotting points that does not rely on you trying to point accurately on the map with your finger. You can switch to the Mobile Site by clicking the Mobile Site link at the bottom of the pages on the Desktop Site.

Thanks again for your suggestions.  I hope I've at least given you some initial feedback.

John

Hi There

Very useful piece of software. As an Event Planner, it would be very useful for outdoor events/ street races to allow layers to be used, along with the ability to place coloured dots.

Planners could then have a layer for say Steward Positions, Barrier Positions & Portaloos etc etc. If they could be swithced on and off independently then so much the better.

I know I'm taking route planning a stage further & I'm sure you didn't plan on such detailed professional use, but the above would be very helpful !! it might give rise to a whole new piece of software maybe?!

Many thanks!

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions Stuart.  We'll make a note of your 'layers' suggestion.  I'm not sure if you are aware but we do already have a facility to add symbols on the map, for example to show locations of toilets or refreshment stops.  To do this just click on the Directions icon (DIR'NS) in the action bar on the route planner map, then click the Add/Edit button in the directions panels and drag the marker on the map to where you want the symbol to be displayed.  You can then add any notes and select the symbol you want by clicking on the default symbol next to the 'Show May Symbol' tick box.  Hope that helps for now.

John