Route Mapping Apps/Software

May 16, 2023 10:53PM

I experimented with BatchGeo and RoadWarrior, but have found them frustrating. I input the data and just get a map with all the addresses as pins, but no actual driving directions or lines connecting each stop, like in Google Maps. But I will be doing a very large route and need more stops than can fit in Google maps, so I need something that I can accommodate more stops.

Can anyone recommend what you use or any tips on using these apps? TIA!

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/16/2023 10:55PM by shopnyc.

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May 16, 2023 11:27PM

I use Google Maps and you get 10 stops on each map. So on the first map, I start from "my location" and add 9 stops. Then I make a second map of the next 9 locations, with the first place being "my location." Then i save both of those maps on my home screen, in the order I plan on using them.

I understand your frustrations with mapping software, I haven't found any that work as well or as easily as Google, even with inly 10 stops per maps.

Now I don't remember ever doing more than 20 locations in one day. But I have made week long routes to other states while I'm going from one place to another. It ends up being worth the extra nights in hotels if you get some good paying shops and bonus' along the way.

May 17, 2023 12:43AM

Hi, I actually never even heard of route mapping software and had totally intended to use Google Maps, but then I was told about these apps. The thing I like most about them is the ability to upload all the addresses from a spreadsheet, instead of inputting each address manually, and then they are automatically populated into a map. But I'm disappointed that the map doesn't connect them all, showing a route in the best order. It just puts pins on the map. But maybe I'm doing it wrong, which is very possible!

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/17/2023 12:45AM by shopnyc.

May 17, 2023 04:22AM

Circuit is a great app for this type of stuff. You can put in up to 10 stops with the free version, but you can also use multiple routes like morledzep described. You type in the departure time and all the addresses, and it automatically chooses the fastest route between them, and shows what time you will arrive at each stop. You can also type in how long you will be at each stop, and it will factor that into the results. At each stop you hit 'delivered', and it starts navigating to the next destination, using whichever GPS map you normally use. Really helps to see if you are running ahead/behind, and eliminates having to plan the best route for multiple stops, which AFAIK Google will not automatically do.

May 17, 2023 04:41AM

Thank you, but I want an app that I can upload or paste addresses from a spreadsheet rather than manually entering each one.

May 17, 2023 05:18AM

@shopnyc wrote:

Thank you, but I want an app that I can upload or paste addresses from a spreadsheet rather than manually entering each one.

I haven't used it, but I think you can upload spreadsheets:

[help.getcircuit.com]

May 17, 2023 05:24AM

there’s a browser plug-in called “routora” that will take your 10 stops in google maps and rearrange them in the most logical order. it’s a huge help with route planning.

May 18, 2023 01:20AM

I use RouteXL for huge routes with more stops than the 26 Mapquest will route in the most efficient route. You can buy just a one day membership if needed.

May 20, 2023 06:33PM

I have never found one as good as MS Streets and Trips. Unfortunately, MS stopped updating this software after the 2013 version. It is so good that I still use it, however, for planning long routes where I will be gone more than a day or more than 10 stops. When I go on out of town routes, I usually have from 20 - 35 stops.

MS Streets and Trips not only maps my route, estimates my timing, cost of fuel, and when I need to stop for fuel, but it also can make a turn-by-turn html page containing a map, timing, and stops, that I send to my Dropbox and view from my android while traveling. I use Google Maps, while on the road, to keep me updated with real-time information while driving to my next stop.

May 21, 2023 06:46AM

I used to like MS Streets and Trips. I had a couple different versions of it, but I think MS gave up on the mobile market when their windows OS cell phone didn’t perform well.

May 25, 2023 06:32AM

I still use the old 2013 Microsoft Map Point. I can enter over 100 stops if needed and can calculate the time at each stop, and total cost. Have been doing this for over 10 years and have tried many, since I usually do over 20 shops on the days I work, and Can’t find anything better. When I get a new computer I just buy it on eBay again.

May 25, 2023 08:43AM

Ah, sweet nostalgia! MS Streets & Trips was great. I remember getting all excited when I got the GPS unit.

May 25, 2023 03:02PM

I'm in the midwest, which means we are in construction season - how frequently do the apps route you around things like construction or get updates on traffic/collisions? Google Maps is usually updated pretty frequently but I wouldn't mind a different tool.

May 27, 2023 04:05PM

I use a printed map, too keep track of times, and always use Waze on my phone to avoid construction.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/27/2023 04:05PM by mizzessummer.

May 27, 2023 09:37PM

Thank you, mjt9598. I paid for one day's use of RouteXL and was able to map out my route. It allowed me to map up to 200 stops, and see in advance how most of my route will go. Then I broke it down in smaller chunks and was able to out put those to Google maps for each day. I'll be working on this route for about a month and have many stops to do, so RouteXL was incredibly helpful.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/27/2023 09:37PM by shopnyc.

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Route Mapping Apps/Software

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