I note that on the App it is possible to import a .gpx as a line (no turns option). This is particularly useful to me where formally importing a .gpx made elsewhere may well result in Cycle Travel trying to reroute to suit its own programming requirements. I dont want this.
This import line only facility is particularly useful when then trying to utilise the Apps facility to find POI's along a route, namely accommodation, water and food.
Interrogating the App on a small screen though is a pain in the A.
Is it possible to have the same import line only facility built into the website, where a larger screen and interface would facilitate searching for POI's along a route?
Or is this option already available and I'm missing it?
I appreciate that uploading a .gpx to CycleTravel in "standard" format will result in the screen showing CT's version of the route and a light blue trace of the original track on the map. However particularly if planning off road routes the CT suggested track can be some way off the original.
Many thanks
Neil
Comments
Neil, can you clarify the following, since I'm not familiar with it
However,
This already exists on the website under the orange 'Trace gpx" function available under the 'hamburger menu'
This will present you with a blue/green 'trace' of your gpx file that is uneditable.
However, the search functionality is different on the website so this may not be the full solution for you. You will find, though, that different map styles at different zoom levels will show different POIs that we can then ID using markers that will be visible in the app. (Note: visibility in the app may depend on the type of marker and whether the map is saved for offline use if you plan to navigate offline)
Hi Hobbs,
When using the Android App live (ie not from offline maps), if I select a gpx file within my file system to "open with" CT then I am presented with this screen, (see screen grab 1).
Allowing the App to import as a line I can then use the "stay" function to search along the route for accommodation options. (see second screen grab 2).
I cannot tho save the imported line since the App notifies me that "sorry, you cant save a route made from a gpx track without directions".
I'll accept that as that's the limitation of the software/ programming.
Re the Trace GPX function, I didnt know that was there. on the desktop version. To be honest I wouldnt have even known how to ask a question within the help/ search function to get Trace GPX option up or realise its uses.
Playing with Trace GPX function briefly, Yes it displays an accurate trace of the desired gpx but there are no options then presented to allow search along route etc for any POI's. (See screen grab 3).
Unlike the import line no turns option on the Android App, which to me would seem to be the same "gpx trace" or "line" options just with different handling and functionality between App and desktop.
Its the actual search function along a route that is the useful bit I'm trying to utilise utilising the large screen capability of a laptop to allow flitting between different programs.
Hope that explains it a bit better?
Regards
Neil
Hi Neil
Gotcha! Thanks. That's not how I use the app so every day is a learning day.
I've had a quick play around with this and this is what I have discovered :
I can't add viapoints but I can move the start & end points. In that regard it is very different to the trace which cannot be edited - it is literally a trace of a route.
However. I can save the edited route! It requires a small extra step: 'Export to gps'. Then open that downloaded GPS (but not as a line, as 'turn by turn with standard routing.) Save that and you have your 'line route', added POIs in a navigable format.
Yes. the search functionality is very different on the website. It is really only useful for accommodation.
To be honest, this is the kind of thing that we need to be careful what we wish for. A bike navigation app that delivers 100% coverage for accommodation is going to draw resources away from .... Bike navigation. Even more so for shops etc. There are different more focused apps for that.
Nevertheless, to be able to use the accommodation search feature, bear in mind that what you see is a trace. Adding a start point and end point will give you a route along the trace - that route can now be used as a basis for an accommodation search.
Alternatively, if we have the name or address of a shop or hotel, the 'add a viapoint' box can sometimes make some suggestions. Google/Expedia/Booking in different windows will give the necessary names etc.
Now. quite why we would do that (as opposed to just opening the original route) I don't know.
Depending on where you are and when you are doing this (pre-planning or on the road) OSMand is a great complementary app with an extensive POI facility - even offline. A steep learning curve but useful if you prefer out of the way places or on the fly planning offline.
Yep – the app has the “Import as line” option so that you can still use the screen for visual navigation with an imported GPX, even though you can’t do anything else (edit the route, get turn-by-turn directions, save it etc.).
The website doesn’t have it because you wouldn’t use the screen for navigation. I hadn’t thought of the use case of wanting to search for accommodation. I’ll give that some thought, but to be honest it’s probably a lot of internal surgery for a fairly minor gain so possibly not the top of the to-do list I’m afraid!
Cheeres Richard.
I guess my uasge is fairly niche.
Of the Apps and programs I try to use when researching a bikepacking or touring route the only one I have found useful, so far, for showing accomodation ALONG A ROUTE is CT.
For me the camping is particularly useful. I think also that since your data is coming from OSM (is that correct??) then there is a better return for options rather than just searching in Google Maps or other commercial options which just seem to give search returns based on popularity or advertising rather than actual location along a route.
I'm sure there must be other planning software that does this but I'm not subscribed to them.
The import line part of query is I guess the perculiarity, since I'm researching trying to research accomodation for a route that is issued in advance by an ultra cycling event. As such trying to import it or view it unmolested in CT is the challenge.
Hobbs, thanks for the engagement. I'll have a llok at OSMand to see what tis can offer
Thanks to all for replys.
Neil, going over everything again, am I right in understanding that you don't want to import an external gpx into CT because it can be adjusted on import?
If so, you may not be aware of the fact that when we import a route into CT, as well as choosing between 3 types (that will reduce any changes) we'll also get a 'trace' of the unchanged route that will show where the CT version has changed.
For example, this is from Bike packing com and I've focused on 2 places where the CT version varies from the original (VPs 7&8)
Now, I don't know what you use to navigate your routes, but with the route displayed on the CT website it's straightforward to search accommodation and you can see how appropriate it is for the original route. Adding markers (and notes) mean that they'll be on the map and you can plot a route on the fly (assuming data, possibly offline on the app).
Other searches, not so much.
Depending on how much time you have to prep the route, you should be able to adjust the CT version of the imported route to be an exact copy. And on a full screen as opposed to a phone.
FWIW, I haven't come across any other planner that focuses an accommodation search along a route. if you're into ultra cycling & stealth camping something like iOverlander may be useful. It's been upgraded since I last used it seriously and its usefulness is location dependent.