ViewRanger, Mapping and Buddy Beacon
ViewRanger have kindly assisted us with mapping for this year’s Jennings Rivers Ride, so by following the below instructions you can download the cycle routes to your phone and set up Buddy Beacon so we can track your progress at HQ on the day.
Getting the app and the cycle routes
For this year’s event, you can install your chosen ride route and instructions directly onto your phone using the mobile app ViewRanger. This app will show your GPS location on the map and can also be used to give you alerts as you navigate the course, so you don’t go off track.
ViewRanger can also be used to share your location using “BuddyBeacon” back to our big screen tracker at the event HQ. To share your location, you’ll need to give us your permission, account name and a 4 digit code before you set off on the day.
ViewRanger runs on Apple iPhones & iPads and most smartphones that run on Android & Symbian. Here’s how to get it all running on your phone. (best done with WiFi connection)
- Install the ViewRanger App – its free
Go to your phones app store (ie apple app store, Google Play) and search for “ViewRanger” – select the free version. Download the app and open it. The main screen will show you a map of your local area. NB you may need to turn on location services.
Make sure you create an account when prompted as this will be needed to let you to share your location using “BuddyBeacon” on the event day.
- Download and install your route – that’s free too!
To get your route onto the app. With the app open….
APPLE users: tap on the screen, then tap on icon (Organizer), then select “routes” from menu list
ANDROID users: press menu button, the select Organizer, then “routes”
SYMBIAN users: press options, then Organizer, then “routes”
ALL devices: Then select “search for routes” using search by text – enter “Jennings”. Select your chosen route Family, Middle Distance, Big Day Out, and press download to install on your phone
- Store Your Map for Offline use
Along your route you will probably go in and out of mobile signal. To make sure the map is always viewable, we recommend that you store it using our “create saved map” feature. To do this, with your route visible on the screen:
APPLE & ANDROID users: tap on the screen, then tap on icon (action menu), then select “create saved map”. Select “street” and tap on each square within the route area, so they turn red. Select “tick” give it a name and let it download.
SYMBIAN users: View the map first, then press options, then Map source, then Offline.”
With the free version your route will be shown on the OpenStreetMap. If you want a more detailed map, then you can choose to upgrade to Ordnance Survey Lake District NP maps. To do this go to Organizer, then ViewRanger Store (on Symbian: options>organizer>downloads), go to GB and select your preferred map scale 1:50,000 (around £4) or 1:25,000 (around £50).
Not sure yet and just want to view the routes via the web go to
Buddy Beacon
This will enable you to share your location on route with family, friends and people at HQ during the live event. All details will be displayed on a large screen located near the finish on Fitz Park so friends can key in your name and see where you are on the route!
Apple
•To set up Buddy Beacon – To Share your Location
With the App running, tap on the screen
•Tap on Organiser
•Select Buddybeacon
•Beacon send – switch to on. (Make sure you do this, or else it won’t work!)
•Scroll down to Beacon Settings
•Beacon PIN – enter a 4 digit PIN. Choose a number that you are happy to tell those
you want to see your location.
•Update Frequency – When set to 5 minutes the beacon will be sent every 5 minutes.
•Auto start beacon – switch to on, then ViewRanger will start transmitting
the beacon as soon as the app starts.
•Send old positions – switch to on
•You can see your BuddyBeacon is sending as this icon will be visible in the top bar
•Give the people who you want to see your location your username (usually email) and
the PIN you have chosen
Android
•With the App running, press Menu Button
•Tap on “Beacon & tracker”
•Tap on “Beacon repeat on” (Make sure you do this, or else it won’t work!)
•Select update frequency ie every 5mins
•Beacon PIN – enter a 4 digit PIN. Choose a number that you are happy to tell
those you want to see your location
•You can see your BuddyBeacon is sending as this icon will be visible in the top bar
•Give the people who you want to see your location your username (usually email)
and the PIN you have chosen
To share your Buddy Beacon on the Day
Once you have set up Buddy Beacon on your phone - ADD YOUR DETAILS HERE AND WE CAN THEN TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AT HQ
If you’d like to add a photo to your Buddybeacon – please go to: Log in using your ViewRanger account name and password. Then select “My ViewRanger Account, then “Profile” and upload a photo.
If your friends would like to watch your progress on line they need to follow this link