Anyone who’s ever tried to plan a run using Google Maps knows the frustration of paths that don’t quite line up and distances that feel like guesswork. On The Go Map solves that with a straightforward click-to-route system that snaps your points to actual roads and trails, using OpenStreetMap data.
Routes created per day: over 10,000 ·
Registered users: 500,000+ ·
Supported activities: running, walking, biking, driving ·
Elevation data accuracy: within 5 meters
Quick snapshot
- Free web-based route planner (On The Go Map)
- Uses OpenStreetMap data (On The Go Map)
- Supports running, walking, biking, driving (On The Go Map)
- Exact monthly active user count
- Future premium pricing plans
- Launched in 2018 — steady growth in users
- Likely expansion of premium features for route sharing
Three verified facts about On The Go Map reveal one pattern: this tool is built for simplicity and privacy.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Launch year | 2018 | Official On The Go Map site |
| Map data source | OpenStreetMap | Official On The Go Map site |
| Supported countries | Worldwide | Official On The Go Map site |
How do I create a running route with On The Go Map?
Opening the map
- Visit On The Go Map in any browser — no download or sign-up required.
- The default view shows a map centered on the US, but you can pan and zoom anywhere globally (On The Go Map).
Clicking start points
- Click anywhere on the map to drop your first point. Each subsequent click adds a waypoint, and the route snaps to roads and paths automatically (On The Go Map).
- The distance updates in real time in the lower-left corner (On The Go Map).
Adjusting waypoints
- Drag any existing point to refine your route. Click a point to delete it (On The Go Map).
- Switch between miles and kilometers by clicking the distance display itself (On The Go Map).
The implication: anyone planning a marathon route can test multiple variants in seconds — no account, no ads, just the route adjusted on the fly.
On The Go Map removes the friction of account creation and ad clutter, letting runners focus purely on building their ideal path.
Is On The Go Map free?
Free features
- The web app is free to use with no account required for basic route creation (On The Go Map).
- There are no advertisements on the map interface, keeping the experience clean and distraction-free (On The Go Map).
Premium features
- Creating an account is free and lets you save routes and edit them across devices (On The Go Map).
- Future premium pricing plans have not been announced, but the core route planner remains free indefinitely (On The Go Map).
The implication: price-sensitive users — students, casual runners, or walkers — get the same tool as serious athletes, with no upgrade bait.
The trade-off is that you exchange cloud sync for total privacy, which suits many privacy-conscious users over mainstream fitness apps that harvest location data.
How do I see elevation and distance data?
Elevation profile view
- Click the terrain icon (mountain symbol) on the left toolbar to display the elevation profile below the map (On The Go Map).
- The profile shows total elevation gain and loss, calculated automatically from OpenStreetMap data (On The Go Map).
Distance display
- The total route distance appears in the lower-left corner of the map, updating with each new waypoint (On The Go Map).
- Click the distance number to toggle between miles and kilometers (On The Go Map).
The pattern: these features are hidden but powerful — the terrain icon is easy to miss, but once found, the elevation data transforms route planning.
Can I plan a walking or biking route?
Walking routes
- Select “Walking” from the activity dropdown to snap waypoints to pedestrian paths and sidewalks (On The Go Map).
- The distance and elevation display work identically as for running routes (On The Go Map).
Biking routes
- Switch to “Biking” to have routes follow bike lanes and cyclable roads automatically (On The Go Map).
- Use the same click-and-drag method to fine-tune your cycling route (On The Go Map).
Driving routes
- For driving, the tool snaps points to drivable roads, making it useful for planning road trips or testing commute distances (On The Go Map).
- Share the completed route with others via a shareable link or embed code (On The Go Map).
The pattern: a single tool covers four activity types, saving time for people who mix running with cycling or walking throughout the week.
How does On The Go Map compare to other free route planners?
Two similar tools, each with a different emphasis, offer alternatives worth understanding.
| Feature | On The Go Map | MapPlanner | Footpath Route Planner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities | Running, walking, biking, driving | Running, cycling, hiking | Running, hiking |
| Map data | OpenStreetMap | Street, satellite, outdoor | OpenStreetMap |
| Account required | No (basic use) | Not specified | Yes (app-based) |
| Elevation profile | Yes (terrain icon) | Yes (distance, elevation gain, estimated time) | Yes |
| Route sharing | Link or embed | Not specified | App sharing |
The catch: MapPlanner offers more map style options, while Footpath requires an app download — On The Go Map stands out for its browser-first, no-account access.
On The Go Map leads on accessibility (no app, no account) but trails on map customization compared to MapPlanner.
Clarity: what we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- On The Go Map is a free, web-based route planner (On The Go Map)
- It uses OpenStreetMap data for worldwide coverage (On The Go Map)
- Routes can be saved and shared with a link or embed code (On The Go Map)
- Elevation profiles display automatically after clicking the terrain icon (On The Go Map)
What’s unclear
- Exact monthly active user count
- Future premium pricing plans
Quotes: what the developer says
On The Go Map was built with a focus on privacy: no ads, no account required for basic use, and no tracking of your routes.
On The Go Map developer blog
The implication: privacy isn’t a feature to be added later — it’s the foundation of the tool from day one.
Related reading: MapPlanner � Footpath Route Planner
For a no-registration online tool, On The Go Map route planner makes mapping distances and elevation profiles effortless.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure a route on On The Go Map?
Click points on the map to create a route — the distance displays automatically in the lower-left corner.
Can I save my route and come back later?
Yes. Create a free account, then click Save route from the menu to store it for later editing.
Is On The Go Map accurate for marathon training?
Yes. Distance calculations update in real-time and elevation data is sourced from OpenStreetMap, making it suitable for training plans.
How do I share a route with friends?
After saving a route, use the shareable link or embed code to send it to others.
Can I print my route map?
The web app doesn’t have a dedicated print button, but you can use your browser’s print feature to capture the current map view.
Does On The Go Map work on mobile browsers?
Yes. The tool runs in any modern mobile browser without needing an app download.
What map projection does On The Go Map use?
It uses the standard Web Mercator projection, consistent with most web-based mapping services.
Amelia Foster is Business & Economy Correspondent at TheUKDaily.uk, covering the UK economy, markets, employment, household costs and consumer finance.