Route Planner App Development – A Complete Roadmap

Do you want to build a route planner app, but are not sure where to start?

Well, we have got you covered!

The demand for route planner apps is growing. (And it’s easy to see why.)

With such a busy lifestyle, people are looking for ways to save time, avoid traffic, and get to their destinations faster.

(Trust us, people will do anything to skip that TRAFFIC JAM!!)

But building a route planner application that actually works and stands out from the crowd is a challenge.

In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of building a route planner app.

Let’s see how to travel smarter for everyone!

What are the Different Types of Route Planner Apps?

There is a Route planner app for every need! 

Hence, when you are planning to build a Route Planner App or hiring mobile app developers for the same, you should consider them. 

1. Basic Navigation Apps

These are your everyday go-to route plan apps. 

They will help you to go from Point A to Point B, offering 

• real-time driving directions
• traffic updates
• estimated arrival times

These types of route planning applications are great for day-to-day use when you want to reach the destination fast by taking the shortest route, and they’ll guide you through the traffic while avoiding the road closures.

Popular Example: Google or Apple Maps

2. Multi-Stop Route Planner Apps

These types of delivery route planner apps benefit the delivery drivers, salespeople, or anyone running errands in different places.

As they allow you to visit several locations in one go. All they have to do is put multiple stops, and the app will guide you with the most efficient route to take.

PS: It will help businesses to optimize their routes based on things like delivery times, package size, and priority.

Popular Example: MyRouteOnline

3. Walking and Cycling Route Apps

While creating a route planner application, don’t forget the walkers and cycling apps. 

Why?

Not all routes are for cars. 

Some users prefer walking or biking. 

Therefore, you can consider creating apps that highlight bike paths or walking-friendly streets. 

Popular Example: Strava 

4. Truck and Fleet Route Planners

Don’t forget the heavy vehicle drivers! 

You can create apps that are specially made for truck drivers and delivery fleets. With these route planning apps, you can help them plan out routes based on the vehicle size, restrictions on certain roads (like low bridges), and even the weight of the load. 

Popular Example: TruckMap

5. Public Transport Route Planners

Who says people who only drive need route planning apps?

There is also a huge chunk of users who probably don’t drive but rely on buses, trains, or subways. 

That’s where these types of route planning software come in handy! 

They help you find:
– Best public transportation routes
– Next bus or train arrival 

Which helps you to figure out their transportation needs around the cities.

Popular Example: Citymapper

6. Offline Route Planner Apps

Don’t forget to consider developing a route planner application that can be used in areas without good internet or data.

Because believe me, not everywhere you will find a great network. 

To access these apps, all you have to do is download maps and plan your route offline. This is ideal for trips where you won’t have access to a stable internet connection. (for example, the Amazon forest!) 

Popular Example: Maps.me

Must-Have Features of a Route Planner App Development

To ensure you get the most out of your route planning app, here are the top features of the route planner app that will make it truly valuable:

1. Real-Time Traffic Updates

One of the most important key features in a route planning software should be to inform the users about traffic conditions in real time. 

Imagine getting stuck in a horrible traffic jam (despite having a route planner app!)

This will simply add to a poor customer experience. 

Therefore, make sure your app notifies the users about the potential roadblocks, accidents, or heavy traffic, and automatically suggests alternate routes to avoid delays. 

PS: This is a feature that even a free route planner app should have.

2. Offline Navigation

Not every place has a great internet connection, and that’s where offline navigation comes into play. 

When creating a route planning app, make sure you add a feature of offline functionality, which will basically allow your users to download maps and route information ahead of time! 

Related Guide: How to Develop an AI-Powered Trip Planner App?

3. Voice-Guided Navigation

A good route planner app should have a voice navigation feature. With this app, the driver can basically focus on keeping their eyes on the road and driving properly. It will give easy-to-follow directions accurately and clearly without the driver having to glance at your phone every few seconds.

4. Fuel Efficiency and Cost Optimization

What if your route planner app can also save money?
Yes by adding this feature you will not be suggesting routes that are not just faster, but more fuel-efficient.

Therefore, make sure your app evaluates the most economical paths by considering factors like road types and elevations, and help your users to reduce the number of miles and lower your fuel consumption.

5. Multi-Stop Route Planning

This is the most must-have feature in any route planning software as it helps to make anyone make multiple stops in one trip.

A smart route planner app should allow your users to input multiple routes and optimize the route, so that they can visit each location in the most efficient order. 

6. Weather Integration

Another must-have feature you can include in your route application is sharing weather conditions like snowstorm, heavy rain, or extreme heat, as they can greatly impact the travel route. 

Therefore, make sure that when you develop a route planner application, it provides real-time weather updates. This way, your users can avoid bad weather and plan for any conditions that might affect the drive.

