StopHarborWhen Google Maps runs out of stops.
Google Maps is a great navigator, but its directions accept only about ten stops and use the order you typed. For a day with twenty-five stops, or several drivers, you need a planner in front of it.
The two limits that matter
- Stop count: Google Maps has different limits by app and browser. Maps URLs accept up to three intermediate waypoints in mobile browsers and nine otherwise, so long days need consecutive legs.
- Order: Google Maps follows the order you enter. It does not reorder stops into the fastest sequence for you.
Plan first, navigate second
StopHarbor orders the whole day first, across one or many drivers, with windows and time on site. Then each route opens in Google Maps already in the right order. Routes longer than ten stops are split into consecutive legs, so leg two starts where leg one ended.
Why not just reorder by hand?
With 20 stops there are more possible orders than anyone can compare by eye, and the obvious-looking loop is often not the shortest drive. A planner compares far more options and also accounts for return trips, windows and each stop's time on site.
Keep using the apps your drivers know
Drivers do not need to learn new navigation. They open their StopHarbor link, tap Navigate, and Google Maps takes it from there. Notes, arrival times and done marks stay in the link.
Several drivers, one list
Google Maps has no idea that three people share today's work. Splitting a long list by hand into three ten-stop routes almost always produces routes that cross. StopHarbor divides the stops first, by distance, percentage or ZIP territory, then orders each driver's share, so every Navigate link is already the right work for that driver.
Questions
Can Google Maps optimize stop order?
Google Maps directions use the order you enter. Use a route planner to choose the order, then navigate in Google Maps.
How are long routes sent to Google Maps?
As consecutive legs of up to ten stops each, so every leg opens in one tap and continues from the last stop of the previous leg.
Does StopHarbor replace navigation?
No. It plans, orders and hands off routes. Turn-by-turn navigation stays in Google Maps.