How to draw and measure a route on a map
Draw a route on a real map, see its length straight away, mark stops with pins and send the whole thing to someone as a link. No account needed.
Steps
- Search for your start point. Type a place or address in the search box, or use the location button.
- Let MapDraft find the route. Choose the Route planner (D), click the start, any stops and the destination, and the route follows real roads and paths with the time for Walk, Bike and Drive shown side by side. Pick the one you want. Press Add route to map to keep it.
- Or draw your own line with the path tool. Press G for Polygon / path. Click along the road, trail or line you want to follow. Press Enter or use the Finish as a line button to end an open path, or click the first point to close a loop.
- Or draw freehand. The Pen (P) follows your cursor or finger for a quick sketch, the Line (L) draws a straight line with its length, and the Arrow (A) marks direction between two points.
- Read the distance. The length of the path is shown on the line and in the panel, in miles or kilometres depending on your units setting.
- Add pins and notes. Press M to drop a pin for a start, a stop or a meeting point, and T to add a text label.
- Share it. Use Share to copy a link or embed code. The whole map is stored inside the link, so whoever opens it sees exactly what you drew.
Good uses
- Walking, running and cycling loops
- Delivery or service areas and rounds
- Site walks and field notes
- Event layouts, parade routes and parking plans
Things to know
The Path, Pen and Arrow tools draw exactly the line you place. The Route planner follows roads and paths using free OpenStreetMap routing, but it does not give turn-by-turn directions, so use it to plan, measure and communicate rather than to navigate. Distances and times are estimates.
MapDraft is a free beta. Areas and distances are estimates for planning and discussion, not survey-grade measurements.