Hi Richard,
I've noticed that when planning a route and using the display elevation tab the colours (indicating gradient) only change when I go to download the route. It can lead to a few shocks! :-) I'm not a fan of the red!
Even if I close the route and reopen it, it does not show the colours. It's not a biggy.
On the same subject, is it possible to have an option to "always display elevation"? in "my settings" as an example. Sometimes I open a premade route and download it forgetting to show the elevation profile with the result that my gpx/tcx doesn't have the data. (Using an android phone, by the way). Again, not a Biggie.
Finally, the Biggie! Is it possible to use a breakdown like Osmand and display the distance at say at 0-4%, 4-8% etc. Currently, I just see the maximum gradient which doesn't really give an indication of the whole route.
Many, many thanks.
Frank
Comments
This is an entertainingly challenging one!
On shorter routes, cycle.travel calculates a more-or-less complete elevation profile. That allows it to work out the gradient accurately.
On longer routes, c.t calculates fewer elevation points – enough to draw the elevation profile, but not so good for calculating the gradient at each point. The reason for this is that retrieving the elevation is comparatively slow, so if you have a (say) 3600-mile route from New York to San Francisco, finding the elevation at 50m intervals would really hobble the route calculation. (That’s also the reason why the elevation isn’t shown by default.)
I think there are things I can do to improve this – i.e. keep the fast calculation while providing more information on longer routes. I’ve started experimenting with it and have tentatively got it performing better on middle-distance routes, though 3600-mile routes might still be beyond it. If I can get this sorted then I can look at doing a breakdown as suggested!
I'm glad that you're being entertained! :-)
Please, don't let it distract you too much.
And, as always, thank you for such a great planner