Trimble Maps provided by PC*MILER Web Services replace the older PC*MILER maps. These maps are provided via an active internet connection each time a new DirectRoute session is started. DirectRoute calls the web service to locate and retrieve the most current maps. 

 

If an active internet connection is not available, DirectRoute will display a gray screen with no map, as it will not be able to retrieve any map data. However, all routing functions remain available without the maps or an internet connection, if the mileage system selected for routing is set to PC*MILER Direct (Preferences > Other > Mileage System > PC*MILER Direct).

 

DirectRoute does not cache maps, except those used during a working session. If the internet connection is lost during a session, the maps in use at that time will be cached and remain available for use if the session itself is not terminated. If the internet connection is restored before the session ends, the maps will refresh automatically; if the session ends/is restarted before an internet connection is restored, a gray screen will appear in place of the maps, since any cached maps were deleted when the original session ended.

 

The Map Menu (Alt+M) contains linked actions that can be performed while working in the map window. Additional functions within the map menu allow for customizing the map view and certain map zoom functions.

 

 

 

Default Map

Select a custom Default Map (area and zoom level) to be displayed each time a DirectRoute session is started. The installed default view is set to show the entire United States.

 

Example: If you work mostly with the eastern half of the USA, and most routes only span part of this area, then set zoom in to the specific area and set the default map to this area.


 

 

  

To reset the default view to a new area or region:

  • Zoom to the desired location/zoom level (closer in, farther out).
  • Select Map > Default Map from the menu bar.

 

After moving about the map, and/or while zooming in/out of locations, use Map > Zoom > Restore (Ctrl+R) to return the screen to the default map. 

 

You can also use the zoom control bar in the bottom right corner of the map to control your zoom level. Simply grab the bar with your mouse and slide it left or right to zoom in/out.

 

Point Field Displayed

Set and/or change the information displayed on the map for each stop that is geocoded when the zoom level is 100 miles or closer. Any record column heading from the Stop File can be selected to display on the map. Includes option to choose which records are displayed (i.e. Display all, Display routed stops only, etc.). 

 

 

Map Tools

Map Tools include functions for analyzing and displaying data, Drawing Tools to define boundaries or territories, and filter actions to search for specific records and streets.

  • Build to Value: Color-code locations based upon geographical area and a volume criterion (i.e. build a route based on area and volume). DirectRoute will apply a color and symbol to locations that fall within the criteria chosen. The software searches in concentric circles from the starting point. 
  • Draw/Clear Drawings: Used to enable the Drawing Tools, which are used to place objects, boundaries, and text boxes on the map; use Clear Drawings to erase drawings from the map.
  • Find Streets/Clear Streets: Use Find Streets to search for or locate a street name on the map; use Clear Streets to remove the search results from view.
  • Unique Value: Assign a different color symbol to each unique value within a spreadsheet column. Quickly color code records based upon unique criteria (TerritoryID, Driver Name, etc.)
  • Select: Select specific records from the Stop File to plot on the map. 
Tip: Drawing Tools can also be activated by using the Drawing Tools icon on the toolbar.

 

Zoom

DirectRoute offers predefined zoom options as well as the ability to customize the zoom function. Select one of the predefined areas listed to set as the default zoom range, or customize with by changing Settings. 

  • USA
  • Region
  • City
  • Five-digit ZIP code
  • Settings to control quick zoom features
    • Zoom Percent: Control zoom level (Zoom In %, Zoom Out %) applied when + and - are used.
    • Zoom To: Set a specific map width to zoom to when you click the mouse.
    • Double-click: Select the type of action that occurs when you Double-click the primary mouse button.


Tip: Select Restore (Ctrl+R) to return to the default map view.

 

 

Tip: Availability of cities is limited only by the types of maps installed on your system. If you do not have maps of other countries installed, this will not work for any city listed in those countries.

