http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: CycleStreets app en Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:23:29 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749&page=2#post-227799 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 07:37:05 +0000 nobrakes 227799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can confirm the app works with cached map tiles - tried it last night. Worked a treat. Also received a 'nearly out of data' warning from my provider yesterday, which isn't a big deal as I only have 250MB a month and do spend a bit of time using remote desktop from my phone which eats most of that, but the app clearly uses non-trivial data amounts for those on a fixed plan. I decided to break out an old HTC Sensation running Android and have downloaded the offline map pack and the Android version. So hopefully now I have a bike sat nav that requires no data connection at all. Haven't tried it yet but it looks to be at least a few dev cycles ahead of the windows one. Great, great app and project! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749&page=2#post-227797 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 23:52:02 +0000 rbrtwtmn 227797@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Wingpig: various 'view' options is something we're not short of in regard to OSM. Bear in mind that openstreetmap.org highlights 4 map styles just really as a way to get people started. Take a look at this bewildering list of OSM based services...<br /> <a href="http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/List_of_OSM-based_services" rel="nofollow">http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/List_of_OSM-based_services</a></p> <p>Some of these may use one of the map 'renderings' (i.e. styles / views) which you see on openstreetmap.org - but many/most will use their own rendering.</p> <p>And when you've done with this list you can read through the list of apps for Android / iphone devices too:<br /> wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Android<br /> <a href="http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Apple_iOS" rel="nofollow">http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Apple_iOS</a></p> <p>Then consider that an increasing number of apps and services allow you to style the map how you want it....</p> <p>For those who don't mind messing about with a technical app I recommend looking up 'openandromaps' - and playing with one of the apps which use these downloadable maps. These apps tend to be more complex - but the maps can be re-styled on a mobile device at will (using community created styles), and adapting someone elses map style to your requirements may not be out of the question. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749&page=2#post-227704 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 09:32:53 +0000 wingpig 227704@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What would make Cyclestreets/OSM data much more useable would be a "Spokes map view" with simple big purple lines highlighting properly-cycleable infrastructure, especially when using a phone. If you're following a labelled NCN it's sometimes not too bad but most of the detail is hard to appreciate without a reasonably-sized screen with space to have the key and layer controls open. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227690 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 08:30:28 +0000 nobrakes 227690@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@wingpig it appeared to be sending me through the main corridor of the ERI, the one that goes up past the shops etc.</p> <p>I think I might have inadvertently added a random pin before planning the route, it's easy to do if you brush the screen. However, still confused as to the routing. </p> <p>I will definitely look into contributing if I see any oddities that are definitely not user error. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227689 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 07:31:25 +0000 wingpig 227689@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote><em>"Well, didn't go as planned. Was directed to cycle THROUGH the Royal Infirmary..."</em></blockquote></p> <p>Unless it means through a building, it can be done. There's the slope up to Craigmillar Castle Road or the bus lane to Greendykes/Niddrie. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227684 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 00:35:22 +0000 chdot 227684@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You forgot to mention that OSMers have meets - sometimes in pubs... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227681 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 23:18:04 +0000 rbrtwtmn 227681@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just a note for those who haven't heard it before (everyone else please skip the post)... there are lots of expert (and very-expert) Openstreetmap contributors who participate in this forum. I like to really try to emphasise to people that contributing to OSM can be very easy. Full editing is pretty simple, but even before that there's a method for suggesting corrections or updates to the mapping that is simple as simple can be... </p> <p>See here: <a href="http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Notes#Adding_notes" rel="nofollow">http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Notes#Adding_notes</a> </p> <p>In regard to the use of Cyclestreets what this means is that if it gives you an odd routing which you think may be because of a mapping error you can let the OSM contributor community know about this. Perhaps take a look at at one of the main Openstreetmap based maps and check... is the map missing a set of steps, or a closed gate? </p> <p>One step more complex (but still simple) take a look at this tool:<br /> <a href="https://blog.openstreetmap.org/2014/12/01/new-query-feature/" rel="nofollow">https://blog.openstreetmap.org/2014/12/01/new-query-feature/</a><br /> With it you can check for the