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New Tool Maps Flattest Routes in San Francisco Using Lidar and OpenStreetMap Data
Key points
- Tool computes routes in-browser for San Francisco.
- Uses USGS 1m lidar elevation and Overture/OpenStreetMap data.
- Slider adjusts route preference between distance and climbing.
- Climbing is cumulative gain; stairways are foot-only.
Route Computation Details
The new tool calculates routes directly within the user's browser, processing over 160,000 street segments. It integrates USGS 1 meter lidar elevation data with the Overture / OpenStreetMap street graph to determine elevation changes across San Francisco's terrain.
Customizable Route Preferences
Users can adjust a slider to balance route distance against cumulative climbing. This feature allows for a spectrum of routes, from the shortest path to the flattest viable option, where a foot of climb is weighted as equivalent to 200 feet of walking distance. Moving the slider to prioritize flatness will not shorten the route or reduce climbing.
Specifics of Climbing and Navigation
The tool defines climbing as cumulative gain, not merely the net elevation difference between start and end points. For pedestrian routes, stairways are included, while for bike routes, they are excluded. The interface also displays faint lines indicating alternative routes along the chosen path. An offline search function for street intersections, places, and addresses within San Francisco is built into the page.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub almostimplemented/flattensfReporting from
A new web-based tool allows users to find the flattest walking or biking routes between any two points in San Francisco. It computes routes in the browser using USGS 1m lidar elevation data and the Overture/OpenStreetMap street graph, offering a trade-off slider between distance and cumulative climbing.