Small questions with easy solution

[Cer-o]

With the permission of @devemux86 and if it seems correct to him, I'll open this thread in which I can post little doubts that can be easily resolved and not fill the forum with threads without much interest.

[Cer-o]

To begin with, and seeing this configuration, I understand that I am navigating with BRouter offline maps. It's right?

[devemux86]

I understand that I am navigating with BRouter offline maps

Correctly. Note that it is BRouter offline routing:

• Offline maps: they are used for map rendering
• Offline routing: it is used for route calculation

The profile and service are also displayed in the menu "Routes" title.
The title is clickable and goes in route settings to change the options.

[Cer-o]

What are the advantages or disadvantages of traveling with offline maps?
Today for many kilometers he traveled with the planned route and that he was doing and the map was a white background.

[devemux86]

Offline means that it does not require internet to use:

• Offline maps do not need internet to show the map (no empty map)
• Offline routing does not need internet to calculate routes

Cruiser can be used completely offline.

[0709wiwiwi]

@Cer-o
Another comment.

To start with.

The question.
If you select this, the BRouter indeed can provide the necessary offline routing services if you need them.

So the visual maps in Cruiser are provided by a map service like Mapsforge or others.
But these visual maps all do lack the necessary routing data to calculate you a route trajectory.

That so visible map view can thus either contain many or very few details, just like paper maps so do.
The router does not use the visible map to calculate a trajectory but uses the router data available online or offline.
The calculated trajectory is then projected on top of the visible map as a track including the turn instructions.

The necessary routing data is thus provided completely separately by an online or offline router service.
Brouter (offline) so does not contain a visual map but just contains the necessary data to calculate a trajectory.
It is from this calculated result by the router service that the Cruiser app than can offer you the navigation service.

A "planned" trajectory calculated this way can be saved for reuse as a .kurviger file or as a gpx navigation track.
After importing a such previously calculated trajectory Cruiser so then immediately can (re)start the navigation.
To navigate using such a prepared file after an import, you so don't even need any active routing service available.
Everything Cruiser needs is already present in the file. Without routing service, however, you can't change anything later.

ADVISED to study read and understand!
You can still find a very complete and well prepared explanation here. (Kurviger 1 and 2 app).
Look at it quickly before this manual section probably will disappear sooner or later !

https://docs.kurviger.de/app/manual/prev_vers

This info is still very up to date and also still fits very well with the evolving Cruiser app.
Not mentioned is that a gpx navigation track file offers the same potential as a .kurviger file.
At the time of writing this excellent manual, the gpx navigation track mode was unknown.
The Cruiser app handles both file modes perfectly and these are convertible between each other.

[Cer-o]

Thank you very much for such detailed information (I already have homework to inform me when I return from the trip).
So what we see on the screen is typical of Cruiser and independent of the routing service we choose?

[devemux86]

So what we see on the screen is typical of Cruiser and independent of the routing service we choose?

@Cer-o correctly. 👍

To download offline maps, you can follow the steps shown below:

[Cer-o]

I have these downloaded. What I don't understand is why when I enter an area where I don't have data coverage, the maps disappear and a white background remains on which the route appears.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

Your image is for the BRouter that downloads routing data for offline route calculation.

To download and use offline maps you need to use the screen mentioned above: #227 (reply in thread)

[ramondevic]

You are confusing magnesia with gymnastics ;) They are two different things: routes and maps. What you have downloaded is THE DATA to be able to calculate the offline route, but you need to have downloaded (and opened) the offline maps. De: cero ***@***.***> Enviado el: martes, 27 de junio de 2023 20:25 Para: devemux86/cruiser ***@***.***> CC: Subscribed ***@***.***> Asunto: Re: [devemux86/cruiser] Thread of small doubts with easy solution. (Discussion #227) I have these downloaded. What I don't understand is why when I enter an area where I don't have data coverage, the maps disappear and a white background remains on which the route appears. <https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/122309655/249249040-a0e15cc6-0bd5-4899-bdbb-fb6d8ea3d354.png>

[Cer-o]

Ahhh ok, I was confused.
It turns out that if I have them downloaded.

