How to create a Linear Map


Start creating your own linear maps by registering to use the Route Builder. Once you have registered you will receive an email confirmation of your Username and Password, which allows you to Login and start using this application.

When you login select the "Build Route" tab on the task bar to start compiling your route maps.

Route Map Features

A standard route map ("recce") features some or all of the following;
  • A Start and End Point as well as turning points.
  • Points of interest. (hospitals, safe havens, airfields, fuel, rest rooms, etc.)
  • Distances between points as well as cumulative distances.
  • Areas of potential threat to the entourage (choke points, roadblocks, road works, potential ambush sites, communication black spots, etc.)
Follow the steps outlined below to create a new Route Map / Linear Map


Step 1 - Add a Route

Click on the "Add Route" tab to begin compiling a new route. After selecting the Continent, Country and the City, you will need to click on the "Add Route" button. If you would like to create a route for a city that is not in the drop down list, you will need to click the "Add city" button and type in the city name.

Once you have selected the Continent, Country and City, type the Title or description of your Route in the "Title" box. (E.g. Royal Hotel to Heathrow Airport). This description usually describes your route's start and end points.

In the "Route Notes" box you will be able to capture information relating to the route being created. These notes would include but not be limited to the following:
  • Time taken to travel a route at a specific time of day or night
  • Cautionary notes (choke points, road surface, sharp curves)
  • Road rules and regulations (speed restrictions etc.)
  • Description of the country/area traversed (Towns, GPS co-ordinates)
  • Contact details (venues, hospitals, etc.)
  • Description of parking and debus options
The final requirement on this page is to select whether you would like the route to be shown in Miles or Kilometres. Click the "Add Route" button to add this route to the list of Linear Maps for that city.

Step 2 - Points Tab

On the following screen you will see the following tabs. ("Info", "Points" and "Zones")

Continue creating your route by selecting the "Points tab" and adding the Start, End and various Turning points. As each point is added you will notice the route taking shape below the text description of the points added.

Each point that is added will require the following inputs:

  1. From the "Point" drop down box select the description of the point you wish to add. (E.g. Turn left, Turn Right etc.
  2. In the "KM/MI" box type the distance at the turning point.
  3. In the "Description" box type the street name or information about the point being added.
  4. Select "Left" or "Right" to dictate where the text will appear on the map for the point added.
  5. Click the "Insert Point" button to insert this point and each subsequent point.

Next to each description there is a delete or edit option which can be used to delete or edit the point that has been added.

The following is a list of points that are available when creating a Route:
  • Turn left or Right (Also T-junction) - These are depicted with arrows to the right or left and indicate a turn to either side.
  • Traffic Circles - Each traffic circle icon has a number which indicates the exit to be taken (first exit from circle, second exit from circle etc.)
  • Traffic Lights - Traffic lights are indicated using four dots.
  • Slipway or Fork - This icon indicates a fork in the road or a slipway to the left or right.
  • Point of Interest - This icon is a line with a circle and indicates a point of interest on the left or right side of the road.
  • Toilets - The ablution icon is generally only use on long trips to indicate potential relief points.
  • Alternate Routes - The "R"  icon indicates an alternate route to your end destination and should contain text referring to the associated Route map (I.e. Royal Hotel to Heathrow Airport - 1A)
  • Medical / Safe Havens - The Medical "M" and Safe Haven "S" icons can be used to indicate turning points to these facilities.
  • Add Spacing - The Space icon is simply a straight line or section of road with no turn marker that allows the creator of the map to add a section of road to create a sense of scale or to separate different threat zones. (see Zone tab)

Step 3 - Zone Tab

Select the "Zone" tab to add areas of potential threat to the route being planned. This may refer to choke points, communication black spots, changes in road surface etc.

Each zone that is added will require the following inputs:

  1. From the drop down box "Select Threat" select the level of risk associated with the Zone you are adding. (Low threat - Yellow, Medium threat - Tan, High Threat - Red). The colour chosen will depend on the level of threat that you assign based on your risk assessment. The default risk profile is "Low threat."
  2. Insert the start and end km/mi readings for the zone being added.
  3. Insert a text description relating to the Start and End points of the Zone being added. (E.g. Start of road works, End of road works etc.)
  4. "Left / Right Icon" - Select left or right to dictate where the text will appear on the map for the zone added.

Next to each description there is a delete or edit option which can be used to delete or edit the point that has been added.

Step 4 - Info Tab

Should you want to make any changes to the title or description of the route you have added, you will be able to make these changes on the Info Tab. Now click on "Save" to save the route created and then click "Back" to view the list of routes created.

Step 5 - PDF, View, Duplicate

Once you have created your route you will be able to print the route by clicking on "PDF" and selecting either "Fit to Page", "Standard Size" or "Percentage Scale". These options allow you to select how you will view the print version. To print or save this map, mouse over the bottom of the map and select the print or save icon. The Duplicate option allows you to create a similar route map to the original, which you are able to edit to quickly create an alternate route. 

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