Desktop routing software

**rollsy** · 07-02-10, 12:41 PM

Hi

I looking for some desktop routing software (similiar to say google maps get driections) where I can plot multiple stops or POI and save as route. Preferably I can enter in any order and click an optimise button.

I want to be able to use offline.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

**omega99** · 07-02-10, 12:56 PM

try travelmate.com.au - goto maps has some of the feature you are looking for

**rollsy** · 07-02-10, 01:19 PM

Thanks but I need a solution offline.

There are plenty online but I want to be able to work independant.

**Downunder35m** · 07-02-10, 01:32 PM

That would mean you need a current ,proper software and so on...
Since you have not stated what device you use in your car it is a bit hard to make suggestions.
I'm pretty sure you won't find something that works offline in the way you want :
1. The maps are quite expensive
2. "optimizing" a route is relative ,because it is almost impossible to achive that goal properly
3. Even online solutions are far from being perfect and for something like you you will need the market -noone makes a Software that is not used

I assume you have some sort of "pizza-delivery" going and understand that an optimised route is important but think about that:
A normal Route of about 100km's can take up to 4 minutes to calculate on my Tomtom (with multiple stops and other stuff) - compared to less than30 seconds for a single straight route of the same lenght.
That would be for a route where I define which is the first ,second ,third ... stop.
If you would have let's say 15 stops all over Melbourne and the software should sort and calculate the route so that you have the shortest or fastest route for the whole tour you would need to calculate every single route between every popssible stop.
Compare ,check ,recalculate ,check again till an optimised route is finnshed.
That would mean you are looking at millions of road combinations and even more if you take the time of the day and usual congestions into account.
Even on a fast PC this could take several hours!

**oldsalt** · 07-02-10, 06:38 PM

Has anyone used Travel Mate version 1.6.1 by Kruno?

I have the program, I think it's only for windows, is there any way I could get it to work on winCE please?

I know that he no longer sells or supports the program, but I do have a free download link.

**rollsy** · 07-02-10, 06:40 PM

Downunder I'll be more specific.

I use a GO 730 (optimised, tks to this forum

).

I dont want the software to work on the gps (although exporting the route would be nice). I dont want to go in specifics but my work involves 1700 delivery locations involving about 150 vehicles. I have seen optimisation software but it was around 40K. My boss is happy to pay but not 40K. Just wanted something basic for planning purposes where the 1700 drop point need to be loaded once only. Most online routers require entry everytime. If I can show that the basic software is a benefit then the sales job is easier.

I used to use the copilot software that came with a PDA about 5 years ago.
Optimising a route with 15 to 20 stops took only a couple of minutes.

Was hopeful someone can make a suggestion.

Thanks for the reply though.

**hollowman** · 07-02-10, 09:37 PM

most gps software can store routes ?
you just have to sit there for a few minutes in the morning to input the data of where u have to go...

**Downunder35m** · 07-02-10, 10:10 PM

Hollowman you missed the point here

We are searching for a Software for the PC that can calculate an optimised route with multiple stops for a delivery service.
Meaning you have lots of addresses that you put in and the software calculates the best route from the depot as a round trip.
So far no GPS software that I know will support that feature.

**rollsy** · 07-02-10, 10:50 PM

DU exactly. I used the older versions of copilot and it had an optimise option within the route planning of the pda software. I am going tp try the laptop Co Pilot version and see if that has it.

Thanks for the input from all.

**hollowman** · 07-02-10, 11:27 PM

i was trying to get in on the action and totally missed the point

**Downunder35m** · 08-02-10, 12:10 AM

Well ,we all have our blonde moments

At least you intentions were correct - lol

**nightshadow** · 08-02-10, 08:29 AM

There is the garmin mapquest software that allows offline viewing of the maps and route planning. It also allows optimisation IIRC. You can export routes back to garmin devices and garmin XT for mobile. Not an easy piece of software to get working, but it could be worth looking into. You can use the mapquest software with the NZ open source maps if you wanted to try it out without purchasing or ****ing maps.