What do I have to do to open them?

[devemux86]

All downloads in Cruiser are automatically activated.

Probably @Cer-o enabled an online map and deactivated them?
In any case, as @WolfgangZ42 mentioned, you can tap and activate them (they become blue).

Also with online maps after a zoom a message appears to download and use offline maps. 🙂

[0709wiwiwi]

Some apps activate the necessary vector maps automatically provided they come from the same source. Like several already downloaded available offline Mapsforge vector maps. Automatic map loading out of a mix from different map provider sources is not valid.

[devemux86]

Automatic map loading out of a mix from different map provider sources is not valid.

This is not allowed in Cruiser too, we must decide and use maps from one source: Mapsforge or OpenAndroMaps or Freizeitkarte.

[0709wiwiwi]

A better solution maybe can be offered by automatic automatic vector map loading ?
I suppose especially for the new users automatic map loading will be appreciated ?
Continue here:
#101 (comment)

[devemux86]

@0709wiwiwi let's better discuss the world map or new ideas in their topics:

• World map #101

This discussion is more about the questions by @Cer-o and others for the existing features. 🙂

[Cer-o]

If I can't choose the type of route, why does it give me a choice between so many colors?

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

These colors are used when we import Kurviger routes with one route profile or with several route profiles per segment.

The straight line color is also used in BRouter (offline) that supports straight lines in route planning.

[Cer-o]

Ahhh perfect, that's my case. Thank you.

[Cer-o]

There are times when in the middle of navigation I need to stop to review the route, if at that moment I am looking south the map is turned to the south but I want to turn it to the north and I can't find the way

[devemux86]

Press the location button (bottom-right) to quickly return to user location and navigation orientation.

[devemux86]

During navigation we can move / zoom the map to explore other areas.
Navigation will auto center / zoom automatically after some time.

Or you can make it auto center / zoom immediately with location button.

The auto center timer can be adjusted in "Settings | Location | Advanced".

[0709wiwiwi]

@Cer-o

but I want to turn it to the north and I can't find the way

You halt, you pause the navigation, than have a look at the compass needle, if not north long push on it, than select no rotation. After review you reset to your prefered rotation mode.

[devemux86]

@0709wiwiwi well done, this is the correct answer! 👍

(I missed the question) 🙂

[Cer-o]

Ohh perfect, thank you very much.

[Cer-o]

If I import the kurviger routes and the routes that I improvise, I design them directly in Cruiser, I understand that BRouter is not essential.
It's right?
It is that I see that it is difficult for me to understand the role that BRouter plays.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o only import Kurviger routes and start navigation, then you do not need anything else.

If during navigation you need rerouting, especially offline, then BRouter (offline) is very useful.

Or if you want to do route planning in Cruiser, you will need a routing service.
BRouter (offline) with the new detailed avoidance options is again very useful.

[Cer-o]

Ok, so I need to have BRouter, but in these cases that you indicate, do I have to activate it or do something for BRouter to come into play?

[devemux86]

@Cer-o you can select BRouter (offline) in settings, then everything depends on your actions:

• Navigation: if you enable the automatic rerouting or do a manual rerouting,
  then BRouter (offline) can calculate from user location until next waypoint.
  Important: your curvy routes remain unchanged.

• Route planning: you can use the detailed avoid options of Brouter (offline)
  to calculate offline routes that are away from motorways and main roads.

[GuG1050]

My idea: I convince all my riding buddies to use Cruiser ...🙂

My challenge: I want to export a route from Cruiser in a format that maintains the route exactly as I planned it on my device, no matter what configuration the Cruisers of my Buddies have (like what the .kurviger file format does).

Unfortunately I don't know how to do it with Cruiser. This still prevents me from using Cruiser with others during a tour.
I understand that with gpx-format it ist not posssible to share (e.g. via file exchange) a changed route and make shure it looks the same on all Cruiser devices.

