MapMagic is an advanced route planner designed specifically for cycling, hiking, and running enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, conquering challenging terrain, or cruising along picturesque routes, MapMagic has got you covered. With MapMagic by your side, you’ll stay updated on all aspects of your journey and explore new destinations fully armed. Here are the main highlights on how to use MapMagic to take your adventures to a whole new level.
How to Plan an Activity-Specific Route
Planning an activity-specific route has never been easier. No more unexpected gravel roads or detours through swamps! Simply head to MapMagic and click on the “Add Route” button at the top. Choose your preferred mode from hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, driving, river routes, or manual routing. Using your waypoints, our smart technology will automatically create a route between them that suits your chosen activity, taking into account the most appropriate surfaces.
How to Determine the Terrain and the Complexity of the Route
Before creating your route, you get to decide the level of challenge you’re up for. Are you in the mood for a leisurely ride with picture-perfect pit stops? Or perhaps you’re craving a high-intensity workout? Whatever your preference, you can plot your perfect adventure with the help of MapMagic. Our intuitive platform allows you to build a route with consistent terrain or one with thrilling ascents and descents based on your desired level of intensity.
We want you to stay informed every step of the way. That’s why MapMagic provides detailed information on terrain, complexity, distance, difficulty, and estimated time for each route. As you build your route on our interactive map, you’ll see different dotted lines showcasing the various surface types. And don’t worry, we’ve got all the surface stats highlighted in the lower right corner and in the route description card on the left so you can make informed decisions about your adventure. You can also see the highs and lows of every meter of your route in a detailed elevation profile at the bottom right.
How to Plot a Detailed Route with MapMagic 50+ Layers and Overlays
We understand that a single map or layer might not be enough to get all the information you need for designing your perfect adventure. That’s why we offer over 50 layers and overlays that cater to different needs, ensuring you have all the required details. Let’s dive in and explore some of these layers!
The Google and Bing Satellite layers allow you to explore areas with incredible detail. When the basic map isn’t enough, switch to this layer and immerse yourself in stunning aerial views.
If you are planning an overnight trip, MapMagic has all the camping details you need. With the Camping Ground layer, you can easily find all the perfect spots to pitch your tent. And for those unexpected rainy moments, the Shelter layer will mark all the rain shelters near your route. Wherever you go, stay hydrated all the way through with our Water Sources layer.
MapMagic also offers marked routes and topographic maps like OS Maps or USGS for many countries. Just head over to the Map Styles and Layers tab and click the Other Layers button to access all these incredible options.
How to Find Popular Routes
If you’re new to route planning or embarking on a long ride or hike for the first time, it’s wise to start with routes that have been tried and tested by thousands of fellow adventurers. That’s where Strava Heatmap Ride and Run layers come in.
By checking out these layers, you can see exactly where other enthusiasts have been adventuring over the past year. The bolder the line, the more popular the route. It’s an excellent way to discover new paths and ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.
How to Add POI and Snapshots to Your Route
To plan in more detail and make your route even more exciting, why not spice it up with some awesome POI (Points of Interest)? These little markers will help you pinpoint the best viewpoints, water sources, cozy campsites, and other meaningful locations along your journey.
With a selection of over 200 icons, you can find the perfect symbol to represent each POI. Plus, you can pick the ideal color and even upload a snapshot to make it truly personal. To get started, click on the “Add POI” tab on the top toolbar of the page, then click on a point on the map to add a new POI and enter all the necessary information.
How to Plan a Route Together with Your Fellow Travelers
Like Google Docs for document creation, MapMagic lets you map your routes together with your friends in real-time. This feature is incredibly convenient because it shows everyone’s involvement on the map, allowing you to see who is working on specific parts of the route.
Imagine planning a multi-day trip where each team member can contribute to different sections of the journey. This collaboration makes route creation faster, and the adventure becomes more coordinated and well-thought-out.
To share your route with others, simply click the “Share” button next to your profile icon and enter the email addresses of the people you want to join you in creating this exciting adventure.
How to Plan a Multi-Day Route
We know that planning multi-day adventures can be a bit overwhelming at times. You often end up with one massive route with no clear segments.
With MapMagic, you have the power to break your route down into clear and convenient segments. Each segment represents a specific part of your journey, with designated stops, sights to see, and daily destinations. You can even customize the name and color of each segment, making it easier to visualize and navigate your multi-day adventure.
If you already have pre-made routes or want to expand on existing ones, MapMagic allows you to easily download and refine your routes. You can seamlessly combine uploaded routes with ready-made ones on the map or your own custom creations, ensuring a truly personalized itinerary for your epic adventure.
How to Sync Your Route with Garmin
With MapMagic, you can easily sync your route with your Garmin computer. Even if you’re exploring areas with no signal, you’ll still be able to enjoy your planned adventure without any interruptions.
Here’s how it works: once you’ve finished plotting your route, go to the left-hand route panel and choose the “Send to Garmin” option from the drop-down menu. That’s it! Your route will be seamlessly transferred to your Garmin Connect account, getting you ready for an amazing journey. If you’re not quite ready to send it right away, you can always find your auto-saved route in your account and sync it with Garmin later.
Top 5 Features That Make MapMagic Stand Out
Collaborative Route Planning
MapMagic provides a unique opportunity to plot a route together with your fellow travelers. Wherever you go, let your companions collaborate with you to design a well-structured and engaging route that will appeal to everyone in the group.
A User-Friendly Interface
With a design inspired by popular platforms like Asana and Miro, MapMagic offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for novice travelers. You’ll find the route plotting flow familiar and intuitive.
50+ Layers and Overlays
MapMagic goes above and beyond by offering a wide range of layers and overlays to enhance your mapping experience. From Strava layers for popular routes to satellite layers for detailed terrain exploration and even layers highlighting cafes, accommodation, and historical sites, you’ll have all the information you need.
POI (Points of Interest) Integration
MapMagic allows you to add custom POIs to your map, marking essential locations like parking lots, water sources, and noteworthy spots. This feature keeps your adventure well organized and ensures you don’t miss any important details.
Segmenting Capabilities
MapMagic allows you to seamlessly segment your trips, making it easy to structure multi-day adventures. This feature lets you plan and visualize each segment, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
What Do You Get with a PRO Account?
By upgrading to a PRO membership, you gain access to even more useful features to plan your dream adventure:
- Open multiple routes on one map. Combine them any way you want to create your very own customized journey.
- Utilize the full collection of 50+ layers and overlays, including the ability to toggle through maps using hotkeys for quick navigation.
- Enjoy unlimited sends to Garmin devices and download GPX and KML files without limitations.
- Create your unique username to make your account even more memorable.
We’re always striving to make MapMagic better for our users. If you ever have any questions, ideas, or recommendations, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to join our vibrant Discord community, where you can connect with fellow adventurers and share your thoughts.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements by following us on social media. Let MapMagic be your trusted companion as you explore the great outdoors!