# RouteMapper — Full Documentation > Free interactive aviation great circle route mapping tool > URL: https://routemapper.com > About: https://routemapper.com/about.html --- ## Overview RouteMapper is a browser-based flight route mapping and visualization tool for the aviation industry. It renders airline route networks on interactive maps using MapLibre GL JS and Deck.gl. No installation or account is required for basic use. It offer passenger traffic data analysis, population analysis and fully customizable great circle maps. The tool is designed for aviation professionals who need to visualize, analyze, and present route networks — including airline route planners, airport commercial teams, aviation consultants, investment analysts, and researchers. It is simple and quick to use and is the number one resource for airline network planner and airport planning specialists. --- ## Route Input ### Format Enter routes in the text input box, one per line: ``` LHR-JFK CDG-NRT SIN-HKG-NRT-LAX DXB-LHR 450000 EGLL-KJFK 51.47,-0.45-40.64,-73.78 ``` ### Supported identifiers - IATA codes: 3-letter codes (LHR, JFK, NRT, SIN, CDG) - ICAO codes: 4-letter codes (EGLL, KJFK, RJTT, WSSS, LFPG) - Coordinates: latitude,longitude pairs (51.47,-0.45) ### Multi-stop routes A sequence like SIN-HKG-NRT-LAX plots three legs: SIN-HKG, HKG-NRT, NRT-LAX. ### Route values Append a numeric value after the route: DXB-LHR 450000 Values can represent passengers, frequency, revenue, or any metric. They are visualized as line thickness, color gradient, or altitude depending on the selected value mode. ### URL parameter Routes can be passed via URL: https://routemapper.com/?routes=LHR-JFK%0ACDG-NRT Each route is separated by %0A (newline). This allows sharing specific route maps via link. --- ## Airport Database RouteMapper includes a database of over 40,000 airports, airfields, heliports, and seaplane bases worldwide. Data is compiled from open sources and updated periodically. Each airport record includes: - IATA and ICAO codes - Name and city - Country and ISO code - Latitude and longitude - Airport type (large_airport, medium_airport, small_airport, heliport, seaplane_base, closed) - Runway length (meters) - Elevation (meters above sea level) Airport data is displayed in route tooltips when hovering over plotted routes. --- ## Map Projections ### Mercator The default flat map projection. Supports: - 3D arc height rendering via Deck.gl - Route animation with 3D arcs - Pitch and bearing control - All basemap themes ### Globe A 3D spherical earth projection. Supports: - Correct great circle path rendering - Rotation and zoom - All basemap themes - Routes rendered as MapLibre native layers (flat on surface) Note: 3D arc height is only available in Mercator mode due to a known limitation in the Deck.gl/MapLibre globe integration. --- ## Features ### Great circle routes All routes are computed as geodesic great circle paths using Rodrigues' rotation formula with 1024-point interpolation. This ensures accurate rendering of polar routes, trans-Pacific routes, and routes crossing the antimeridian. ### Distance calculation Distances use the Vincenty inverse formula on the WGS84 ellipsoid (semi-major axis 6,378,137 m, flattening 1/298.257223563). Results are displayed in: - Kilometers (km) - Nautical miles (nm) - Statute miles (sm) ### 3D arc height (Mercator only) Routes can be elevated above the map surface using an adjustable height slider (0–10). Height is rendered using Deck.gl PathLayer with parabolic altitude interpolation. Arc height is useful for: - Visualizing route density without overlap - Creating dramatic presentation visuals - Distinguishing overlapping routes ### Route animation Click "Animate" to watch routes draw across the map progressively. In Mercator mode with arc height enabled, the animation traces along the 3D arc path. Animations can be recorded as WebM video for presentations. ### CSV import Upload CSV files with origin-destination pairs. The tool auto-detects columns and supports flexible mapping. CSV can include: - Origin airport code column - Destination airport