Driver Map
The map feature helps you navigate to passenger stops and visualize your entire route. This guide explains how to use the driver map effectively.
Accessing the Driver Map
- Open an active route from your Services list
- Tap the Map tab (second tab)
- You'll see the route map with all stops
Map Overview
The driver map shows:
- Your current location (when tracking is active)
- All passenger stop locations
- The school/company location
- Traffic conditions
- Your position marker
Map Markers
Passenger Stop Markers
Each passenger stop shows:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | Passenger name or route order |
| House icon | Stop location marker |
| Color | May indicate notification status |
Green house marker: Approach notification was sent for this stop
Standard house marker: No notification sent yet or not applicable
School/Company Marker
- Building icon at destination
- Shows school/company name
- Tap for navigation to this location
Your Location
When the route is active:
- Blue dot or marker shows your position
- Updates in real-time as you move
- Matches what parents/passengers see
Auto-Follow Feature
The map can automatically center on your location:
Enabling Auto-Follow
- Find the Follow button (bottom-left area)
- Tap to enable
- Map continuously centers on your position
Auto-Follow Status
| State | Display |
|---|---|
| Active | "Follow Active" or "GPS Fixed" icon |
| Inactive | "Follow" or "GPS Not Fixed" icon |
When Auto-Follow Turns Off
- Dragging the map disables auto-follow
- Allows you to look around
- Tap the button to re-enable
Navigation to Stops
You can get directions to any stop:
Single Stop Navigation
- Tap on any passenger marker
- Dialog appears with options:
- Start Navigation - Open Google Maps with turn-by-turn
- Show on Map - Open Google Maps to view location
- Cancel - Close dialog
Full Route Navigation
- Find the Open Route button (bottom-right area)
- Tap to open the entire route in Google Maps
- If more than 9 stops:
- Dialog shows route segments
- Select which portion to navigate
- Each segment has up to 9 waypoints
Google Maps Integration
When you tap for navigation:
- Google Maps opens automatically
- Destination is pre-filled
- You can start turn-by-turn navigation
- Return to RouteBot when needed
Map When Route is Active
When you've started the route:
- Your position shows on the map
- Map updates as you move
- Traffic overlay is visible
- Auto-follow keeps you centered
Status Indicators
| Status | Map Behavior |
|---|---|
| Going to School/Work | Full tracking, all features |
| Left School | Full tracking, all features |
| Preparing at School | Static map, no tracking |
| Not Started | Static map, shows all stops |
Map When Route is Inactive
If the route hasn't started:
- Map shows all stop locations
- Your location doesn't appear
- Can still tap for navigation
- Status shows "Not Started"
This is useful for:
- Previewing the route before starting
- Learning stop locations
- Planning your approach
Traffic Information
Traffic conditions are displayed:
- Green: Flowing freely
- Yellow/Orange: Moderate traffic
- Red: Heavy traffic/delays
Traffic helps you:
- Estimate travel times
- Choose alternate routes
- Explain delays to passengers
Map Controls
Zooming
- Pinch outward - Zoom in for detail
- Pinch inward - Zoom out for overview
Panning
- Drag - Move map to see different areas
- Disables auto-follow when you drag
Rotation
- Some maps support rotation
- North may not always be up
- Re-orient as needed
Status Badges
The map may show floating badges:
| Badge | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Service Active" (green) | Route is running |
| "Not Started" (red) | Route hasn't begun |
| "Attendance Waiting" | Waiting to leave school |
Using the Map Efficiently
During Pickup Routes
- Enable auto-follow to track your position
- See approaching stops in context
- Tap next stop for navigation if needed
- Green markers show completed notifications
During Drop-off Routes
- After leaving school, enable tracking
- Navigate to each drop-off location
- Use "Open Route" for full navigation
- Return to app to manage passengers
Preview Before Starting
- Open route before start time
- Tap Map tab to see all stops
- Familiarize yourself with locations
- Plan your approach
Troubleshooting Map Issues
"Your location not showing"
- Route may not be active yet
- Check location permissions
- Ensure GPS is enabled
- Wait for position lock
"Map not loading"
- Check internet connection
- Wait for map tiles to load
- Close and reopen the route
- Restart app if persistent
"Navigation not working"
- Ensure Google Maps is installed
- Check app permissions
- Try different navigation option
- Update Google Maps if needed
"Markers in wrong locations"
- Stop locations are set by admin
- Report errors to administrator
- Locations come from registered addresses
Best Practices
Navigation
- Set up Google Maps before shifts
- Familiarize with common routes
- Have car mount for phone
- Use audio directions
Map Usage
- Check map before each stop
- Use traffic to plan timing
- Let auto-follow do the work
- Manual navigation when learning routes
Efficiency
- Learn regular routes over time
- Use map less as you know areas
- Focus on unfamiliar stops
- Use full route feature for new routes
Next Steps:
- Passenger Management - Manage passengers during route
- QR Code Scanning - Complete routes
- Background Tracking - Location sharing details