Building a route with several points in 2GIS on Android

Modern navigation requires flexibility, especially when you need to visit several locations in one day. The application 2GIS has long established itself as one of the most accurate reference books and navigators, however, many users encounter difficulties when trying to build a complex path. Building a route with several points on Android is not just a function, but a powerful tool for logistics, courier delivery or planning a personal day.

Unlike simple navigators, which pave the way only from point A to point B, 2GIS allows you to implement additional stops in the chain. This helps to avoid unnecessary detours around the city and saves fuel. Developers are constantly updating the interface, so the algorithm of actions may change slightly, but the basic logic remains the same. In this article, we will analyze each step in detail so that you can become a routing master.

Let's start with the fact that the functionality is available in both the free and advanced versions of the application. You don't need any special programming skills or in-depth knowledge of the operating system. It is enough to have an established 2GIS and active Internet connection for the initial download of maps, although the offline mode also supports basic navigation. Let's dive into the technical details of the process.

Preparing the application and basic settings

Before you start building complex chains, make sure that your application is updated to the latest version. Older versions 2GIS on Android may not have full functionality for editing routes or may not work correctly with new maps. Go to Google Play and check for updates. This is a critical step, since new path planning algorithms often depend on the relevance of the database.

It is also worth checking the display settings. In the application menu, find the section Settings → Map. Make sure to include traffic and public transport layers if you plan to combine travel modes. Sometimes users forget that the mode navigation may differ from the pedestrian or driver modes. To add several points, it is optimal to use the car mode, since it is the most flexible in rearranging the sequence.

Pay attention to how busy the device is. Building a route with 10 or more points requires processor resources. If your smartphone is outdated, close background applications before starting the navigator. This will prevent possible interface freezes when calculating the optimal path between points.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using custom Android firmware or a heavily reduced version of the system (Go Edition), some functions for dragging points may work with a delay. In this case, it is recommended to use the simplified mode of adding stops one by one.

Searching for the first point and starting to build a path

The process begins with a standard search. Enter the address or name of the organization in the search bar at the top of the screen. 2GIS will instantly offer options. Select the desired object from the issuance list. After opening the organization card, you will see a large “Routes” button. Clicking on it activates the path building mode.

By default, the application will substitute your current location as the starting point. If you are planning a trip from another location, click on the "From" field and enter the desired address manually. The system will offer options from history or a reference book. The accuracy of entering the address affects the final result, so try to select a specific house, not just a street.

Once point A (start) and point B (finish) are set, a route line will appear on the screen. At this stage, many users stop, considering the task completed. However, right now the work begins with multi-point route. Don’t rush to press the “Go” button, as we need to implement intermediate stops.

Adding intermediate stops to the route

To add an intermediate point, pay attention to the address panel. Next to the “Where” field or under the list of points there should be a plus sign + or the inscription “Add point”. In different versions of the interface 2GIS this element may be positioned differently, but the logic is the same: you expand the list of coordinates.

Click on the add icon. A search bar will open. Enter the address of your next stop. This could be a store, a bank, a friend's house, or a warehouse. After selecting an object, it will automatically go to the end of the queue. If you are adding multiple points, repeat the process as many times as necessary. The application supports adding up to 10-15 intermediate points in one route, which is quite enough for most tasks.

It is important to understand that the order of addition matters. If you add points randomly, the route may turn out to be illogical, with large detours. It is better to think through the sequence of visiting sites in advance. However, fortunately, 2GIS allows you to change the order of points, which we will talk about in the next section.

• 📍 Click on the plus + for each new stop.
• 🔍 Use search by the name of the organization to accurately get to the entrance.
• 🚗 Check the transport mode before adding, since points may be placed differently for a pedestrian.

Sequence editing and optimization

The most powerful function of the navigator is the ability to swap points. Imagine that you added stops in the order A, B, C, D, but it would be more logical to visit them as A, B, B, D. C 2GIS this is done via Drag-and-Drop. Find the icon of three horizontal stripes in the list of points ≡ to the right of the address name.

Press this icon with your finger and move the line with the address higher or lower in the list. The route on the map will instantly change, showing the new path. This function is indispensable for couriers and sales representatives who need to find the optimal sequence for visiting clients. The system automatically recalculates travel time and distance with each change.

Also worth mentioning is the optimization function. Some versions of the application have an “Optimize route” button. When clicked, the algorithm itself will suggest the best order for visiting points, based on the current road situation and traffic jams. However, manual control is often more accurate if you have specific requirements, for example, “first pick up the cargo, then go to the bank.”

