Help
The route finder is simple to use once you have grasped a few basic principles. On this page we have the Starting out instructions if you are new and unfamiliar with the website, and answers to the FAQs.
Starting out instructions
Create an account
Before you can plot any routes you need to create an account on realbuzz.com. To do this, simply click on ‘SIGN UP’ and follow the instructions
Create a route
1. To create a new route, first you need to find where you want to run from on the map. To do this, write your zip code in the zip code search at the top right and click ‘Go’.
2. Next, click on ‘edit/create’. Now you can click on the map to plot your route. Click along the route as you go (you will have to click frequently to go around corners so that you can create a curve).
3. If you need to edit the route, you can click on the red balloons and drag them along.
TOP TIP: Be as thorough as possible when plotting your route. If you cut corners when plotting the route the total distance may show up as less than it really is.
Save my route
When you are happy with your route and would like to save it, click on the ‘Save’ icon on the left-hand menu. This will automatically save the route if you are logged on, or will take you to the log on / sign up page if you are not. Once you have signed up or logged on, you will be able to save your route.
When you save routes, they will appear in the ‘My Routes’ box that floats on top of the map. To view one of these routes, simply click on it once and you will be taken to that route (this may take a few seconds). The stats for that route appear in the ‘Route Info’ box.
Edit my route/s
1. To edit your route/s, you need to be logged on.
2. Next, click on the ‘edit/create’
3. Click ‘Okay’ in the popup window.
4. Then, in your ‘My Routes’ box, click once on the route that you wish to edit. The route will then appear on the map.
5. You will now be in the plotting/editing mode and will be able to click and drag on the points you have created (red balloons) to a new location – which will modify the route. If you would like to keep the original, you will need to rename the new route when you click ‘Save’.
FAQs
How do I create a route in a park or rural areas?
To create routes within a park or countryside, it may be better to click the 'Satellite' or 'Hybrid' view in the bottom left-hand side of the map. This will allow you to view a photographic-style map, which makes it easier to view and track park routes.
How do I move to different areas on the map?
Either 'click and drag' on the actual map or use the directional buttons in the top right hand side of the map.
How do I make the viewscreen bigger?
If you push F11 on your keyboard it will maximise the use of your screen. To return to normal, push F11 again.
How do I zoom into the map?
To zoom in on the map, click the '+' icon on the right hand side of the map. Conversely, click the '-' icon to zoom out. You can also use the roller button on your mouse.
How do I find running routes?
To find existing running routes, click the ‘Search’ button to locate a route within a zipcode area. Only the routes that have been ticked to be shared will come up. If you do not want your route to be visible to others, do not click the ‘Share route’ option.
Can I edit my route?
Yes, you can edit your route. When in the edit/create mode you can click and drag on the points you have created to a new location and this will modify the route. If you would like to keep the original, you will need to rename the new route when you click ‘Save’.
Can I upload a route from GPS device to the route planner?
If you have favourite route saved on a Garmin, Tomtom or other GPS device, you can plot it on the route planner. All you need to do is save the route as GPX files onto your harddrive, then click the ‘Upload GPX’ option. Just make sure you have pop-ups enabled on your computer to allow you to view the upload advice.
Can I download a route from the route planner to a GPS device?
If you plot or find a route on the route planner that you would like to download to a Garmin, Tomtom or other GPS device, you can do that too. With the selected route on the screen, all you need to do is click the ‘Download GPX’ option. Just make sure you have pop-ups enabled on your computer to allow you to view the download advice.
How do I move the floating boxes/windows?
You can drag them by clicking and dragging the title bar – or, if you double click the title bar, they will minimise. You can also drag the windows on and off the page.
Can I view multiple routes?
Yes. To view multiple routes you will need to be logged in. Then, simply click the link in the ‘My Runs’ box.
Technical questions…
What screen resolution is recommended to view the Route Planner?
The site has been designed for a screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, but is best viewed at 1024 x 768 or higher. To change your screen resolution on a Windows system, click on the right-hand button on your mouse, go to ‘Properties’, then select ‘Settings’ and choose the correct resolution.
Which browser do I need to view this site?
The site will work in all major browsers – however, you will have a better experience by using Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher).
Do I need cookies enabled?
You must have cookies enabled to log in. We use cookies to keep track of items that make the site more user-friendly – i.e. they allow us to pre-populate your ‘Saved routes’ with the information you provided previously.
What is JavaScript?
To get the full benefit of this website, you will need to have JavaScript enabled on your computer. JavaScript is a type of programming which can add interactivity and function to a website. Some examples include drop-down menus, navigation button effects, interactive forms, slide shows, and pop-open windows.
