Interactive maps for cycle race

MapIT has developed a new mapping tool that aims to improve the experience for both participants and spectators in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge.

MapIT has developed a new interactive mapping tool to improve the experience of both participants and spectators in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge to be held in Johannesburg on 20 November, 2011.

The new web map features unique interactive tools, as well as a user-friendly design and layout ‚ allowing visitors to navigate around the map with greater ease. A detailed route profile has also been provided to assist cyclists in preparing for the race and planning their strategies. In addition, popular social media application Twitter has been integrated into the map, allowing users to ‚tweet’ #cyclechallenge and interact with friends while on the site. Other important features include accurate street level zooming, automated routing function to plan and navigate around road closures, medical and water point locations and a 360-degree interactive street view of selected sections of the route.

‚We feel privileged to be able to once again provide our advanced mapping technology to the organisers and participants of the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge,‚ says Etienne Louw, Managing Director of MapIT. ‚The new features, look and layout of the map will enhance the experience of everyone involved and allow competitors to maximise their performance on the day.‚

According to the event organisers, one of the most important features of the mapping site is the road closure routing tool, which utilises a ‚where are you, where do you want to go’ principle to devise alternate routes.

‚Users simply type in an address and then enter a destination,‚ explains Louw. ‚The routing function will then automatically calculate an alternate route around road closures. In addition, users can also email and print the detailed route instructions and navigate to where they want to go on the day of the race. This has a huge impact on traffic congestion levels in the city.‚

The map’s updated route profile function allows cyclists to visualise the route in pre-race orientation and planning, as it depicts the ‚hill and valley’ aspects of the route (elevation details) in graphic format, showing inclines and declines measured in metres against distance in kilometres.

‚The new map is extremely effective, looks good and is easy to use,‚ says Dominique de Klerk , the event organiser. ‚The team at MapIT have once again done an outstanding job, and their contribution to the popularity and success of the race cannot be underestimated.‚

The route map can be found on the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge website (www.cyclechallenge.co.za) and accessed on a menu tab. Click on ‚route information’ to go to the route map link.

Summary of features:

– Medical and refreshment points along the route.

– A route profile of the route in elevation indicating inclines and declines and additional route information

– Kilometre spaced distance markers

– An alternate re-routing tool that competitors, spectators and residents can use to avoid road closures.

– A rotatable 360 degree ‚SiteSee’ preview of key stages of the route environment

– The map is available the Momentum 94.7 website, www.cyclechallenge.co.za or directly http://947.mapservice.co.za

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