NetKvik offer an alternate interface to Google Maps for creating routes from one location to another, with easier access to some of Google Maps’ standard options, plus a few added features.
Probably the most confusing feature of NetKvik is the zoom function, or the apparent lack of one at first inspection; there’s no standard Google Maps zoom slider. But you can use the +1 and –1 buttons at upper left to zoom in and out, and use the level buttons to jump to gross zoom levels like city, region, or continent; the mouse wheel also zooms the map in and out. Once you get past that quirk, NetKvik offers a lot.
Like Google Maps, you can drag and drop the destinations and track to modify the route; you also have the option to bypass highways (using the Function menu to select that option. You can also create a link to the map with the route drawn. But unlike Google Maps:
– You can add successive destinations not only by entering the location in a search box, but also by clicking on the map
– Click on Show Data to get coordinates and elevations for your destinations:
– Click on Bicycles to enter details like travel speed and wind direction to get travel time and headwind/tailwind details for a bike trip:
– Use Details to toggle on/off driving directions; total travel distance is always shown. Print prints out driving directions.
– Option for Point to point routes (great circle routes plotted between destinations)
– A coordinate function option displays latitude/longitude next to the cursor:
– Export a KML file for your trip in one of three formats:
– Weather brings up a weather map from Weather Underground for the location you’re viewing.
– Moving the mouse over every button/feature pops up a concise but useful help screen; when those pop-ups get to be too annoying, you can turn them off.
HT to Carl DK.
