TCR

I'm trying to find some mapping software I can use to easily map out bike routes and then display them on the web. I found Gmaps through a search on here and it's almost exactly what I'm looking for but it has some limitations. Here's an example of a local route using Gmap:

https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=150748

I was hoping somebody could suggest other software that would do the same thing in a more efficient manner with with more elegant results. This is an example of the the output I would like:

https://www.bikesprings.org/docs/Bria...AFA%20Loop.pdf

I'm thinking they may have used some sort of GPS for that, which I don't have. Does the new Garmin Edge 305 produce data like that?

cooker

Gmaps does show elevation too.

operator

Whatever software generated that ride report - it needs some fixing.

TCR

Yea, but I didn't really like the way it showed it.

TCR

Which one? The gmap definetly has some bugs.

dstrong 

There's also RouteSlip. They all seem to use the Google maps application and write various wrappers around the same concept. RouteSlip is nice because it stores routes and allows everyone to share them. It's free to join/register. The biggest drawback is that there is a fairly large range of care with which people enter routes. It's more an aesthetic thing since even the sloppiest entries provide enough information to follow a route. Also...you can enter enough information for RouteSlip to print cue sheets

Oh...it will show elevation after you save your route and then load it back up (scroll down).

timhines

gmaps elevation is all jacked on one of my rides. I plotted with a GPS last year so I know within reason (10ft) of the elevation. It's WAY off with gmaps.

Bikinguy

Hi dstrong,

Thanks for the tip on the route slip site. I may be going to Austin later this summer. I ride the flats of Houston and do fairly well but what gearing do you suggest for those Austin hills. Adding a triple chainring is not an option.

Thanks in advance,
keep2up
Bikinguy

DRLski

Thanks dstrong, I love this actually, no need for GPS when you have this. Heck, I already made my first map https://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=450

LA_Rider

How do you calculate the total feet of climbing for the complete route?

Steev

What browsers are you all using to visit these sites? I'm using Firefox and I cannot get any map to load, not even in Google maps.

TCR

Firefox or IE both work for me. Do you have the latest Firefox version? There might be a plugin you need also. I'm running version 1.5.0.2 but I don't see any plugins installed.

TCR

Hmmm, I think this routslip could work. Definetly better than gmap. It did lockup the first time I tried it and not sure why. I hope it wasn't cause the route was too long (too many points). I tried another with only 4 points and it worked fine.

dstrong 

TCR - I've e-mailed with the creator of RouteSlip a bunch of times and have found him very responsive. RouteSlip is something he created to support his own cycling passion and figured others might like to use it. I think it's great to have a database of routes from around the country!

DRLski - Nice job!

BikinGuy - I'd go as big as possible on the rear...12-27 (or bigger if your der. can handle it) whether you're riding a standard double or a compact. The other option is to ping me or any of the other Austinites (ravenmore, 2roadies, cardiac kid, mellowdave, etc...) for route recommendations that don't have long/steep hills....we do have some. Parmer Lane, for instance, in North Austin is a nice ride without super steep stuff. The Veloway is a unique experience (3.1 mile bike/rollerblade only loop) as is South Mopac (the "Autobahn"). You'd be fine on your setup with either of these.

Naidu

Most of these Google Maps-based applications require JavaScript supported and enabled in your browser. For your Firefox, look in the Edit -> Preferences -> Content tab. I'm running version 1.5.0.1 of Firefox without any problems.

ElJamoquio

GRRRR. I just spent fifteen minutes putting in my route; accidentally hit the backspace key, and lost it all. This had better be worth it...

dstrong 

Yeah...there's a small learning curve to enter the routes. I entered the same route a bunch of times before I kind of found the best way that works for me. I'm not too precise with the point to point placements...when I first started I had it zoomed way in and basically followed the roads EXACTLY...now I kind of average things out...the lines go off the road sometimes but I don't think anyone will mistake that for "go off the road for 200 yards and then get back on, crossing traffic lanes to do so"!

reneuend

I think topo maps - usa might work from what I've heard but I've never used it myself. anyone?

TCR

Alright, got it to work and it was pretty easy to use. Still not as elegant as the bikesrings page but it will work for now. Thanks dstrong!

Here's 1 route:
https://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=458

cyclintom

Topo is a REALLY NICE display and it has all sorts of really nice features.

However, it has the world's worst user interface and it is very close to impossible to use.

After being in the computer industry for 40 years I can't think of any worse interface than in Topo.

I've bought and fought and there's just no way to get it to work except accidentally.

eskimo85

Wow routeslip is very neat, I too just made a route. It must be pretty new as there are not too many routes posted yet.

dstrong 

Hey TCR - Man...there are some straights on that route! I was in Victorville about 26 years ago returning from a spring break road trip from LA to CO. My brother-in-law lived there...guess what he was doing back then?

TCR

A few nice hills on that route too!

26 years ago? The place was a lot smaller then - I moved here in '83. I don't think the bike club was around then although it may have been. I'm probably way off but I'll guess...drugs?

nova

trick with topo is to set start and finish points then insert you vis via right click for your turns. Then it works like a charm. Trying any other way and it does realy lame ass things like renumbering your vias putting one further along your route first etc.

reneuend

So, do you like it or think it would be good for bike route mapping?