Any GPS software that allows custom route creation?

gerbila · 01-10-05, 01:39 AM

Hi,
Is there any GPS software that allows one to draw a route on a map and have the GPS software follow it and give prompts at each turn, etc. This would be useful for times when I would like to follow the directions given by someone, or maybe use a more optimized route than the one the GPS software suggests.

don300 · 01-10-05, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by gerbila

Hi,
Is there any GPS software that allows one to draw a route on a map and have the GPS software follow it and give prompts at each turn, etc. This would be useful for times when I would like to follow the directions given by someone, or maybe use a more optimized route than the one the GPS software suggests.

Good point gerbila,

I let my daughter borrow my Axim for a trip from Michigan to Florida and she just wanted to follow I-75 all the way down. The software kept trying to send her down other roads in Ohio and Georgia. I told her just to stay on I-75 and the program would re-route itself, it still would have been nice if she could have programed it to stay on I-75.

Don

jimbo32 · 01-10-05, 03:29 PM

Actually most, at least iGuidance, give you options to set preferences for the route you want to take, like shortest route, fastest route, major roads or local roads. I realize this isn't exactly what you are describing, but it would seem that inputing a complete custom route would be a pain and not something many people would use.

JakeRich · 01-10-05, 03:30 PM

Most of the packages allow some sort of "waypoint" routing. You can use that function to force a route through points along the way. It may take more than one waypoint to get the route you want. I have used this method to get most of the software I have tried to create a preferred route I use from Northern VA to NJ (I hate I-95!) and it works pretty well. I can get my preferred route with (usually) just two waypoints.

ashti · 01-10-05, 07:05 PM

If you use any Navteq OEM software (Belkin, Dell, iGuidance, Prymenav etc), here's how to do it:

1. Let the GPS do the routing at first.

2. Go to "destinations" and choose "detour"

3. Click on the road segments you wish to avoid, and click "ok"

4. See if your route matches what you have in mind

5. If true, you're done! Start driving.

6. If false, repeat steps 2-4.

Good luck.

gerbila · 01-10-05, 07:48 PM

Hmmm so it sounds like there is no current way to do this, at least not directly. That's sort of a shame. I mean, Mapopolis has that feature that lets you measure distance of a route by tracing a path along the roads you want to take. It seems it'd be simple to simply apply that to actual route creation. The problem I have found with a lot of GPS packages is I disagree with their routes for initial access to major highways, interstates, etc. Sure their programming may suggest a route it thinks is faster by virtue of shorter distance or whatever, but I know the local streets best, and I hate it when a route takes me on and off the interstate, or doesn't give me the fastest access to the interstate. In these instances, I wish I could just draw the route myself, at least initially. Then maybe have an option in the program to Route the Rest of the Way. That way you get the best of both worlds. Your custom route but without the tedium of having to draw the whole route. Is anyone out there listening?

JakeRich · 01-10-05, 08:55 PM

You could use the waypoints to get to the major road. Then it will go fine from there. Bear in mind that if you know how to get to the major road, just let it plan whatever it wants, drive what you want (ignoring the software) and then pick up the route at the major road. The software should be constantly adjusting and re-routing as it goes along, eventually should catch up to your route. Same applies to the destination end, if you know the way around there, too.