Satmap launches Online Route Planner and Route Share Network

Customers can now plan routes online using road mapping, aerial photography and Ordnance Survey maps, and then share them with other users.

UK handheld GPS mapping gizmo company Satmap has launched its new online Route Planner and Route Share Network websites, allowing users of said HGMG units to upload routes from and download them to their Satmap Active 10 devices as well as sharing them with other users.

Richard Calthrop-Owen, Managing Director for Satmap Systems Ltd, commented:

"Our customers are very keen outdoor sports people and part of the enjoyment is the preparation, planning and post-analysis. Our online Route Planner will give users the tools to do this more easily. We hope people will post up routes they have particularly enjoyed on the Route Share Network for others to experience and maybe also leave feedback. We'd like to see this area evolve into a really great resource for Satmap customers to get the most out of their outdoor sports."

Satmap's new online tools have two main components. The Satmap Route Planner uses Microsoft Virtual Earth, supplemented with Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer and 1:50,000 Landranger mapping, to allow users to plan and download routes as well as edit uploaded routes and print maps on that paper stuff.

The Route Share Network does what it says on the tin. It's built around Google Maps and allows users to share routes, categorise them by difficulty, length and activity, review and comment on other routes and so on. There is, of course, a comprehensive search facility.

Satmap's online tools will be available free of charge for Satmap early adopters, which for the purposes of this discussion means anyone who already has an Active 10 or buys one before 23 March (and registers it before 1 April) 2009. After those dates, there'll be a one-off £79.99 charge.

At the moment you'll need a PC to talk to your Satmap, but the Jobsian hordes will no doubt be delighted to hear that a Mac-compatible version of the system will be available later this year.

Find out more at www.satmap.com.