underlying data from which the map is drawn. So have you been routed down a really muddy track? Check the data for the track - does it say what the surface is? If not add a note to say so. </p> <p>Or become a contributor yourself. Seems complex at first - but once you realise what's basically going on it's really not. There are lines, shapes and points. Each line, shape or point is labelled with some data to say what it represents. If you want to help you need to work out what the conventions are about this labelling. For example if you add the words 'highway' and 'motorway' to a line this means it represents a motorway. Bet you guessed that. Er... well that's it really. </p> <p>Lastly - note that there are now a huge number of apps based on OSM. Cyclestreets is one of the very best for suggesting intelligent cycle routes/routing. There are better apps for other purposes. </p> <p>Bonus: if you help to get the data right then your work contributes automatically to all of the apps and services based on the OSM data (not just to Cyclestreets).</p> <p>OSM promotion session over... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227673 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 22:13:18 +0000 chrisfl 227673@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On the offline cabability, I've no idea how the Windows App works, but on Android they have a "UK Map Pack" download on the app store. It's fairly big at 320MB (but not that bad given it covers the whiole of the UK)</p> <p>The developers do keep talking about improving the frontend - so I imagine it will happen sometime. But I find the "mobile" html version actually is quite good, have a look at <a href="https://m.cyclestreets.net/">https://m.cyclestreets.net/</a></p> <p>Finally if you do spot any routing oddities, do mention it here and we can check the underlying data. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227663 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:54:01 +0000 chdot 227663@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"not accessing maps off the phone, it will be internal to the app I guess?"</p> <p>No, downloads OSM related tiles. </p> <p>"</p> <p>Where does the map data come from?</p> <p>The map data is from OpenStreetMap which is an ongoing project to map the world. We are immensely grateful to all the volunteers who have created the base data. Please consider donating to OpenStreetMap.</p> <p>OpenStreetMap data, (and therefore the routes that CycleStreets plans) are licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License, which is explained at <a href="http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright" rel="nofollow">http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright</a>. The cartography in the OpenStreetMap derived map tiles are licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="https://www.cyclestreets.net/about/" rel="nofollow">https://www.cyclestreets.net/about/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227655 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:52:52 +0000 nobrakes 227655@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well, didn't go as planned. Was directed to cycle THROUGH the Royal Infirmary, unless I missed something simple, wasn't sure where I was meant to be heading and ended up back on the A7 gridlock out to Shawfair. Will be utilising the pin functionality to specify the route more carefully next time. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227639 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:10:10 +0000 nobrakes 227639@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye, sounds reasonable. I was wondering if windows phones came preinstalled with uk maps or something. I haven't really investigated that deeply. EDIT - but it's probably not accessing maps off the phone, it will be internal to the app I guess? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227638 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:06:02 +0000 dougal 227638@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The route will probably still work from cached mapping data but won't be able to fetch any more. So if you go into the fog of war, expect to be blind. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227637 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:00:50 +0000 nobrakes 227637@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Clarification of functionality - when you create a route, you get the message "This route has been saved and can be loaded even when a data connection is unavailable from the Load Route menu".</p> <p>I'm not sure if this means the app will still work with GPS only even when there is no data connection. I will try tonight. My test in the office reveals that on my windows phone, maps and GPS are still operable without a data connection and CS is showing the correct location. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227616 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:48:48 +0000 chdot 227616@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Even if you can't/won't use on journeys, the app is still worth having because of what I said earlier -</p> <p>"Great advantage of the apps over the website is that you can add pins to plot routes that go via places you want to visit and/or circular routes." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227605 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:31:52 +0000 crowriver 227605@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@nobrakes, @cb, interesting. Okay may give it a shot! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227600 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:17:54 +0000 Frenchy 227600@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>There must be a reasonable route using Braid Hills Drive. Is cycling through the Drum Estate welcomed/easy/practical?</em></p> <p>Absolutely, just need to share the road with the partridges at the moment.