7. Integration with Other Apps

The last and one of the most important features you can have in your route planner app is its ability to integrate smoothly with other apps.
Make sure it integrates smoothly with your calendar, weather apps, or even your vehicle’s navigation system. 

What Are the Benefits of the Route Planner App?

Okay, now that you know what some of the MUST-HAVE features in a route planner app are, let’s see some of the real benefits of using such an app.

Here’s how a route planner app development can help you and your team work smarter, not harder:

1. Saves you serious time

The app will use AI/ML tech to plan the most optimal route you should take between all the locations you need to visit, within seconds. You don’t need to spend time breaking your head anymore!

2. Helps reduce fuel and operational costs

With a route planner, you will be able to avoid traffic-heavy routes, unnecessary detours, and backtracking. That means fewer kilometers, less fuel, and overall lower costs.

3. Boosts overall team productivity

Your team can complete more deliveries, client visits, or tasks without getting drained. Everyone knows where to go and when.

Read more: How to Find a Perfect App Development Outsourcing Partner?

4. Gives you full control and live updates

You’ll always know where your drivers are, when they’ll reach the next stop, and if any delays pop up.

5. Cuts down on errors and delays

Missed deliveries or wrong addresses become rare. The app takes care of sequencing and accuracy, so things run smoother from start to finish.

6. Provides you with useful insights

Most apps offer analytics that show route efficiency, driver performance, and time spent per stop. You can easily find gaps and keep improving your operations.

These are just some of the many benefits that you and your team can experience with a route planner app.

7 Steps to Build a Route Planner App

You can create a route planner application by following these steps: 

1. Define Your App’s Requirements and Features

The first step you need to take in the process of building a route planning app is defining the goal of your app.
For instance

•  Who will be using it
• What use cases will it cater to

 Based on that, you can decide its functionality, like:

• User-friendly map interface: Pin locations, view routes, etc.
• Real-time traffic updates: Route adjustments based on traffic data.
• Offline functionality: Allow users to use the app without an internet connection for basic features.
• Route customizations: Avoid tolls, use scenic routes, or get walking/biking directions.
• Multi-stop routes: For complex journeys with several destinations.

2. Choose the Right Technology Stack

Now this one is an important step in building the route planner app. 

You have to decide on the framework and tools with which you will be building your app.

Here are popular technologies you can consider:

• Cross-Platform Development (if you want the app on both iOS and Android): React Native or Flutter
• Native Development (if you want the best performance for each platform): Swift (iOS) and Kotlin/Java (Android).

3. Select the Right Map APIs

As it’s a route planner app, you’ll need map and routing APIs. Here is the list of popular and reliable map APIs you can consider: 

• Google Maps API: Reliable, detailed maps with powerful routing features.
• Mapbox: Customizable maps for more personalized designs.
• TomTom API: Great alternatives for mapping and traffic data.

Based on your needs and budget, you can choose the perfect API you can integrate in your app. 

4. Partner with a Custom Mobile App Development Company

You’ll need skilled developers, UX/UI designers, and backend experts for this kind of app. Therefore, rather than investing your time in building a team, the best decision is to hire Mobile App Developers who have experience in building Travel App Development Solutions. 

5. Map Out the App’s UI/UX Design

The user interface (UI) and experience (UX) are key to how the app is perceived. A route planner app needs to be simple, intuitive, and responsive. 

Here are some design tips:

• Minimalist Design for clear map views.
• Easy Navigation
• Route Visualization

6. Testing the App

Testing is crucial, especially in efficient route optimization software, as it uses live data.

Make sure to:

• Test different network conditions (3G, 4G, Wi-Fi).
• Verify the accuracy of route calculations.
• Test UI responsiveness across various devices and screen sizes

7. Launch the App

Once everything’s in place, it’s time for launch! 

For launching your route optimization app, you need to submit the app to Google Play and Apple App Store.

Next you need to maket on social media platforms and properly track it’s analytics to keep an eye on it’s user engagement, performance.

Build Your Route Planner App With Solguruz

If you have an amazing route planner app development idea in mind, SolGuruz can help turn it into reality.

SolGuruz is a leading custom mobile app development company that excels in creating travel app solutions. You can hire their seasoned mobile app developers to build a route planning application that stands out in the market.

FAQs

1. What is a route planner app?

A route planner app is designed to map out and optimize routes that allow you to cover multiple locations by spending minimal resources and effort. It helps you avoid traffic, save fuel, and stay on schedule.

2. How long will it take to build a route planner application?

The timeframe totally depends on what you’re looking for in a route planner app. A basic application for Android or iOS will take about 2 to 3 months. Whereas if you need advanced features, AI integration, analytics, real-time updates, etc., then it can take 6 months or more.

3. What will be the cost to build a route planner app?

You can expect to pay 15K USD to 20K USD for a basic app. On the other hand, an advance can set you back by 50k to 150K+ USD or more, depending on your requirements.