[OSM-talk] Osm.org Routing Demo

[Mike N.]

> Mike N wrote:
>> It should be noted that this is neither the shortest or fastest route, so 
>> there may need to be a new option?
>> There's talk of several back end routing engines (Gosmore/etc), so I'm 
>> not sure if I should look at modifying one
>> of these engines, or if I would need to add a new one?
>
> To solve such a problem with mathematics and computers, we need a goal
> function. And it may be impossible to collect all the relevant
> information objectively.

  The part that got my attention is that I placed the start and end on the 
trail - the difference in length was probably only 5%, but it preferred some 
busy streets without sidewalks.   Just like it is possible to send bikes 
down a 'cycle route', the foot routing logic could use a foot route relation 
to pick the best way when the distance is reasonable.   Just like a 
pedestrian tunnel and overpass is much longer than trying to cross a busy 
street, it is often the only feasible option.    I think the information is 
in the map data, but agree that the logic is much different than a car or 
even possibly cycle routing.