Digital mapping – planning a route
Effective route planning using Anquet Maps can not only be safer, more accurate and quicker than traditional methods, but also
provide the user with more relevant information. For instance, when I consider a route using a paper map, for the estimate of distance, I count grid
squares, and I assess gradient changes and altitude gain by looking at and counting the contours. With
Anquet, I simply click a button to instantly view the distance, total ascent, estimated time and other
statistics. A further click of the mouse brings up the route profile in a graphical form for easy viewing.
Find your route
To plot your route, you need to first locate the correct mapping. You can do this in Anquet by entering a
grid reference or searching the gazetteer, which contains over 250,000 items, so you can search for
the smallest of features, such as hill or farm names.
Once at your location, you can now use the different map types available in Anquet. For example,
you may decide to view Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale mapping while surveying a larger area to decide where to walk. However, the map of choice
for walkers in Great Britain is the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale mapping and it is this data that you are most likely to plot your route on.
Plot your route
Plotting a route is extremely simple. Right-click on the map where you wish to start and select ‘Start Route’. This creates the first waypoint. Now simply
move the mouse to the first major change of direction and left-click – this will position a second waypoint. Continue until you reach the end of your
route, right-click once more and select ‘End Route’.
Assess your route
Clicking the information button brings up a box that contains a wealth of information, including total
distance, total ascent, maximum and minimum altitudes and an estimated time. The estimated time makes allowances for ascent and descent and
can be tailored to individual walkers.
Print your route
Anquet has a powerful print system, allowing you to print the map as you would like to view it, with the route you have plotted superimposed on it.
Out onto the hill
Although Anquet is great fun to use, its primary function is to facilitate easier and safer route planning,
so you can spend more time in the hills. For those who navigate using a compass, with your newly printed map, you are all set. For those who use a
GPS or Pocket Anquet on a Pocket PC or Smartphone, Anquet can easily transfer the data you have plotted to the device to be taken out into the field.
Graham Hughes, Managing Director,
Anquet Technology