 

Tool Tip Fields: Map Tool Tip (Stop Info Box) provides color-coded results for quick identification. Detailed info related to each stop can be seen in the Stop Info box that appears on the screen when the mouse cursor is positioned/hovers over the stop. Any data column from the Stop File spreadsheet can be chosen to display on the screen in an info box that appears above the stop point on the map as the mouse cursor rolls over it.

Filter: Use a map filter to isolate specific stops on the map. Filters can be identified using any Stop File field from the spreadsheet. 

  • Select Map > Filter > Show Filter; use the Saved Queries drop-down to select the saved filter.
  • Stop Filters applied and saved in the primary Route Book will also be available for use in any additionally opened Route Books (Route Book 2, Route Book 3, etc.).
  • Any saved filter can be accessed from any open file, as well as from the map.

 

Map Themes: Map Themes provide options for the type of map to use/display. Several options are provided, including Transportation, Datalight, Datadark, Terrain, and Satellite.

 

 

Map Region: Select from 9 specific map regions. When a region is selected/changed from the available drop-down menu, DR will display the most current map data for that selected region. 

  • A related setting in Preferences > Trimble Maps > Data Version, enables selecting the map data version; when the region is selected in this setting, DR will automatically call web services (requires internet connection) to retrieve the most current map data available for the selected region.
  • The 9 new options available from which to select include:
    • PCM_NA = North America
    • PCM_EU = Europe
    • PCM_OC = Oceanic
    • PCM_SA = South America
    • PCM_ME = Middle East
    • PCM_AS = Australia
    • PCM_AF = Africa
    • PCM_WW = Worldwide
    • PCM_GT = GeoTrack/Energy (oil site roads, mostly dirt roads)

 

Note: GeoTrack/Energy maps are not regularly available on normal versions of mapping data.


 

Plot Map Points: Opens a control box in which a specific address can be input to geocode, or just enter the Lat/Long coordinates to plot that point on the map. From the main Menu, select Map > Plot Map Points. 

  • Add New Point: Add additional lines to the info box to enter additional addresses.
  • Clear All: Clear all the stops from the map and from the list of stops.
  • Zoom to All Stops: Zoom the map to all the stops.
  • Close: Close the Map Point info box.
  • Geocode: Geocode the address entered in the control.
  • Add Stop: Add the stop(s) to the map.

 

 

Additional Assorted Map Features

Unlike other programs that have rigid zoom settings, DirectRoute’s map features assorted tools to enhance or define the map viewing area. In addition to the Map Menu options, the following map tools are also available. 

 

Map Scroll Bar: Located on the bottom of the map, the scroll bar can be used to zoom in or out on the map. Grab the cursor with the mouse and manually move it left (zoom in) or right (zoom out). Or left click and hold on the scroll arrows (on either side of the cursor) to zoom. 

Zoom to Selected Spreadsheet Record: Click once on a stop record in the spreadsheet to select it, then right click once and select Zoom To; the screen will switch to the map window, zoomed in to the stop.  

Note: If a stop is not geocoded, this function will zoom to the selected record’s Zip Code, instead. If no Zip Code is listed for the record, the Zoom To function will not work.

 Map Zoom Icon Located on the DirectRoute Toolbar, use the Zoom icon to zoom in closer on a selected area. Select the icon from the toolbar, then drag the mouse outward to encapsulate the desired area. When the mouse button is released, the screen will jump to the area that was selected.

Zoom Using Mouse Double-click: Double-click over any area to zoom in or out (percentage setting defined in Map > Zoom > Settings).

Cursor Panning: To pan the map left, right, up or down, Click and hold on the mouse, moving the cursor to the location you want to view, then release.

Locate Latitude/Longitude: Lat/Lon coordinates are always displayed in the bottom left corner of the map. As you move about the map with the cursor, the coordinates change and will display the coordinates at which the cursor is located. To search for coordinates without a specific address, zoom to a level that enables viewing the point of interest, then glide the cursor into position to display the coordinates for that location.