In this dynamic world, effective route planning is essential for both individuals and enterprises. Zeo Web Plugin is a free plugin that optimizes Google Maps routes using advanced algorithms. It allows users to add stops and select the shortest route by clicking the plugin. It simplifies route planning for fleet management, delivery coordination, and road trip planning, making it a more efficient and effective process. This Plugin enhances Google Maps’ route planning capabilities, enhancing efficiency, cost reduction, and productivity.
How to Use Google Maps to Optimize a Route with Multiple Stops?
This guide provides a step-by-step guide on optimizing a multi-stop route using Google Maps, followed by an introduction to the Zeo Chrome extension, which enhances route optimization by providing detailed instructions on using Google Maps effectively.
- Start by using Google Maps: To access Google Maps, either open it in a web browser or download the app on your smartphone.
- Enter the Initial location: To plan your route, enter your starting location in the search bar and click the “Directions” button.
- Include your first location: Enter your first destination in the directions interface and Google Maps will calculate the route from your initial point to that location.
- Add more stops: To add more stops, click the “+” button below the destination field. You can add up to 9 stops or a total of 10 points on your route—Reorder destinations by dragging and dropping them in the list.
- Evaluate and adjust the route: Google Maps displays the route for each segment between stops, allowing users to adjust the path by dragging the line to avoid specific areas or pass through specific locations.
- Adjust manually (if needed): Google Maps does not automatically optimize stops for the shortest or fastest route, so you must manually adjust the order of stops for the most efficient route.
- Start navigating: After selecting the route and stop order, click the “Start” button in the app to begin navigation, which displays a step-by-step route and estimated travel time on the web.
Google Maps is a useful route planning tool, but it doesn’t automatically reorder stops for the fastest sequence, which is addressed by Zeo’s Route Optimizer Chrome Plugin.
Use Zeo’s Route Optimizer Chrome Plugin to Enhance Your Route Optimization
- Go to the ‘Zeo Chrome Extension’ feature, then click on ‘Install Zeo Web Plugin’.
- Now add the ‘Free Route Planner for Google Maps’ plugin to your Chrome browser.
- Open Google Maps in your browser and add necessary stops for your trip, ensuring the first stop is the starting point.
- To change the settings, click on the Zeo Plug-in at the top and choose the desired option.
- Set first stop as return location.
- Set last added stop as finish/end stop.
- No finishing stop added.
- The optimized route with the correct sequence will be displayed in a new window.
- To send the optimized route to your phone, click on the ‘Send directions to your phone‘ option.
- You may now start your journey using the optimized route on your phone app.
Benefits of Zeo Web Plugin
- Indicates which stops on a list should be visited in what order.
- Reduces overall journey expenses by offering the lowest distance.
- You have plenty of time to complete other activities because the entire trip takes the least amount of time.
Features of Zeo Web Plugin
- No app download required: Install the extension in two simple steps.
- Route optimization: Optimize your route with the click of a button.
- Multi-stop route planning: Calculates efficient routes for multiple stops, reducing travel time and fuel costs.
- Real-time updates: Allows real-time adjustments and instant updates for minimal disruptions.
- Enhances Google Maps: route optimization with Google Maps supercharges the route-planning process with a user-friendly interface.
Final Thoughts
The Zeo Chrome Extension feature combines the power of Google Maps with route optimization, eliminating the need for a separate app. The feature enhances the use of Google Maps for courier drivers and field service professionals. The best part is that it’s free, eliminating the need to spend money on a paid app.
Get our Zeo Web Plugin which is a valuable tool for optimizing your routes, as every mile counts.