Anybody know of free software, or an online program, where I can put in addresses and the software will plan an efficient route and map for me? I’ve tried google and mapquest and they just take me from each address to the next as I enter it. I don’t know what’s closer to what so I can’t enter them and give myself a good route. I’m a sales rep and I need to travel to businesses within a geographical area and want to work smart in terms of drive time, miles and gas!
Thanks!
I think you’re describing the Traveling Salesman problem, which (I believe) is a non-trivial task. That Wikipedia article links to a page which has this example solver based on Google Maps, but I’m not sure how well it works. And here’s another similar one, also using Google Maps.
Have a look at Rand McNally trip planner
They allow multiple stops along a route.
Thank you! I’ll check them out!
Seems like the ordinary “multiple stops” thing just gives you directions between points as you enter them (like Google and Yahoo already do); the “fastest route” calculation, which is what the OP wants, costs a $19.95 / year membership. They do have a free 10-day trial, though.