Distance Calculation Methods

Before you begin any scheduling activities, a default distance calculation method for scheduling is chosen for your site.

To see what method your site uses, click Tools > System Properties, and on the Profile tab, click PASS Scheduling > Distance Calc. Method. The method selected here is the method used in the schedule algorithm to calculate the distance and the time it takes to travel from one point to another.

Table 1. Description of Distance Calculation Methods in Distance Wizard
MethodDescription
Point to Point Calculates the shortest distance between two points.

This method does not take into account streets or landmarks between the two points.
Triangulation Calculates distance between points by drawing straight lines and right angles (that is, using only East-West and North-South lines.)

This method gives a more accurate calculation of the distance that a vehicle travels compared to the Straight method.
Barrier Restriction

By taking into account barriers such as rivers, mountains, and other obstructions, this method calculates distance based on routes that circumnavigate common barriers.

Before the Scheduling Server uses the Barrier method for distance calculation, you must define your barriers.
Street Routing Calculates distance by finding the shortest route along existing streets.
Historic + Street Routing Looks for historic information about distance between two points.

If no historic answer exists, it calculates distance by finding the shortest route along existing streets.
Historic + Triangulation Looks for historic information about distance between two points.

If no historic answer exists, it calculates distance between points by drawing straight lines and right angles (using East-West and North-South lines).