Route Ruler / News: Recent posts

The mailing list was getting spammed, so it's shut it down. If you need assistance, email Todd through sourceforge.

Route Ruler version 0.5.0 features the single most requested feature from Route Ruler users - MAPS! New integrated WMS support allows you to browse and import USGS maps easily. No more trying to find your own maps or messing with web sites that make it hard to save maps.

Route Ruler helps runners, cyclists, hikers and other athletes plan and measure training routes. Load a map, set the scale and let Route Ruler measure your route as you trace along the map.

Version 0.4.2 is now available for download. Retrace your route for "Out and Back" courses has been added. Improved tooltip-style popups giving information on distance and pacing along the route have also been added (be sure to use the "Split Route" feature to get the most out of this).... read more

Route Ruler version 0.4.0 is now available. This release features the ability to zoom while still maintaining accurate measurements.

We're very proud to offer Route Ruler version 0.3.5. This release offers the ability to export and import routes, complete with map, scale setting and route line. If you run, cycle, walk, hike, or whatever, with friends, this feature will make planning your outing much easier (and fun). An absolute must for clubs, coaches or fitness training groups!

Version 0.2.5 of RouteRuler has been released, now offering an easy "installer" path for windows users. Now, runners, cyclists, hikers, etc., can plan and measure routes without having to worry about installation. While RouteRuler runs on Java, the installer will even work on systems that do not already have Java installed.

Of course RouteRuler continues to run on Mac, Linux and any other system with a 1.4.x or higher JVM. The standard zip file provides a compact download that installs by simply extracting the contents (just be sure Java is installed before attempting to run Route Ruler).

One of the biggest updates for RouteRuler, version 0.2.0, is now available for download. For runners, cyclists, hikers, walkers and others, RouteRuler lets you plan and measure routes easily and accurately. This release makes the experience even more enjoyable.

A completely new look and feel, along with improvements in usability make this release an important step forward. More information, including how to download your free copy are available at http://www.routeruler.com

RouteRuler helps runners, hikers, bikers, etc., plot & measure routes. Version 0.1.10 marks a significant step forward, changing RouteRuler from a simple measuring tool to a full fitness assistance. A new "Pace Calculator" allows you to determine pace (how fast should you complete each kilometer to complete the course in a set amount of time) or forecast your total time (if you complete each kilometer in a set amount of time, how long will it take for you to complete the course).... read more

Version 0.1.8 has been released. Includes tutorial type startup screen.

See www.routeruler.com for more information

Version 0.1.7 has been released. This introduces "Splits".

See www.routeruler.com for more information

RouteRuler's website has moved to www.routeruler.com. The "home page" link still works, and it will take you to the new site. Soon, news stories will not be posted on the sourceforge project page - they will be available on www.routeruler.com instead.

After a bit of a break, RouteRuler is back. For runners, cyclists, hikers and more, load a map, set your scale and click along the route's path to calculate the distance.

Version 0.1.5 offers the ability to "draw" a route. The "point-to-point" method of plotting a route still exists by "clicking" along the route. But now, you can also hold down the mouse button and draw your route.... read more

Version 0.1.4 has a couple of minor bug fixes that created problems with saved routes. You can no longer save two routes with the same name - previously you could do this, but all routes that shared a name pointed to the original saved route :(

You can also now leave the description of the route blank. If you did this before, you would not be able to reopen the list of saved routes. Thanks to Kristi for pointing out both of these bugs.... read more

Version 0.1.3 adds ability to delete saved routes that you don't want any longer.

The instructions for doing this have not been posted to the web site, but I'll try to get to it soon. It's pretty simple, so you shouldn't have much trouble.

I haven't had a lot of time to work on RouteRuler lately. If you're using the program and would like to see new functionality, please let me know. There's nothing more motivating than hearing from someone else who uses the program.... read more

Saved Routes are here - finally. There is a "Save Route" button on the tool bar which will prompt for a Route name and description. Reload it using the Load Saved Route button. The map, route, scale and routeline setting will be restored. Enjoy!

Version 0.1.0 features the ability to load a saved route. While this is of limited use (unless one wishes to manually generate the configuration file), it shows that upcoming versions will allow saving and reloading an entire route (including map, route and route line settings).

Version 0.0.8 is expected to be the last 0.0.x version of Route Ruler. Unless bugs are found which need immediate attention, the next release should be 0.1.0.

The 0.1.x series is expected to implement the ability to save routes. Soon you'll be able to save your favorite routes so that you can travel them over and over again.

Thanks to the folks at Illinois Prarie Path for letting me distribute an electronic version of their map with Route Ruler. I'll be updating the screen shots on the web site in order to feature this map.

In order to make this new map work with Route Ruler, the drawing line needed to be configurable. There's a new button on the tool bar labeled "Route Settings". Click this to bring up a dialog box that lets you set the width and color of the route line. On the IPP map, I like a 4 Red, but use whatever combination you like!... read more

The home page for the Route Ruler project has been updated to include basic instructions on getting started, as well as Open Source information. This should make the project a little more approachable for less technical users. All the install information is for win/lin users, so Mac users are still not catered too, but I hope to change this soon.

Another interesting piece of news - I have been granted permission to use a map of the Illinois Prarie Path map. This will give an alternative to sample maps from Yahoo maps. In order to include this map, the route line (the line created as you click along a path) must be configurable, otherwise measuring with this map is difficult.

Version 0.0.4 introduces the ability to "undo" marks of your route. Now, if you find the route you've choosen is too long or too short, you can "back up" instead of clearing the entire route.

After using this feature, I can't imagine not having it!

Scrolling has been added for large maps. This makes it possible to measure longer routes.

Now you can set your scale using one unit type (for example, in Meters) but measure distances in another scale (like Miles or Feet)

Version 0.0.1 is very rough, but it works.