Directions
DrillerDB integrates with Google Maps to provide turn-by-turn driving directions to job sites directly from project records. This navigation integration helps field crews reach project locations efficiently and reduces confusion caused by rural addresses or GPS inaccuracies.
Quick Start: Get Directions
- Open project record
- Scroll to map section
- Click Get Directions
- Google Maps opens with route
- Follow turn-by-turn navigation
Getting Directions
Platform Behavior
| Platform | What Opens |
|---|---|
| Desktop | Google Maps website in new tab |
| Mobile (app installed) | Google Maps app |
| Mobile (no app) | Google Maps mobile website |
Step-by-Step: Navigate to Job Site
- Open the project record
- Locate map section
- Click Get Directions below map
- Google Maps launches automatically
- Current location detected via GPS
- Route calculated to job site
- Follow turn-by-turn directions
Alternative Navigation Apps
| App | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Apple Maps | Copy GPS coordinates, paste in app |
| Waze | Copy GPS coordinates, paste in app |
| Other apps | Use latitude/longitude from project |
GPS coordinates are displayed on the project details page and can be copied for use with any navigation application.
Mobile Navigation
Mobile navigation is particularly valuable for field crews traveling between multiple job sites throughout the day.
Mobile Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Prominent button placement | Quick access at top of project details |
| Driving mode | Ready for voice instructions |
| Auto location detection | No manual starting point needed |
Mobile Route Options
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Alternative routes | Choose different paths |
| Avoid tolls | Skip toll roads |
| Avoid highways | Use surface streets |
| Preview route | See full path before starting |
Step-by-Step: Mobile Navigation
- Open project on mobile device
- Tap Get Directions button
- Google Maps app opens
- Location detected automatically
- Review route options if desired
- Tap Start for voice navigation
Consider equipment transport restrictions when choosing routes. Avoid low bridges, weight-restricted roads, and narrow streets.
Desktop Directions
Desktop users receive directions via the Google Maps website.
Desktop Features
| Feature | Shows |
|---|---|
| Route map | Visual path overview |
| Written instructions | Step-by-step directions |
| Multiple routes | Compare travel times |
| Traffic overlay | Current conditions |
When to Use Desktop Directions
| Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Route planning | Plan before departing |
| Travel time estimation | Schedule appointments |
| Access challenges | Identify issues ahead of time |
Multi-Stop Routes
When traveling to multiple job sites in a single day, plan efficient multi-stop routes.
Planning Multi-Stop Routes
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| View schedule map | See projects by location |
| Sequence by proximity | Group nearby jobs together |
| Manual ordering | Arrange for efficient travel |
Step-by-Step: Plan Daily Route
- Open project schedule
- View scheduled projects on map
- Note geographic clusters
- Sequence stops by location
- Navigate to first job
- Continue to subsequent jobs
Distance and Travel Time
Project records automatically display distance and estimated travel time from your company's main office location.
Distance Information
| Data | Source |
|---|---|
| Distance | Google Maps road network |
| Travel time | Actual driving paths |
| Traffic | Typical patterns for time of day |
How Estimates Are Used
| Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Scheduling decisions | Plan realistic timelines |
| Fuel cost calculations | Estimate travel expenses |
| Customer communication | Accurate arrival times |
Step-by-Step: Update Default Office Location
- Go to Settings > Company Settings
- Find office address field
- Update to primary dispatch location
- Save changes
- Future distance calculations use new location
If you dispatch from multiple locations, set the most common origin as your default, then manually adjust estimates for exceptions.
Offline Access
While directions require internet connectivity to generate, you can prepare for offline use.
Offline Options
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Pre-load route | Access directions while connected |
| Download offline maps | Save service area in Google Maps |
| Dedicated GPS | Portable unit works anywhere |
Step-by-Step: Prepare for Offline Navigation
- While connected to internet, open directions
- Route caches in Google Maps app
- For full offline: download area maps
- In Google Maps: tap profile > Offline maps
- Select your service region
- Download completes for offline use
Backup Navigation Options
| Device | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dedicated GPS unit | Works without cell coverage |
| Downloaded maps | Basic navigation offline |
| Printed directions | No electronics required |
Record project coordinates in a portable GPS device as backup. Many field crews carry dedicated units for remote areas without cell coverage.
Troubleshooting
Directions not generating?
- Verify project has valid GPS coordinates
- Check internet connection
- Try browser refresh
Route seems wrong?
- Verify marker is in correct location
- Update coordinates if needed
- Check for road closures
Route impractical for equipment?
- Avoid low bridges
- Check weight restrictions
- Use manual route selection
Button not working on mobile?
- Check Google Maps app is installed
- Update Google Maps to latest version
- Try long-press and "Open in new tab"
Wrong starting location?
- Enable location services on device
- Grant browser location permission
- Manually adjust start in Google Maps
Travel time seems inaccurate?
- Estimates are based on typical traffic
- Check real-time conditions before departing
- Account for rural road speeds
Related Topics
- Project Map - Project location maps
- GPS Coordinates - Coordinate management
- Job Map - View all project locations
- Scheduling Overview - Schedule management