</p> <p>If you're looking for other quiet alternatives, there's a shared use pavement from Danderhall down to Ferniehill Drive, and then you can take the quiet streets through Moredun (QuietRoute 61 goes this way, but I'm not sure of exact route).</p> <p>The fastest route is probably along Ferniehill Drive and Newtoft Street, then down Lasswade Road and turn left at the top of Kirk Brae. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227596 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:12:31 +0000 nobrakes 227596@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Will test today and see what happens! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227594 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:06:26 +0000 cb 227594@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@nobrakes, I'd go with what the tutorial said, anyhow it could well be different between Windows/Android. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227593 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:57:47 +0000 nobrakes 227593@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Cb interesting, the tutorial I read on my phone suggested you could still use the created routes even if there was no connection. I must have misread that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227591 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:56:31 +0000 cb 227591@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver, it does need mobile data turned on but there is an optional Map Pack you can download (on Android at least) which lets you work offline.</p> <p>Current map pack is 319MB and covers the "whole of the UK and Ireland". </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227587 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:48:55 +0000 nobrakes 227587@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver if you create a route over wifi at home, it apparently stores it locally. Haven't tested that but will put it in flight mode on the way home tonight and see if it still works. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227584 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:44:46 +0000 chdot 227584@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dropped pin near 143 Drum St, Edinburgh EH17 8RU <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/g9yG9RVpzVp" rel="nofollow">https://goo.gl/maps/g9yG9RVpzVp</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227583 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:44:29 +0000 crowriver 227583@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye, but does the app require mobile data to be switched ON (i.e.. needs internet to operate)? If so, it's a no from me... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227581 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:41:09 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 227581@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ooh, interesting. I foresee a meandering Friday morning commute. I've often seen the entrance and wondered if you were allowed to ride through. Where does that come out on the other end? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227577 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:32:24 +0000 chdot 227577@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Is cycling through the Drum Estate welcomed/easy/practical?"</p> <p>Very pleasant, fairly good surface, signed within the estate to discourage people from deviating.</p> <p>At the Danderhall side, very much looks like you go through private doors -</p> <p>Dropped pin near 642 Old Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4SL <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6AGNcojfBbK2" rel="nofollow">https://goo.gl/maps/6AGNcojfBbK2</a></p> <p>Well you do, but perfectly legally. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227576 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:24:06 +0000 chdot 227576@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Perhaps that's why CS suggests going over the bridge?"</p> <p>It will be. Bit of a struggle with an ordinary bike, but that junction is baaad.</p> <p>Best to go left and do a U-turn when safe. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227575 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:20:34 +0000 chdot 227575@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A bit later (after getting the small amount of funding from the Scottish Government) this happened!</p> <p><a href="http://www.rtaylor.co.uk/transportdirect-cyclestreets.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rtaylor.co.uk/transportdirect-cyclestreets.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227574 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:19:53 +0000 nobrakes 227574@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@cb no I went down to the junction with Slateford Road and turned right. It's a terrible junction on the recumbent as you can't get your head far enough forward to see what's coming from the right. Perhaps that's why CS suggests going over the bridge? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227571 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:16:17 +0000 cb 227571@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Interesting that the fastest route also opts for the Innocent (for my chosen start/end points).</p> <p><a href="https://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/54387267/#quietest">https://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/54387267/#quietest</a></p> <p>Not much between the fastest/balanced/quiet options.</p> <p>Did you lug your bike (recumbent?) over the steps at Slateford Station?</p> <p>There must be a reasonable route using Braid Hills Drive. Is cycling through the Drum Estate welcomed/easy/practical? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16749#post-227570 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 09:55:46 +0000 nobrakes 227570@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot yes it's a great example of crowdsourcing. Congrats on being involved in such a great project! </p>