What the Tool Does

The Route Planner is more than just a map. It combines several powerful features to help you plan your journey accurately:

1. Waypoint Management
   • Click on the map to add waypoints or search for locations by name.
   • Each waypoint can be labeled, moved, or reordered easily.
   • This flexibility allows you to design complex routes with multiple stops.
2. Routing and Estimated Time
   • The tool uses the OSRM routing engine to calculate optimal paths between waypoints.
   • You can choose a travel profile—walking, running, or cycling—which adjusts the routing accordingly.
   • Estimated travel times are calculated based on both the default routing engine and your own speed input, allowing for a personalized time estimate.
3. Elevation Profile
   • The tool fetches elevation data along your route, showing total ascent and descent.
   • This feature is especially useful for cyclists and runners who want to anticipate climbs and plan effort levels.
4. Route Visualization & Animation
   • Your planned route is displayed as a colored line on the map.
   • You can animate a marker along the path to visualize your journey step by step, which helps in understanding distance progression and route shape.
5. Data Export & Storage
   • Save your routes in the browser for later use.
   • Export routes as GPX files compatible with most GPS devices and apps.
   • This ensures you can take your route offline or share it with others.

How to Use the Tool

1. Add Waypoints

• Click anywhere on the map to add a waypoint.
• Or use the search bar to find a specific location.
• Waypoints can be labeled for clarity and rearranged using the up/down buttons in the sidebar.

2. Choose Travel Profile and Speed

• Select a travel profile: Walking, Running, or Bicycling.
• Enter your average speed in km/h. This allows the tool to calculate an adjusted estimated travel time that reflects your personal pace.

3. Calculate the Route

• Click Calculate Route.
• The route is displayed on the map with the total distance and estimated time.
• Each leg between waypoints is listed with individual distance and time.

4. Analyze Elevation

• After the route is calculated, the tool fetches elevation data.
• Total gain and loss in meters are displayed.
• This helps you understand the effort required and plan breaks or hydration.

5. Save, Load, or Export Routes

• Save your routes locally in the browser for future editing.
• Load previously saved routes to continue planning.
• Export as a GPX file for use with GPS devices, cycling computers, or mobile navigation apps.

6. Animate the Route

• Use the Animate Route button to see a moving marker along your planned path.
• This is a visual way to preview the journey, check route flow, and estimate travel experience.

Why Use This Tool?

1. Efficiency – Quickly plan routes without manually measuring distances.
2. Personalization – Adjust travel times based on your pace and activity type.
3. Fitness Optimization – Monitor elevation changes to manage effort for running or cycling.
4. Convenience – Export GPX files for offline use and mobile navigation.
5. Visual Planning – The map and animation help you understand your journey before you start.

Whether you are a commuter, cyclist, runner, or hiker, this tool ensures you can plan smart, safe, and enjoyable routes. No more guesswork about distance, time, or difficulty—everything you need is at your fingertips.

Summary:
The Interactive Route Planner & Elevation Calculator combines mapping, routing, time estimation, and elevation analysis into a single, user-friendly tool. It’s ideal for anyone looking to plan precise and personalized routes while considering distance, speed, and terrain. Save, export, or animate your journeys to make every trip optimized and enjoyable.