RouteSketcher is a web-based GPS art route planner that transforms running, cycling, or walking workouts into map-drawn artwork for Strava and other fitness tracking apps.
What is RouteSketcher?
RouteSketcher is a browser-based tool for creating GPS art (also called Strava art or GPS drawing). It accepts freehand sketches, uploaded images to auto-trace, existing GPX files, or AI text prompts, and outputs GPX route files plus transparent PNG or video overlays for social sharing. The tool runs on any device with a web browser — phone, tablet, or laptop — and was built by Tonino Catapano (known on X as @tonnoz), who develops it in public with feedback from a community of more than 2,500 athletes.
Key Features
- AI Doodle Generator (beta) — Describe a shape in plain text and the AI draws a route for you; free to use on the free tier and included in the paid tier.
- Auto-tracing from pictures — Upload any image and get a pixel-trace route in about 20 seconds, turning photos into GPS art.
- GPS Art Directory — Browse hundreds of ready-made doodles and publish your own sketches to the public gallery to get featured.
- GPX import and export — Import an existing GPX file to adapt a design; export any sketch as a GPX file for route planners, watches, or fitness apps like Strava and Garmin.
- Freehand route drawing — Draw directly on the map, then fine-tune by removing mistakes or adjusting points before export.
- Social media overlays — Download a transparent PNG or video overlay of your route to post on Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms.
- Community publishing — Share your finished sketch to the public GPS Art Directory and join thousands of creators who inspire the global fitness community.
Who should use RouteSketcher?
- Runners, cyclists, and walkers who want to make their routine more fun by creating a piece of art with every tracked workout.
- GPS artists and Strava-art influencers who publish regularly and need fast, reliable route planning; the tool is endorsed by creators like @gpsartguru and @tcollo_gpsart.
- Social media content creators who want visually engaging posts; RouteSketcher provides transparent PNG/video overlays to make sharing easy.
- Fitness app users who want a free way to add creativity to their existing tracking flow without switching apps.
What can you do with RouteSketcher?
- Design a route from imagination: Draw freehand or ask the AI Doodle Generator to draw a dog shape and then export to GPX.
- Recreate a photo as a running path: Upload a picture, auto-trace it, and run the resulting route in your city.
- Grow a public portfolio: Publish finished sketches to the GPS Art Directory and gain visibility among other athletes.
- Make shareable content: Download a transparent PNG or video overlay of your routes for social media posts.
How does RouteSketcher work?
- Create a sketch by drawing on the map, choosing a doodle from the directory, uploading an image, or using the AI Doodle Generator.
- Fine-tune the route with editing tools — remove mistakes, adjust points — until the design looks right.
- Export the sketch as a GPX file, or download a PNG/video overlay, and import the GPX into Strava, Garmin, or another fitness app.
- Go run, walk, or ride the route while tracking with your app; the art appears on the map.
Pricing
RouteSketcher is freemium. The GPS Art Explorer plan is free and includes 2 sketches, access to the AI Doodle Generator (beta), GPX import, hundreds of directory shapes, transparent PNG/video overlay downloads, and GPX export. The GPS Artist plan is a one-time payment (launch price $19.99) that unlocks unlimited sketching, editing saved sketches, and publishing routes to the public gallery.
FAQ
What is GPS art / Strava art / GPS drawing?
GPS art is a form of drawing made by recording a track with a GPS device (like a sports watch or phone) while moving along a path that forms a recognizable shape when plotted on a map. Strava art specifically refers to GPS art shared on the Strava platform. RouteSketcher helps you plan those shapes ahead of time.
Is RouteSketcher free?
Yes, RouteSketcher has a free tier called GPS Art Explorer that gives you 2 free sketches and access to most features including the AI Doodle Generator (beta), GPX import, and export to PNG/GPX. A paid one-time plan, GPS Artist, removes all limits and adds publishing to the public gallery.
What files can I export from RouteSketcher?
You can export your sketch as a GPX file for route planners and fitness apps. You can also download a transparent PNG or a video overlay of the route for social media posts. The free tier includes these export options.
How do I get support or suggest features?
The founder shares progress and invites feedback on X (@tonnoz) and Instagram (RouteSketcher). There is also a Chat with the founder link on the website to send suggestions directly via Instagram DM.