-Is my understanding correct?
-Are there any suggestions how to solve the Problem?

[MotoUKRider]

You could also give your preferences file, if they want the same "experience" as your config :)

In my tests between planning+routing on the desktop PC using Garmin's BaseCamp, and navigating on the bike (first with CoPilot) with Cruiser - the key is to be liberal with your shaping-points if you want to keep on a certain road... even more so if there is a big/faster road nearby. Best results have been achieved with a shaping-point a short distance (say, 100yds) after a required turn.

YMMV, as the saying goes!

[devemux86]

@GuG1050 many thanks for your support!

I want to export a route from Cruiser in a format that maintains the route exactly as I planned it on my device, no matter what configuration the Cruisers of my Buddies have (like what the .kurviger file format does).

Cruiser can export and import 2 offline route formats for exactly this purpose:

• GPX navigation format: select Navigation in export dialog!
• Kurviger format (you already know it)

You can select any of them in the route export dialog. Please see the below images.
(and use any cloud or messenger / mail to share with your friends)

About the app settings .pref files mentioned by @MotoUKRider, they do not contain personal information!
We can use them to synchronize different devices to use the same Cruiser settings.

If you just want to share your routes, then you only need to export them in one of the formats like in the images:

[Cer-o]

As I was unaware that Cruiser scrupulously respects the imported route, what I do is mark a lot of shaping points to force it to respect the route.

[0709wiwiwi]

@GuG1050

The Cruiser app supports 100% faithfull true track file navigation by the next formats.

• A kurviger file. Contains a compressed track & trackpoints & the turn instructions are attached in associated waypoints.
• A gpx navtrack. Contains a standard track & trackpoints & the turn instructions are discreetly attached in the trackpoints

1. Cruiser supports both import and export transfers as a kurviger file.
2. Cruiser supports both import and export transfers as a gpx navtrack file.

True track navigation file production and the export is supported by the next services.

A. Kurviger web.
https://kurviger.de/en?ovd=activeTab%3Doneway&navigationItem=routeplanning

• Select file download as a .kurviger file.

B. Route You web.
https://www.routeyou.com/en-gb

• Select file download as Locus gpx file. (gpx navtrack)

C. Cruiser Android & Cruiser desktop.

• Select export route as Kurviger OR
• Select export route as gpx by SET Navigation.

D. Cruiser Android import & Cruiser desktop.

• Select import route as Kurviger > Overlay + Route. (Overlay optional)
• Select import route as GPX > Overlay + Route (Overlay optional) > Automatic > (Max waypoints setting is irrelevant)

* Note ! Brouter web.
https://brouter.de/
A compatible gpx navtrack export is also expected through export selection Locus. This is not yet available !

[Cer-o]

Se me ha olvidado mencionar que no utilizo la guía por voz, así que es algo que no me afecta.

No entiendo como funciona el zoom automático por velocidad.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

The speed auto zoom will zoom in at low speed and zoom out at high speed.

El zoom automático de velocidad se acercará a baja velocidad y se alejará a alta velocidad.

[Cer-o]

Perdón por el engaño, pero hoy sólo tengo que preocuparme de las elecciones parlamentarias en mi país. ¡Han sido los más importantes durante décadas! El destino de la democracia se está decidiendo...

Tienes toda la razón. Espero que seáis conscientes de lo que se está jugando Europa y sigáis enseñando el rumbo que debemos seguir el resto de europeos.
Os deseo toda la suerte del mundo.

[Cer-o]

Hola, me gustaría saber un poco como funciona el zoom automático con respecto a la velocidad y si es posible reajustarlo.
Gracias.

[Cer-o]

Ok, ¿pero como puedo decirle a Cruiser que cuando baje de una determinada velocidad amplíe el zoom? ¿Quizás por debajo de la velocidad media?

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

You mean no automatic zoom, but only when the speed is below a value?
Navigation now automatically calculates the zoom between min / max speed.

¿Te refieres a no tener zoom automático, sino sólo cuando la velocidad es inferior a un valor?
La navegación calcula ahora automáticamente el zoom entre la velocidad mín. / máx.

