Online Mapping Software

[pwillis]

Hi All,

I'm currently planning my Jogle for September this year. I have fiunally plotted my desired route on a map and now want to transfer this to an online map.

Initially I want to plot the entire route so that I can get an accurate total distance. I'll then work out how many days I want to take, the average daily mileage, then start deciding on my nightly stopovers. Once I have this then I can plot each days journey on the online map which should be much easier to handle.

The main reason for doing this is to share the route plan with my 'bike buddy' (and any forum members willing to take a look and offer advice).

I've never used online mapping software before to create and save my own maps. I want the process to be as easy as possible (as obviously its a long route). Can anyone recommend a good site for this? My instinct would be to use Google maps but there may well be better options out there.

Of course if I am going about this completely the wrong way then I'd be grateful for any advice!

Cheers

Paul

[Tigerbiten]

Google maps are ok but you dont have contors on it.
So you cannot tell if you planed route has a big hill in the middle of it.

A better one is Bikehike.
Not only do you get the Google map but you also get to see the OS map as well.
This makes planning the route around hills much easier.

Luck ..........

[Cunobelin]

I believe from other threads that BikeHike no longer stores routes

I use Bike Route Toaster as it allows easy download in GPX and TCX as well as saving to the Edge directly

[simonp]

I use bikehike and you can still save your routes to your pc or directly to a GPS, as a gpx file. A good feature of this program is that you can see the elevation profile.

[robgul]

Don't mess about with Google maps - they seem to be inaccurate in many instances - missing roads etc and quite poor detail

The investment in something like Memory Map or TrackLogs will pay for itself very quickly in terms of flexibility of route planning, measuring distances, seeing profiles etc and printing maps with OS detail. (I have Mem Map and bought the DVD version ... but with a bit of planning you can buy just the bits you want ... presumably a long strip for routes?)

These software products also interface with a GPS to either plot the route in the software and transfer to the GPS - or record a route as you ride with the GPS, and transfer that to the PC software.

... and for your JOGLE - I did this in 2005 with a route plotted in Memory Map and printed as an A5 sized "route book" that fitted the map case on my bar bag .. just followed it, easy. Doing LEJOG this year and we have already sorted the route, stops etc with a detailed map and supporting GPS files.

You might like also to look at www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk (OK, it's my site, but there's loads of resource and you can list your ride dates (and post a journal/blog if you do one)

Rob

[pwillis]

Thanks again Rob. Will take a look at memory map today as that sounds like a good option whether I print out maps or invest in a GPS.

Will definitely post my plans on your site once they are a bit firmer and I've already been using your site quite a bit... a great resource!

Cheers

[keyboardmonkey]

I use mapmyride.com, here's an example:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-ki ... 1928534409

There's a download if you have an iPhone and don't want to buy a Garmin or whatever.

You have to subscribe to print maps, though.