News South Africa

New mapping tool from MapIT

MapIT, the digital mapping company, has developed a new interactive mapping tool to improve the experience of both participants and spectators in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, which will be held in Joburg on 20 November 2011.

The new web map features unique interactive tools, as well as a user-friendly design and layout - allowing visitors to navigate around the map with greater ease. A detailed route profile has also been provided to assist cyclists in preparing for the race and planning their strategies. In addition, social media application Twitter has been integrated into the map, allowing users to "Tweet" #cyclechallenge and interact with friends while on the site. Other important features include accurate street-level zooming, automated routing function to plan and navigate around road closures, medical and water point locations and a 360-degree interactive street view of selected sections of the route.

According to the event organisers, one of the most important features of the mapping site is the road closure routing tool, which utilises a "where are you, where do you want to go" principle to devise alternate routes.

Alternative route calculation

"Users simply type in an address and then enter a destination," explained Ettienne Louw, MD of MapIT. "The routing function will then automatically calculate an alternative route around road closures. In addition, users can also email and print the detailed route instructions and navigate to where they want to go on the day of the race. This has a huge impact on traffic congestion levels in the city."

The map's updated route profile function allows cyclists to visualise the route in pre-race orientation and planning, as it depicts the "hill and valley" aspects of the route (elevation details) in graphic format, showing inclines and declines measured in metres against distance in kilometres.

The route map can be found on the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge website, www.cyclechallenge.co.za, and accessed on a menu tab. Click on "route information" to go to the route map link.

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