[Cer-o]

Me gusta el zoom automático, solo que me gustaría que cuando bajo de 60 km/h haga zoom y se acerque para ver cómo es exactamente la curva y poder trazarla con seguridad.
Ahora ocurre cuando bajo de 50 km/h.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

Min zoom / Max speed --> Max zoom / Min speed

To make it zoom in earlier with larger speed, have you tried increasing the min speed?
So that (max speed - min speed) would be smaller.

Para que se acerque antes con mayor velocidad, ¿has probado a aumentar la velocidad min?
Para que (velocidad máxima - velocidad mínima) sea menor.

[Cer-o]

Mañana lo probaré tal y como lo dices.
Muchas gracias.

[Cer-o]

Efectivamente el zoom automático ha mejorado.
Gracias por los consejos.

[Cer-o]

@devemux86 sería posible cambiar mi nick por Cero?

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

Do you mean your Name or the GitHub username? Please see the GitHub instructions:

¿Te refieres a tu nombre o al nombre de usuario de GitHub? Consulta las instrucciones de GitHub:

• English
• Spanish

[Cer-o]

Así lo he hecho y al parecer el username "Cero" no está disponible. Alguien se me adelanto.
Muchas gracias.

[WolfgangZ42]

Because I was explaining Cruiser to a newbie, the question arose as to what distinguishes "Normal" from "Advanced" in the "Menu" in Application/Advanced. I couldn't answer the question - can you help me?

[devemux86]

Better to not connect it with settings? As even experienced users that enable the extended settings
should not usually need external maps or themes. The downloads should be enough for most users.

Also in the future I am thinking how we can simplify the downloads, so the advanced menu could also be useful there.

We could choose different names for "Normal / Advanced"?

[Ciutnik]

So maybe a 0-1 switch like "Extended map menu" - and everything will be clear at first glance 🙂

[devemux86]

@Ciutnik You're right, several 2-state settings might be better with a switch and description.

"Text-to-speech" setting is another case.

[Ciutnik]

several 2-state settings might be better with a switch and description.

Especially since, if necessary, there is room in the second line for a more detailed description. I like this because it immediately makes the app's features more understandable to everyone! 👍

[devemux86]

So maybe a 0-1 switch like "Extended map menu"

It will be available in the next Cruiser update.

[Cer-o]

What happened to the "lock screen" button?

I remember it being very accessible but today when I needed it to defend myself against drops of water, I couldn't find it.
I miss.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

What happened to the "lock screen" button?

Tap compass in navigation or follow location mode and a quick menu opens with:

• Add favorite
• Screen lock

[Cer-o]

Thank you very much, I don't think I would have found it.
I hope that pressing the compass with gloves is not impossible.
I can't understand what the other option is (I think the translator doesn't make it easy)

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

"Add favorite" adds quickly a favorite at map center.

«Añadir favorito» añade rápidamente un favorito en el centro del mapa.

[Cer-o]

Hello, during my last trip my Cruiser did this type of thing to me many times, something that complicated my routes.
Now I'm planning a new one and I see that it continues to do so.
For what is this?

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

What do you mean, the route deviation? With what router and what options?
It could be because there is a block on the road, we cannot know without more details.

Please provide the route example and your profile settings, so we can check the report.

[WolfgangZ42]

I took the first screenshot and this is an example route: Corral de Almaguer.gpx.txt
If you use the default setting for Motorcycle/Curvy route you get this:
. . .
Setting the avoids for trunk and primary roads to "Off" results in this one:
. . .
Only switching off "avoid cities" results in the desired route:
. . .

Btw: it could be helpful to set a waypoint before and after the city and calculate the resulting segment with "fastest route" ...

[devemux86]

@WolfgangZ42 thanks, you are always very fast to examine the route examples! 👍

As also mentioned here, it seems the options in the "More" screen confuse users and do not produce the best results.

