A bunch of useful features for Route Planning
PitStopper.net is packed with features to help you plan and explore your routes. Many of these features are not immediately obvious - discover what's possible below.
POI Discovery
Search for over 60 categories of points of interest along your route. From water sources and cafes to bike shops and viewpoints - find everything you need.
Example Uses
- Find water refill points on a long ride
- Locate cafes and restaurants for lunch stops
- Discover scenic viewpoints along your route
Location Explorer
Explore any location in detail with street-level photography and Wikipedia articles. Right-click on your route to discover photos and local information about places along your journey.
Example Uses
- Preview what a location looks like with street photos
- Learn about historical landmarks and local attractions
- Research destinations before arriving
- Find interesting detours and points of interest
Interactive Elevation Profile
View your route's elevation profile with POI markers. Hover over the chart to see the corresponding position on the map. Zoom and pan to explore sections in detail.
Example Uses
- Identify challenging climbs before you ride
- Plan rest stops at the top of hills
- Sync chart view with map for detailed analysis
3D Terrain View
Experience your route in stunning 3D with real terrain elevation. Rotate, tilt, and explore the landscape before you go. Perfect for understanding the terrain ahead.
Example Uses
- Visualise mountain passes and valleys
- Preview challenging terrain sections
- Share impressive route visualisations
Route Flyover Animation
Watch an animated flyover of your entire route. The map smoothly pans along your path, giving you a bird's eye preview of your journey.
Example Uses
- Preview the entire route before starting
- Create videos to share with friends
- Familiarise yourself with navigation points
Hazards & Obstacles
Automatically detect potential hazards along your route: tunnels, level crossings, toll booths, gates, cattle grids, and steep sections. Be prepared for what's ahead.
Example Uses
- Plan for tunnels that may need lights
- Know about gates or barriers in advance
- Identify steep climbs and descents
Surface Information
Analyse the road surface along your route. See surface types (asphalt, gravel, dirt), smoothness ratings, and whether there's dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Example Uses
- Check if a route is suitable for road bikes
- Find gravel sections on mixed routes
- Identify cycle paths vs roads
Multi-Route Support
Load and compare multiple routes simultaneously. Each route gets its own colour. Perfect for comparing route options or planning multi-day adventures.
Example Uses
- Compare alternative routes side by side
- Plan multi-day tours with daily segments
- Overlay outward and return routes
Manual POI Addition
Add your own custom POIs anywhere on the map. Mark meeting points, private water sources, or points of personal interest. Right-click anywhere to add a POI.
Example Uses
- Mark the meeting point for a group ride
- Add a friend's house as a pit stop
- Note hazards not in OpenStreetMap
GPX Export with Waypoints
Export your discovered POIs as waypoints in a GPX file. Load them into your GPS device or cycling computer to see POIs during your ride.
Example Uses
- Transfer water points to your Garmin
- Create a GPX with cafe waypoints
- Share POI collections with friends
Time & Clock Time
See estimated arrival times at any point on your route. Set a start time and see clock times displayed on the elevation chart. Accounts for terrain difficulty.
Example Uses
- Plan cafe stops at specific times
- Estimate when you'll reach the summit
- Coordinate meetups mid-route
Distance Markers
Display distance markers along your route at customisable intervals. Know exactly how far you've travelled or how far to go at any point.
Example Uses
- Plan feed zones every 50km
- Know distances for pace planning
- Identify distance to next waypoint
Query POIs at Location
Click anywhere on the map to discover ALL points of interest within 100m, regardless of your category selection. Find hidden gems you might have missed.
Example Uses
- Explore what's around a specific junction
- Find all amenities near a parking spot
- Discover local attractions at rest stops
Print Route Report
Generate a printable report of your route with map, elevation profile, and POI list. Perfect for carrying as a backup or sharing with non-digital riders.
Example Uses
- Carry a paper backup of your route
- Share route details with support crew
- Create a keepsake of completed rides
Category Presets
Save your favourite POI category combinations as presets. Quickly switch between "Road Cycling", "Bikepacking", or "Day Hike" category sets.
Example Uses
- One-click setup for different activities
- Share preset configurations with others
- Quickly switch between riding styles
Save & Load Projects
Save your entire session - routes, POIs, settings - to a project file. Load it later to continue where you left off. Perfect for complex planning sessions.
Example Uses
- Save work-in-progress route planning
- Share complete projects with friends
- Keep archives of past adventures
Multiple Map Layers
Switch between street, satellite, topographic, cycling, and outdoor map styles. Each layer offers different insights into your route.
Example Uses
- Use topo maps for mountain routes
- Check satellite imagery for trail conditions
- Use CyclOSM for cycling infrastructure
Right-Click Context Menus
Right-click on the map, route, or POIs for quick access to actions. Add POIs, query locations, copy coordinates, or navigate to external services.
Example Uses
- Quickly add a POI at any location
- Copy coordinates for sharing
- Open location in Google Maps
Location Mode
Don't have a GPX? Use Location Mode to search for POIs around any point on the map. Set a radius and discover what's nearby.
Example Uses
- Find amenities near your hotel
- Explore POIs around a trailhead
- Plan activities in a new area
Custom Tags
Create your own POI categories using OpenStreetMap tags. Search for windmills, lighthouses, castles, or any other map feature that matters to you.
Example Uses
- Find historic windmills along your cycling route
- Locate lighthouses on a coastal walk
- Discover hedgerows or ancient trees for nature walks
- Search for any OSM-mapped feature type