Travel Animator offers multiple ways to add routes to your animation videos. Whether you want quick and simple route lines, accurate paths that match your real trip, or professional-quality storytelling visuals, there’s a method that works for you.
From manually creating a path to importing a recorded GPX file or using Google Maps integration, the app adapts to different storytelling needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three main ways to add routes in Travel Animator – manually, via GPX file, and through Google Maps integration, along with their pros, cons, and best use cases.
Why Routes Matter in Travel Animator
Routes provide your viewers with context, such as where you started, how you traveled, and where you ultimately ended up. Using Travel Animator, you create a visual narrative of your routes, rather than just a line on the map.
Routes are very crucial in Travel Animator because they add both clarity and engagement to your story. By showing how different locations are connected, the route gives your video a flow that can be followed easily by the audience. The movements in the animation across the map gain attention, and customizing colors, travel models, and curves makes each journey feel personal and unique.
Depending on your goals, you can create routes manually from the app, import them via GPX files for accuracy, or share them directly from Google Maps for speed and convenience.
Method 1: Add Routes Manually
Manual route adding is the most flexible way to build a journey within the app. This method lets you draw each destination and stop by choosing every detail of the path.
How to Add Routes Manually in Travel Animator
- Select places from the Starting Point and the Endpoint to define your starting point and final destination.
- Tap the + icon to add multiple destinations and tap on the line to add stops between routes.
- Drag on the points to bend and curve the route.
- Long-press on the point to choose the travel models. You can select a different travel model for each stop/destination.
- Preview and play the animation to examine its flow.
Pros of Manual Routes
- Complete creative control of routes.
- No need for a third-party tool. You can do everything within the app.
Cons of Manual Routes
- May lack accuracy of the destinations and curves.
- You’ll need more effort if your route has many stops.
Method 2: Import GPX file
GPX stores exact location data recorded during a journey. Importing this file into Travel Animator recreates your route with all the same turns and stops.
How to Import a GPX File in Travel Animator
- Convert your Google Map route into GPX format using a third-party converter tool.
- Open the Travel Animator app and click on the routes menu.
- Go to the Add GPX and upload your file from your device.
- The app will automatically plot your routes with all the details.
Pros of GPX Import
- Routes, turns, and stops are accurate.
- No need to manually add each route and stop. It saves our time.
Cons of GPX Import
- Need external data and a third-party GPX converter
- This approach involves slightly more steps compared to the manual or Google Maps methods.
Method 3: Use Google Maps Integration
One of the most exciting features in Travel Animator is its Google Maps integration. Instead of manually adding or converting files, you can simply share a route directly from Google Maps.
How It Works
- Plan your routes on the Google Map.
- Copy the link or use the share option.
- Paste the link to the Paste Google Maps link option in Travel Animator’s route menu.
- The accurate route will automatically generate within seconds.
Pros of Google Maps Integration
- Fast and simple when compared to manual and GPX.
- Google Maps provides the routes, which makes them more accurate.
Cons of Google Maps Integration
- You need an external tool like Google Maps to do it.
Which Method Should You Use? (A Quick Comparison)
| Features | Manual | GPX | Google Map Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Route Accuracy
|
Comparatively less
|
High |
High |
|
Ease of Use
|
Simple, but time-consuming
|
Ease of Use
|
Very easy, direct from Maps
|
|
Best for
|
Creative edits & storytelling
|
Precise outdoor trips (hiking, cycling, long drives)
|
Quick, everyday routes & travel vlogs
|
Tips for Perfect Route Animations
- Enhance engagement by using different travel models suitable for other contexts.
- Customize your map style that match your animation’s theme.
- Use images and labels to showcase destinations or your memories, making it more attractive.
- Adjust animation speed to fit your travel story.
- Always preview your video before exporting to ensure all missing details are complete and everything is perfect.
Which Route Style Fits Your Story?
Choosing the correct method depends on your needs. Each method has its own pros and cons, so you choose the one that best fits your story. At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” method, just the one that fits your story. Experiment with different approaches, customize your routes, and let Travel Animator bring your journey to life. Download Travel Animator today and explore alternative methods.