So I'm thinking to remove them from the interface (except probably the max speed ?).
Perhaps they need first improvements in the profile.

We better stay with the avoid road types where we understand clearly the routing results.

[WolfgangZ42]

So I'm thinking to remove them from the interface (except probably the max speed ?).

I think as first step it's enough to change the default of "Avoid cities" to "Off". Who is using this "More" options should know what he is doing or at least evaluate it carefully.

[Cer-o]

I don't understand why it leaves the main road (which is where it has been driving), goes through secondary streets and then returns to the main road.

[Cer-o]

This is the configuration

[MotoUKRider]

Using "Fast and Curvy" will add additional turns for a more thrilling ride - or, in this case, a slightly diverted one!
The algorithm is doing exactly what it's told - but it doesn't know/care about a small diversion off a road only to come back onto it 100yrds later. I suggested a possible solution in a similar thread.

The Avoidance settings are essentially rules of probability so the calculated route may vary between areas and depending upon how many road types (plus areas/features/population) are along the road. It's applying "Rule Y" because it doesn't break "Rule X".

[Cer-o]

Good morning. I'm back to share my experience in case it helps to improve the application.
I'm back on the road and the app sometimes leaves the main route and takes me down a secondary street to take me back to the main avenue for no apparent reason.
The route profile is fast and curvy.

I share with you a screenshot of one of those detours.
I have uploaded the route for you to check out.

[MotoUKRider]

@Cer-o This is just a frustrating aspect of The Law of Averages where your routing profile tries to balance-out the amount of turns with road types on a weighted scale. I mentioned further up this thread the cause (and there's a link to a possible solution) but it requires some coding effort, probably from the BRouter team although @devemux86 may be able to intercept the routing and mitigate it somewhat.

I'm hoping that between the 2 developers, a method to remove such a short "diversion" can be found.

[devemux86]

@Cer-o thanks for the report.

Your route sample cannot be downloaded, please post it again.

[Cer-o]

[devemux86]

@Cer-o

Rename the route file with a txt extension or zip it.

Then use the "Attach files" button.

[Cer-o]

20241002_110454.kurviger.txt

[Cer-o]

These are totally constructive opinions and contributions.

I also want to add something that I personally find somewhat annoying.

And I think there is an excess of signage, for example when it signals small curves to the left or right but we continue on the main road.

I don't know if I can explain myself.

[airald]

Is it possible that all "unncecessary" instructions are always "gire ligeramente" (turn slightly)? This type could be intercepted and can be ignored...

[devemux86]

The turn instructions are calculated by BRouter,
It is better to also report the route examples in BRouter repository.

But with route links from BRouter website so @afischerdev can easily check them:

• Strange turn instructions? abrensch/brouter#723

---

I could post process the turn instructions in Cruiser, as already done to reduce the "Continue" instructions.

But turn slight left / right instructions are more difficult to check if we really need them or not.
The router has more information to process them during route calculation.

[GuG1050]

Cruiser 5 23b: Maybe my operation mistake. When I tap on the route in planning mode to open the planning windows (see screenshots) it is just luck which one opens. For me there is no discernable difference (e.g. tap / long press) to open either or window. So I keep tapping and playing a bit with zoom and position on the route until the desired window opens.
What do I do wrong?

(Realme Pad tablet)

[bios4]

@devemux86

I already made the very same observations as @GuG1050 when I wanted to open the route menu!
When doing so I did not deliberately or knowingly press/tap NEXT TO the route, but always ON the route line...

Maybe the touch area of the route could be increased so that the route menu is easier to access?

[GuG1050]

Understood. Then I support the idea of @bios4 to increase the touch area of the route.
And tap on the route does does nothing on my device, no route details 🤔.

[bios4]

And tap on the route does does nothing on my device, no route details 🤔.

Tapping a route shows a "modal" with the route details (see attached); maybe you overlooked that by expecting a real app-window opening up!??

[GuG1050]

Yes, you are right. I expected a "real" window. The modal is there.

[devemux86]

I will expand the touch area of the lines in the next Cruiser update.