GOROAM Frequently Asked Questions

What is this?

GOROAM is an online map mash-up that aims at helping you document any activity you get up to once you step out your front door. In the current version, GoRoam allows users to create routes and share them with their friends, in addition to providing an online distance calculator (pedometer). You can run, bike, hike, swim, ski wherever you want to - then come back, map out your route right here, save it, share it with your friends, and see how long it was.

What is the GoRoam Geomapper?

The GoRoam Geomapper is a website tool that makes it easy for you to add maps to your page without being a computer programmer. If you have a blog or your own website and you'd like it to include a map, follow our step-by-step instructions on how to do it. It's easy and can be done in less than five minutes.

What browsers does this work in?

GoRoam is tested in Internet Explorer 6.0/Firefox 2.0 on a PC and FireFox 2.0/Safari 1.3.2 on a Mac. Because the Google Maps application is fairly complicated, it is impossible to support earlier browsers. At this time, we have no plans to support Opera, Netscape or any other less common browsers. In general, using GoRoam in FireFox provides the best performance on both PC and Mac computers. While we have decided to support Safari, we find the performance much slower and still recommend that Mac users use FireFox. The site is tested primarily on a PC, so Mac users should especially be on the lookout for bugs. If anyone finds a bug, feel free to tell us.

How do I use it?

Read our Quick Start Quide or our full tutorial, which explain all the tools you can use to map out a route.

Errr, that's great but now what do I do?

First, share your routes with your friends. Use the Share button in the menu to show everyone your new route; each route has a unique URL, so you can link to them directly and anyone can view them. After that, do whatever you want: some people keep a written log of distances run, some people like to know how long they walk on the commute to work, others log stuff in online applications. As for the latter, there's more to come right here with GoRoam.

Uhh, can't I do this on Google Maps?

Kind of, but with Google Maps you can only map routes that are on roads - no trails or off-roading. Plus, Google Maps is a little annoying for drawing your own routes and I bet loops would prove a little difficult.

Aren't there other websites that do something like this?

Sure, but we think our interface is better. Plus, we're planning on adding tons of new features in the coming months.

Do I need an account to use GoRoam?

No, you do not need an account to view pages and routes on GoRoam. But if you want to use GoRoam as an application - and not just a source of information - you need an account in order to save routes and participate in the GoRoam community. We definitely recommend that you create an account - after all, it is free.

I don't trust you - what are you going to do with my personal information?

Yeah, we totally understand your reluctance to trust a site you've never seen before. But rest assured that we will never share your email address without your permission first. Any other information you provide us will only be used to identify you in our community and we will do our best to make it clear what things are and are not publicly available. Plus, you can delete your account at any time. Please read our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more detailed information.

Ok, so what's next for GoRoam?

Very soon, we plan on adding more blog-type features (text, photos, video), so you'll be able to go on a road trip and fully document your progress. Also in the works are importing (from your GPS units), exporting (to GoogleEarth, etc.), and better searching. This current application is just the start of what's going to be a community based around mapping out and documenting all the cool stuff you do outside your home.

How can I help?

Right now, the best way to help is to just spread the word. If you think this route creator and distance calculator is cool, tell your friends. Use the Share button in the menu to share any individual page in a bunch of different ways. Also, if you find bugs on the site or have great ideas for new features, please email us the details; go to the Contact Us page for a list of our email addresses.

When can I expect some new features?

We're working on the site constantly and aim to release minor improvements once every 1-2 weeks. Be sure to check out our blog, where we'll keep track of the progress we're making and what new features have been released.

How do I delete my account?

First, we're sorry to see you go. If you have the time, we'd love to hear why you've decided to leave, what problems you have with the service, anything - please email us at: ideas@goro.am. Second, remember that GoRoam is in its infancy and we'll be adding more and more features, so since it's a free service please consider keeping your account and checking back in a few months to see all the improvements we've made. If you definitely want to cancel your account, just email us at admin@goro.am and we'll delete your account. Keep in mind that there may be residual traces of your account after deletion, as detailed in our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.