Downloadable tour planner map
We're now the proud owners of a little Rapido pop-top from 2000: only three days of ownership and still to go anywhere together, so we're planning a Scottish expedition for Spring. At present we're in the early stages of assembling lists of possible sites,
variants on the route, etc. I keep thinking we need a large map to stick pins in, linked to information about possible sites.
But then I wonder if there's a computer version of the same idea, to save vast WWII style map boards with bits of ribbon all over the place, or writing so much on a paper map that it needs replacing every time we have a new idea.
I haven't found one in initial looking, but then I'm not enough of a geek to be quite sure what to search for.
Oh, and it'll have to work on Linux Ubuntu, as well, since we abandoned Windows a few years ago. (Infinitely cheaper, plus much happier users here!)
Thanks for any suggestions, especially if they're easy to use!
Richard
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Google maps is good for planning a route. Once done it can be saved and imported into most SatNavs.
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Google maps is good for planning a route. Once done it can be saved and imported into most SatNavs.
Nice idea, thanks... sadly our elderly Satnav only talks to Windows computers, not Linux. Daft, really, as apparently it uses Linux inside itself, but it's only marketed to talk to the big players. Not that I fully understand any of this, I mainly just
work the front end!0 -
I think maybe I'm looking for something which doesn't exist, which is truly the on-screen equivalent of that huge map table. Thanks for the offers of help - and we may just take you up on some advice when our ideas get a bit better formed, Wildwood :-)
Best wishes to all,Richard
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That's worth knowing - I'll explore that, thanks
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I use GPSies and Walkhighlands for route planning, in my case mainly for hiking and cycle routes, but GPSies in particular would work really well for 'road trips' Walkhighlands gives you access to OS mapping down to 1:25k scale. neither require installation and work through internet browsers, so require internet connection for map downloads, so are better suited for planning routes at home.
I use and love Alpinequest on mobile devices, it allows you to download map areas while you're on good wifi for 'offline use' while you're out and about and tracks/routes created in the above tools are easily exported as .gpx files and imported into alpinequest, or you can create waypoints/courses/routes directly in the app itself.
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Welcome to the Forum and Caravanning world.
I use the ACSI DVD Planner which is up dated every year for our trips to Europe. This is not just Camping Cards Sites but thousands of sites including the UK. There is no reason why you should not be able to use this though I am not sure whether CClub sites are included as I have never looked but will check.
It is a good Disk where you can print out Route with sites and mileage in between and a good map too. Will come back soon with a link when I get onto my laptop.
DianneT
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I feel a bit silly asking this but where is the route planner on this forum?
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Sorry all just found it. Has anyone got the number for Specsavers please?
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Stick to the big paper map for the initial planning. You can literally see 'the big picture' . It may look a good idea to say, "I'll visit A, B & C" but when you see them on the map, you may find that it's not practical.
I don't use any mobile technology for my travels. A decent road atlas and a site guide suits me fine. For planning, "Walkhighlands" and "Undiscoveredscotland" are useful sites.
Many people think that Scotland only has a west coast, but if you do venture to the East, I might be able to give you a few pointers.
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Same here. I do all my route/mileage on Autoroute and have done for years. I think mine is an even older version! I don't expect it to be an exact science as the final route is always worked out by TomTom but Autoroute is good for the initial planning.
David
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Thanks all for these helpful replies. I have a suspicion that sticking to the paper for planning may even be the one we end up with! We don't have a mobile smart device, so downloading to the phone sadly won't work, and the satnav is truly ancient.
Maybe we need to buy some new technology some time...Best wishes,
Richard
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We use a variety of tools when planning.
For maps we use Google Maps, and have made a map in 'My Maps', with the possible stops for 2017. It lets you choose to avoid tolls and gives route options. Once route possibilities are clearer we use viaMichelin to see what the costs will be.
We have used the Brittany Ferries website trip planner and also used Excel to make spreadsheet comparisons of routes/sites fees/tolls.
One big advantage with Google maps is the ability to use Streetview to check approach and access to sites.
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Not sure but have I read somewhere in CT that you can download CC sites on to a satnav? If so does it have to be a certain make?
The problem we have when planning is that the paper version we use to lan routes doesmt show wheth3r the route is suitable for towing vehiclessu h as a caravan. Often we find out too late if a road os mot sjitable by which time the only we can go is forward .with fingers and toes crossed we dont meet a ything big coming the opposite direction if yo know what i mean lol
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I use Google maps on the phone as a sat nav. I've got an old Tom Tom sat nav but I can't remember the last time I used it. I usually check the route through on the laptop or phone before setting out, and often print a paper copy for Carol to use for navigating.
David
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Sorry about the typos, I checked it before posting too. Here is what I meant to have said
"Not sure but have I read somewhere in CT that you can download CC sites on to a satnav? If so does it have to be a certain make?
The problem we have when planning is that the paper version we use to plan routes doesnt show whether the route is suitable for towing vehicles such as a caravan. Often we find out too late if a road is not suitable by which time the only we can go is forward .with fingers and toes crossed we dont meet anything big coming the opposite direction if you know what i mean lol"
Should be corrected now, apologies again
An embarrassed Lorn
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As far as club sites club sites go they are already in my POI on my TomTom. I put in the club site post code then select camp sites near to destination. More importantly though I follow the firections given for each site for final approach
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