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.
Getting Directions
To get directions to a project location, open the project record and locate the map section. Below the project map, you'll find a "Get Directions" button. Click this button to launch Google Maps with navigation instructions from your current location to the job site.
The directions feature works on both desktop and mobile devices, automatically adapting to your platform. On desktop computers, directions open in a new browser tab displaying the Google Maps website. On mobile devices, the system attempts to open the Google Maps app if installed, providing native navigation with voice guidance.
If you prefer to use a different navigation app like Apple Maps or Waze, you can copy the project's GPS coordinates from the project details and paste them into your preferred navigation application.
Mobile Navigation
Mobile navigation is particularly valuable for field crews traveling between multiple job sites throughout the day. When you access a project on a mobile device, the directions button prominently displays at the top of the project details for quick access.
Tapping the directions button on a mobile device opens Google Maps navigation in driving mode, ready to provide turn-by-turn voice instructions. The system automatically detects your current location using your device's GPS, eliminating the need to manually enter a starting point.
The mobile interface includes options to select alternative routes, avoid tolls or highways, and preview the full route before starting navigation. These options help crews plan efficient travel considering traffic conditions, road closures, or equipment transport restrictions.
Desktop Directions
Desktop users receive directions via the Google Maps website, which displays a detailed route map with written turn-by-turn instructions. This desktop view is useful for route planning, estimating travel time, and identifying potential access challenges before departing.
The desktop directions interface shows multiple route options if available, allowing you to compare travel times and choose the most efficient path. You can also use the Street View integration to preview the job site area and identify proper access points.
Print the directions from the desktop interface to provide paper navigation backup for areas with poor cellular coverage. Many rural drilling sites lack reliable GPS signal, making printed directions an important safety resource.
Multi-Stop Routes
When traveling to multiple job sites in a single day, you can plan efficient multi-stop routes using the project schedule. The scheduling system displays projects in geographic proximity, helping you sequence stops to minimize drive time.
Export the day's project list with GPS coordinates, then use Google Maps "multiple destinations" feature to optimize the route order. This route optimization can save significant travel time when working across a large service area.
Some field crews use dedicated route planning apps that integrate with DrillerDB via API, automatically pulling scheduled project coordinates and generating optimized daily routes. Contact support for information about available integration options.
Distance and Travel Time
Project records automatically display the distance and estimated travel time from your company's main office location to each job site. This distance calculation uses Google Maps road network data, providing accurate drive time estimates that account for actual road paths rather than straight-line distance.
Travel time estimates include typical traffic patterns for the time of day, though real-time traffic conditions may cause variations. Check current conditions before departing to account for accidents, construction, or unusual congestion.
The distance and time estimates help with scheduling decisions, fuel cost calculations, and customer communication about arrival times. You can update the default office location in company settings if you have multiple shop locations or primarily dispatch from a different address.
Offline Access
While the directions feature requires internet connectivity to generate routes, you can prepare for offline navigation by accessing directions before entering areas with poor cellular coverage. Load the route on your mobile device while connected to the internet, and the Google Maps app will cache the route data for offline use.
For completely offline navigation, consider downloading offline maps of your service area within the Google Maps app. These downloaded maps allow route calculation and basic navigation even without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Record project coordinates in a portable GPS device as a backup navigation option. Many field crews carry dedicated GPS units that work anywhere, providing reliable navigation even in remote areas without cell coverage.
Troubleshooting Directions
If directions don't generate correctly, verify that the project has valid GPS coordinates. Projects without coordinates or with incorrect coordinates cannot provide accurate directions. Use the location editing tools to correct coordinate errors.
Occasionally, Google Maps may suggest routes that are impractical for drilling equipment, such as roads with low bridges or weight restrictions. Always verify route suitability for your equipment before following GPS directions blindly.
Report persistent directions problems to support, as they may indicate geocoding errors or issues with the project's address data that need correction in the database.