Free mapping software?

[Yorkshire Pud]

I use bikehike.com it has free os mapping and you can upload gps files. It also provides height gain/loss graphs.

[Sam Harrison]

Actually, whilst we're on the subject, does anyone know any mapping software that will calculate distance on the ground as opposed to distance as the crow flies. Google Maps, along with every other mapping software I've used, ignores ascent and descent and hence if you're run/walk/cycle is over very hilly ground, the actual distance travelled (on the ground) can be quite a bit longer than the distance the map will show.

I.e. If you go up a hill that's 1000m high, and as the crow flies (i.e. on the map) it is 5km, then the actual on the ground distance would be (by the wonders of Pythagarus) roughly 5.1km.

I know it doesn't make a great difference, but on some ALs it can add another mile or so onto the run.

[ZootHornRollo]

I use bikehike.com it has free os mapping and you can upload gps files. It also provides height gain/loss graphs.

just used this - it's brilliant, way better than mapmyrun / mapometer because you can use OS mapping to follow off-road path-routes exactly

only bugger was, I couldn't figure out how to save my route once I'd plotted it! Perhaps it doesn't let you, like mapometer does?

[Woodzy]

try www.walkjogrun.com maps your runs mileage, and accent/decent on graph

[ZootHornRollo]

try www.walkjogrun.com maps your runs mileage, and accent/decent on graph

thanks Woodzy, but it looks pretty similar to mapometer etc - doesn't have the OS mapping? Which makes it difficult to plot your route - unless the paths you run along are so well-defined that you can see them all on the satellite imagery.

[philt1]

signed up for the Grough mapping service and cant log on to it at all just keep getting the message authentication token is invalid and javascript void... can anyone help??

[shaunaneto]

Can I help... probably not. Might be worth checking whether you need to update Java

[Quosh]

I use an android 'phone (with built-in gps) and Runkeeper. For simplicity (start-stop) it take's some beating. The cost of the 'phone is quite an investment though.

[philbrynmaen]

Hi philt1 - you could try using a different browser. By choice I use Firefox but on occasion have had some problems on the grough website - agree with others that this is the site for quality mapping.

[r0bh]

just used this - it's brilliant, way better than mapmyrun / mapometer because you can use OS mapping to follow off-road path-routes exactly

only bugger was, I couldn't figure out how to save my route once I'd plotted it! Perhaps it doesn't let you, like mapometer does?

BikeHike doesn't allow to save routes online, which is the only negative about it IMHO as otherwise it is excellent. You used to be able to do this but the owner disabled the functionality due to potential legal issues. What you can do though is download the route to a file, then upload it again when you next want to use it.