Have you been using MapPoint to create routes? Are you concerned how you are going to continue to generate route maps, once the software has completely gone out of date? Perhaps the solution is eSpatial route planning software.
How eSpatial works
eSpatial works by taking data from an Excel spreadsheet and plotting – visualizing – it on a map. It then presents to users a suite of mapping tools that help style and, more importantly, analyze mapped data. One such tool is the eSpatial route planning tool.
Using eSpatial route mapping software
Once you plot data on an eSpatial map (watch this video to see how eSpatial plots data), you can start to build routes around the data points (these could be, for example, your customers). There are two ways to do this:
1. Adding plot points to a route, individually
When you choose the route optimization tool in eSpatial, a “+” sign is added to every piece of data on the map. Once you click this, it will be added to your route. You choose a starting point and an endpoint (if you’re creating a round trip route, they will be the same). Then your route is created and mapped, linking the proposed stops. You also get turn-by-turn navigation points, between stops.
2. Selecting multiple points
This is fantastic for quickly gathering together an array of mapped points in a given area. Rather than selecting the points individually, you can batch select by containing the data points within an area you draw, using the selection tool.
eSpatial route planning map with turn-by-turn-directions (detail)
Key advantages of eSpatial route optimization
- eSpatial is built on Azure Maps. Because it is an online, cloud-based, software, eSpatial route maps are always up to date and provide as accurate-as-possible directions.
- Maps can be accessed from any device with an internet connection (PCs, Macs, iPads, iPhones and other smartphones).
- eSpatial works with existing data. Route optimization is built into eSpatial. No third-party software is required to generate routes.
- Routes can be shared by sending an email with a webpage link. eSpatial allows private and public sharing of maps.
- eSpatial route plans can be changed or updated, on the fly, and maps updated to create alternative or new routes.
- eSpatial optimized routes can be printed as hard copies or sent to mobile devices and route legs can be opened using Google Maps or another navigation app.
Deciding whether eSpatial routing is for your business
There are several ways you can assess whether eSpatial route plans will integrate effectively with your business:
- Sign up for a free trial and try create route maps
- Watch this video, which outlines eSpatial route optimization and its benefits
- Organize a product demonstration for yourself or your team by contacting help@eSpatial.com
The complete mapping alternative for MapPoint users
Patrick Butleris the eSpatial Content Writer. He is an experienced journalist who has been dabbling in data and map-making for more years than he care to say.