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Almost-Satnav For Cycling

Posted by timothy on from the putting-you-in-the-saddle-since-2010 dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A couple of guys (us) in Cambridge have written a cycle routing system, CycleStreets.net, based on open data, and have now released it as a free iPhone app. It's been done on a shoestring, in spare time. There's an API and some disruptive tech in the form of a photo submission screen where street problems can be submitted directly. Because it's open data, you don't have to wait 6 months for the routing to be fixed if there's a bug. Android and .mobi versions are in the works, with the apps being done on GitHub."

10 of 119 comments (clear)

  1. Real time updates by geekoid · · Score: 4, Funny

    you say? Submission by anyone you say? Finally I can get those self righteous morons in Portland to ride into the river.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
    1. Re:Real time updates by JimWise · · Score: 5, Informative

      I think much of it has to do with lessening chaffing, wearing a material that will let your sweat evaporate vs just absorb it, not as a fashion statement to try to catch the eyes of condescending people like you and your wife. Those who ride longer distances/more strenuous routes seem to think it is worth wearing even when having to put up with ribbing/heckling from people like you, so apparently the benefits are noticeable enough to make it worth their while to pay the extra expense of cycling gear (a T-shirt and shorts are quite a bit less expensive) along with wearing it out on a ride on public roads/paths.

    2. Re:Real time updates by topham · · Score: 4, Funny

      That look of disgust on your wife's face is the realization that she could have done better.

  2. Openfietskaart.nl by hkz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Congrats on Slashvertising your app. In Holland we've had www.openfietskaart.nl for a while already. There's also www.opencyclemap.org. Yes, open mapping is cool, no, this is not news.

    1. Re:Openfietskaart.nl by solevita · · Score: 4, Insightful

      There's also www.opencyclemap.org. Yes, open mapping is cool, no, this is not news.

      OpenCycleMap tiles are used as part of this app; the news isn't maps for cyclists, it's a satnav app for cyclists that's interesting.

  3. Based on OpenStreetMap data by solevita · · Score: 4, Informative
    As one of the devs writes:

    "CycleStreets has been made possible by the brilliant OpenStreetMap project, dubbed the 'Wikipedia of Maps'. Cyclists and others all around the UK collect and update street data that enables us then to create routing that thinks like a cyclist. Unlike traditional SatNav data, OpenStreetMap data is controlled by its user community. Anyone can get involved in OpenStreetMap, and over 300,000 people around the world are already doing so."

    So if you want to help improve the application, and contribute to plenty of other worthy projects, you could think about checking out The Map in your area and seeing if there's anything you could contribute.

  4. OSM on Garmin for cyclists by ben_kelley · · Score: 5, Informative

    With a suitable Garmin GPS (there are a number of models that do auto-routing that have bicycle mounts), you can load up an OSM based cycle map and get cycle routing that way. See http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garmin/Cycle_map

    If you already own one of these, you'll probably find it is somewhat more water resistant than an iPhone.

  5. Re:Probably off topic, but I want to know! by samurphy21 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My Tracks will record your tracks, and I think allow you to import them into google maps. Google latitude, part of Google Maps, will allow those you tag as authorized to view your whereabouts, if you want people to find you when you're out on the road. Those are the two main apps I use for that kind of stuff.

    Do you need to be able to view your phone in this holder, or do you just want it to be able to gather data while you bike? I use a frame bag and just tuck my phone in there, when I'm out.

  6. If you really need this... by sleeping143 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    why not just buy a GPS device designed for motorcyclists? They've been around for a while, mount right to the handlebars, and have tons of rider-friendly features. Plus, you don't need a cellular data signal, which I'd think would be uncommon on roads where you'd honestly need GPS mapping. Of course, here I am assuming that this is something you need, and not something you just want for no good reason.

  7. Re:just a guy by telchine · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Usability is so important. Put you time and effort in to that - the "open data" is already there thanks to OSM.

    I just use a TomTom One with a decent bicycle mount. It's easy to use and with USB charging, I can easily power it with a standard battery to USB charger and it cost £100 (much less than an iPhone would have cost). Okay, it doesn't cover bridleways, but you can never be sure what the conditions are going to be like on bridleways. Muddy tracks suitable for horses aren't always suitable for a road bike.