Route Order Optimizer
Enter the longitude and latitude of your stops and choose where to start and finish. Compare the input order with a shorter calculated sequence. A dynamic program finds the exact minimum for up to 11 points; 12–18 points use nearest neighbor followed by 2-opt improvement. Distances follow either a great-circle spherical model or an explicit local-plane approximation. This does not model roads, traffic or travel time.
Key features
- Fixed start, optional fixed end or return to start
- Choose spherical great-circle or local-plane approximate distance
- Clearly separate exact tours through 11 stops from heuristic tours through 18
- Compare total distance and saving against the current input order
- Import and export validated editable JSON and point CSV
- Save an ordered itinerary CSV and straight-line SVG sketch
How to use
- Use the sample or edit the stop labels, longitude and latitude; add points if needed.
- Select the distance model, fixed start and optional end or return-to-start condition.
- Calculate the route and check whether the result is exact or heuristic.
- Compare its total with the original input order and inspect the sketch.
- Save editable JSON, points CSV, itinerary CSV or SVG.
Use cases
- Draft a straight-line order for several locations before checking a road map
- Learn how exact small tours compare with a heuristic on larger sets
- Share stop coordinates and ordered segment distances in CSV
Frequently asked questions
Can this give driving or walking directions?
No. Road connections, one-way streets, traffic, slopes and schedules are not loaded. The result is a straight-line coordinate exercise.
When is the order guaranteed optimal?
For up to 11 stops, the selected distance model and start/end/return constraints receive an exact minimum. With 12 or more stops, the heuristic is not guaranteed to be globally optimal.
What coordinate order do I enter?
Longitude first, then latitude. Only 2D longitude from −180 to 180 degrees and latitude from −90 to 90 degrees are supported.
How does the local-plane approximation differ from great circle?
Great circle estimates the shortest arc on a sphere. The plane approximation scales east–west separation by mean latitude and is suited to nearby points; long distances and polar regions can carry larger error.
Are my points saved on a server?
No. Points and calculations remain in the current browser memory. Export JSON or CSV before closing the page if you want to keep them.
Privacy
Stop coordinates are processed in the current browser only. No map tiles or routing APIs are requested, and this tool does not store your points on a server.
Comments & questions