Routable map uses special type of polylines called routable roads. To create such polyline use the tool with icon. This tool is intended for manual drawing of the roads. However, the easiest way of how to make a routable map is to convert vector map in OpenStreetMap (*.OSM)  or cGPSmapper (*.MP) file format to the routable IMG file, which is compatible with Garmin GPS units.

1. Open *.OSM or *.MP file with main menu > File > Open command
2. Upload it to GPS or save it to disc with use of main menu > File > Export Map command. 
3. There is also Convert OSM or MP file(s) to routable IMG file command available from the main menu > File. This command allows the batch conversion of multiple files at once and merges all resulting maps into a single GMAPSUPP.IMG file.

Nothing else is needed if you create single routable map. If you work with data from ESRI *.shp files, please click here>>.

Intersections

Nodes where roads connect each other must be marked as "Intersections" (red crosses on the right-side image). Otherwise, Mapwel will not include them into the net of routable roads. If you import map from *.OSM or *.MP file. the intersections are detected automatically. If you use other files (like *.KML or *.GPX), you have to mark the intersection nodes. There is a "Detect Intersections" command in the  main menu > Routing that allows to mark all intersections at once. Also, there is a manual method of marking the intersections - in the editing/creation mode use the pop-up menu to mark the selected node. This pop-up menu also allows to define turn restriction at the node (see Restrictions below)

Border Nodes

To allow GPS to navigate between the separate maps when cursor reaches the border of the actual map, the end nodes of map must be marked with "Border Node" attribute. Use the same pop-up menu as in above case to set the Border attribute of nodes.

Restrictions

Mapwel allows to define road restrictions (oneway road, toll road, access permission) and node restrictions (left turn, right turn and U turn restriction). These restrictions help the GPS navigation engine to avoid restricted places or directions. Roads with restrictions are displayed in object inspector with icon or multiple icons indicating the type of restriction (picture at the left).

Note: Roads can be drawn with use of straight line and curve elements. Intersection attribute and node restrictions cannot be defined for the middle point of the curve element.

Parameters

Just like any other vector object in Mapwel, road polylines have adjustable parameters that are accessible in the Properties window. The parameters specific for routing purpose are:

A - "oneway" road attribute

B - "show direction" attribute - direction is added to the text label of road when displayed on the GPS

C - "toll road" attribute - tool or fee must be paid to access the road

D - access permission - from left to right: 1. emegency vehicles, 2. delivery vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes), 3. cars, 4. public service vehicles (bus, taxi), 5. motorcycles, 6. pedestrians, 7. bicycles, 8. trucks, lorries (over 3.5 tonnes)

E - max. speed

F - road class. Max. speed and road class define the road hierarchy important for the optimum navigation.

G - type of polyline - defines how the road is rendered on the GPS screen.

Street Names and House Numbering

Roads can be assigned with parameters like city, zip code, state and country. GPS uses this information for address searching. It is possible to use different values for the left side and the right side of the road. Also, it is possible to define house numbering along the road to allow GPS navigate to a specific house address.

Use properties window to access the road parameters and select the "Address" tab. Fill-in the Country, State, City and ZIP Code boxes. If you want to define house numbers or separate data for the right-hand side of the road, check the "House Numbering" checkbox. This will enable access to another tab - "Numbering". Enter the rest of address data into this tab.

House numbering allows to use just odd, even or all numbers. Define start and end number and type of numbering for respective side of the road. If there are no houses on  respective side of the road, select "None" in the numbers type combo box.

Export from Mapwel into this format

Import border node attribute

Import multi-segment house numbering

Import single-segment house numbering

OSM file

MP file

Import of speed limit

Import of road class

Import access permission

Import oneway attribute

Import turn restrictions

OSM file

MP file