Route planning software

Route planning software is a computer software programme, designed to plan a (optimal) route between two geographical locations using a journey planning engine, typically specialised for road networks as a road route planner. It can typically provide a list of places one will pass by, with crossroads and directions that must be followed, road numbers, distances, etc. It also usually provides an interactive map with a suggested route marked on it.

Many online mapping sites offer road route planning as an adjunct, such as ViaMichelin, Google Maps, Bing Maps & Directions, Mapquest, Intermodal Journey Planner and TomTom Route Planner systems may include a Road Route planner as part of their function.

Although as route planning software is prone to mistakes if you try to get directions from destination A to B, the use of common sense is also required. Applications can typically also calculate the journey time and cost, some also display points of interest along the route.

Route planning is notoriously difficult, and this software is famously prone to comical errors. Some are understandable, such as directing people via central London (impassable for much of the day, but to realise this requires local knowledge); others are less easy to credit:

• From Southampton to Portsmouth, avoiding motorways in early AutoRoute versions, the route went via the Isle of Wight, involving two ferry crossings.^{[citation needed]}
• From Haverfordwest to Leominster in AutoRoute 2002, the route offered is via Dún Laoghaire, also involving two crossings, this time of the Irish Sea, a journey requiring in excess of one day of travel. To drive direct takes a few hours.^{[citation needed]}
• According to The Times on 22 November 2005, the RAC's route planner suggests a route from the East Midlands to Devon via Ireland and France, a journey involving three ferry trips.

Route Planning Software - Truck Fleets and Small Delivery Companies

In commercial application, distribution companies with large and small fleets may incorporate route planning software into their fleet management systems to optimize route efficiency and boost profits. An ideal route planning solution for distribution companies will often include GPS tracking capability and advanced reporting features which enable dispatchers to prevent un-planned stops, reduce mileage, and plan more fuel efficient routes.

Users of route planning or routing software can reduce fleet mileage, driver hours and payroll by 20-50%.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Travel technology
• Journey Planner