The purpose of this article is to explain the various methods available to you for planning high-precision routes in areas that are not mapped on OpenStreetMap.

Method 1: Use only the SonarVision platform

If you don’t want to go through the hassle and the route isn’t very long, the simplest option is to stick with the SonarVision editing platform:

1. Add and verify the locations of the starting and ending points on the platform.

2. Use the route planner to calculate a preliminary route between the two locations. You can right-click to add waypoints.
   Note: This preliminary route will therefore follow sections of road!

3. Move the route onto the sidewalk (left-click on the route nodes) and add crosswalks, median islands, and stairs (right-click on the route segment).

4. Click the “Verify” button, then save.

Method 2: Map on OpenStreetMap and then wait for the route calculator to update.

If you know you’ll be creating multiple routes in an area or if you simply want to help improve the pedestrian route graph—which will benefit all SonarVision users—it’s best to first map the route on OpenStreetMap. It’s a slightly more complex process with a learning curve, but it will save you a lot of time in the long run.

1. Determine the area to map. You can use the route calculator and waypoints to visualize the streets where you want to add pedestrian routes. We recommend always adding a little more than you need: this will allow you to easily make small detours.

2. Add the pedestrian routes to this area on OpenStreetMap by following this tutorial: Improving Route Planner Results. Upload your work before midnight (UTC+2) if you want your changes to take effect the next day.

3. Wait for the route planner SonarVision to update. The update begins every day at midnight (French time, UTC+2) and takes a little over 2 hours.

4. The next day, recalculate the route between your two points. If you’ve done a good job mapping, the route is usable as is, but you can still refer to the following article if necessary: Creating a Good Route

Method 3: Record a track

In some cases, it’s easier to go out in the field to record a route. You can then use the track recording feature: Record a Track

It will soon be possible to export your track as a GPX file and upload it directly to OpenStreetMap so it can be used to improve the pedestrian graph.