code column - Value column (optional — passengers, frequency, revenue, etc.) - Any additional columns (ignored during plotting) ### Route values and visualization modes When routes have attached values, they can be visualized as: - **Thickness**: Line width proportional to value - **Heat/Color**: Color gradient from low (cool) to high (warm) - **Altitude**: Route height proportional to value (Mercator only) ### Network analytics Set an analytics origin airport to view: - Route count from that origin - Distance statistics (min, max, mean, median) - Route distribution by distance band - Top destinations by value ### Range circles Draw geodesic range rings from any airport at specified distances. Useful for: - Aircraft operating range visualization - New route feasibility analysis - Catchment area definition ### Population density overlay Toggle GHS (Global Human Settlement) population density and built-up volume layers. These raster overlays show where people live, helping identify: - Catchment area populations - Underserved markets - Demand potential near airports ### Basemap themes Available map styles: - Light (Positron) - Dark (Dark Matter) - Satellite imagery - Terrain/topographic - Multiple additional themes ### Customization options - Route line colors (per-route or by origin) - Route line width - Route borders (color and toggle) - Endpoint markers (color, size, dynamic sizing) - Label mode (IATA, ICAO, city, off) - Label font size and color ### Save and load - Sign in (free, via email) to save map configurations to your account - Load saved maps by name - Share maps via URL — the full map state is encoded in URL parameters ### Live flights (experimental) Toggle a live aircraft position overlay showing real-time flights. This is an experimental feature and may not always be available. --- ## Technology Stack - **Map rendering**: MapLibre GL JS 5.20.1 - **3D visualization**: Deck.gl 9.2.11 (PathLayer with MapboxOverlay) - **Great circle computation**: Custom Rodrigues' rotation with 1024-point geodesic interpolation - **Distance calculation**: Vincenty inverse formula (WGS84) - **CSV parsing**: PapaParse - **Color manipulation**: Chroma.js - **Authentication**: AWS Cognito - **Storage**: AWS DynamoDB (for saved maps) - **Map tiles**: PMTiles + open tile providers The tool runs entirely client-side in the browser. No server-side route computation is required. --- ## Example URLs Transatlantic routes: https://routemapper.com/?routes=LHR-JFK%0ACDG-JFK%0AFRA-ORD%0AAMS-ATL%0AMAD-MIA%0AFCO-EWR Ultra long-haul routes: https://routemapper.com/?routes=SIN-JFK%0APER-LHR%0AAUH-IAD%0ADOH-AKL%0ASIN-LAX Middle East hub network: https://routemapper.com/?routes=DXB-LHR%0ADXB-SIN%0ADXB-SYD%0ADXB-JFK%0ADXB-NRT%0ADOH-LHR%0ADOH-SIN%0ADOH-LAX --- ## Common Questions Q: What is RouteMapper? A: A free web-based tool for plotting airline routes on interactive maps with great circle paths, 3D visualization, animation, CSV import, and network analytics. Used by aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Q: How do I plot a route? A: Enter airport codes separated by a dash (e.g. LHR-JFK) in the route input box and click Plot or Animate. Q: Can I import routes from a spreadsheet? A: Yes. Click the CSV button, upload your file, map the columns, and plot. Supports any CSV with origin and destination airport codes. Q: Is it free? A: Yes. Free for personal, educational, and commercial use. No account required for basic mapping. Q: What projections are supported? A: Mercator (flat map with 3D arc support) and Globe (3D spherical earth). Q: How accurate are the distances? A: Distances use the Vincenty formula on WGS84, accurate to sub-meter precision for geodesic distances. Q: Can I share my map? A: Yes. The current map state is encoded in the URL. Copy and share the link. Sign in to save maps by name. Q: Does it work on mobile? A: Yes, though a desktop browser is recommended for the full feature set. --- ## Contact Feedback and suggestions: https://routemapper.com/feedback.html Terms of use: https://routemapper.com/terms.html Changelog: https://routemapper.com/changelog.html