Sequence of actions for moving:
1. Find the ≡ icon next to the address.
2. Hold your finger on the icon.
3. Drag the line to the desired position.
4. Release your finger to lock.

Setting the parameters of transport and detours

A route with several points highly depends on the selected type of transport. T 2GIS you can switch between a car, public transport, taxi, walking and cycling. For multipoint routes, the most detailed settings are available specifically for the car.

In the route settings section (usually a gear icon or slider next to the start button) you can set preferences. You can specify to avoid toll roads, ferries, or unpaved surfaces. This is especially true if one of your intermediate points is in an area with limited access or difficult traffic conditions.

Also pay attention to the “Avoid Traffic Jams” function. If it is active, the navigator may suggest that you go around the traffic jam, even if this increases the distance. If there are many points, disabling this function may result in you getting stuck in a traffic jam on one part of the route. It is recommended to keep it turned on to dynamically adjust the path in real time.

Transport type	Max. points	Traffic traffic accounting	Features
Car	Up to 15	Yes	Toll roads accounting, U-turns
Public	Up to 5	Partly	Depends on the schedule
On foot	To 10	No	Only sidewalks and crossings
Bicycle	Up to 10	No	Bike paths and parks

⚠️ Attention: When switching the type of transport (for example, from a car to walking), all added intermediate points may be reset or require a re-check of availability for the new type of movement.

Why does the route rebuild itself?

The 2GIS algorithm constantly analyzes traffic. If an accident occurs on one of the sections between your points, the system will offer an alternative, even if you are already on the way.

Saving and sharing complex routes

Having built the ideal path, you will probably want to save it so as not to enter addresses again next time. 2GIS there is a function for saving routes. After all the points have been placed, click on the menu (three dots in the corner) and select “Save route”. Give it a clear name, for example, “Delivery in the center” or “Trip to the country.”

Saved routes are synchronized between devices if you are logged into the same account. This means that you can build a path on your computer in the web version of 2GIS, and then open it on your smartphone before leaving. This cross-platform significantly saves time when planning.

Another useful option is sending a route. You can generate a link to the constructed path and send it to a colleague or client via messenger. The recipient, following the link, will see the same set of points on his map. This is convenient for coordinating the actions of a group of people moving to different addresses.

• 💾 Save frequently used chains to favorites.
• 🔗 Generate links for quick transfer of coordinates.
• 🔄 Synchronize data through your personal account for access from a PC.

Solving common problems and navigation errors

Despite the reliability of the service, users may encounter problems. The most common of them is that the application does not see the point or puts it “in the field”. This happens if the address is entered incorrectly or the geolocation of the object in the database is out of date. In this case, try selecting a neighboring house or a famous landmark, and then adjust the point manually by long-pressing on the map.

Another problem is that the router offers illogical turns or leads to a dead end. This may be due to temporary movement restrictions that have not yet been entered into the database, or due to the “Avoid U-turns” settings. Check your vehicle profile settings. If the problem persists, use Satellite view to visually assess the road before driving.

Sometimes the application simply crashes when adding a large number of points. This is a sign of low RAM. Try clearing the application cache in Android settings: Settings → Applications → 2GIS → Storage → Clear cache. Do not delete the data, otherwise you will have to download the city maps again.

⚠️ Attention: The interface and functionality of the application can be updated by developers. If you do not find the described buttons, check the “Help” section inside the application or the official website for current instructions.

Is it possible to add more than 10 points to the free version of 2GIS?

In the standard free version there is a limit on the number of intermediate points (usually about 10-15). To create very complex logistics chains with dozens of stops, you may need a corporate version or the use of specialized services for couriers integrated with the 2GIS API.

Why is the route built through toll roads, although I don’t want this?

Check the route settings before you start driving. There should be a toggle for "Avoid toll roads". If it is turned off, the navigator will choose the fastest route, ignoring the cost of travel. Also make sure that your car profile does not have specific parameters that affect the choice of route.

How to delete one point from an already built route?

In the list of points to the right of each address there is a cross × or a trash can icon. Clicking on it will remove a specific stop from the chain, and the route will automatically be rebuilt without it. You can also swipe the line with the address to the left (the gesture depends on the version of Android and the application shell).

Does building a multi-point route work without the Internet?

Basic construction works offline if city maps are loaded. However, the function of searching for organizations by name and recording traffic jams require a network connection. Without the Internet, you can only add points at exact addresses or coordinates that are already in the device’s memory.