Mac/Windows Software

Basecamp Windows Road name conversion - USA to UK to EU

Road name conversion - USA to UK to EU

Former Member over 12 years ago

I am from the UK and we don't have 'Interstate Highways' or 'State Highways' or 'Major Highways'. Can someone match those to the UK roads which are Motorways (70mph), Dual Carriageways (70mph), Main Roads (60mph) and Town Roads which vary (50mph to 15mph) and maybe also the EU roads? UK 'Residential' would be 40mph or less.

I would like to be able to choose fast A to B on major roads or when on a holiday, to travel off these fast roads and see some countryside. I don't seem to be able to get the profile settings right.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Not sure if there is a direct comparison from US to UK but I would say (having driven both Interstate and Sate highways) that they are both similar to our motorways. As far as I know the only difference between Interstate and State is usually the speed limit with the former having a higher limit.

One thing I did notice however is that once you are out of the city/town the number of roads is nowhere near the number we have here in the UK so your choice will be limited if you are trying to avoid highways.

But I'm sure one of the American members will come along and correct me. :)

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Having lived in/visited a few counties and driven in them I'd say

Interstate = Motorway (definitely). Limited access (on/off ramps) and high (and constant for the most part) speed.

State Highway (SH) is a little trickier because each US state has their own standards for them. In some places they resemble Interstates to a degree. Sometimes they're dual-carriageway sometimes not. They also have limited access but often lack "ramps" as such. Speed limits are also more variable. SH's often have few, if any, traffic lights.

Major Highways. Typically those have much lower speed limits and many stops (cross streets etc). They're also more localized (e.g. only in a city/town).

Residential Streets. Pretty much 1:1. Low speed limit. Sometimes have speed limiting devices such as round-a bouts (UK, Australia), speed humps (Australia and US in places, UK?).

My 2c :D

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Many thanks to both for your input.

If you wanted to see the countryside rather than get from A to B fast, which would you select as ignore of these:

'Interstate Highways' or 'State Highways' or 'Major Highways'

From what you say maybe just the first two?

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Definitely ignore Interstates as you won't see much from those.

As to the other two it'd depend on where you are. If you're away from cities 'State Highways' will work but 'Major Highways' may work also.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Many thanks to both for your input.

If you wanted to see the countryside rather than get from A to B fast, which would you select as ignore of these:

'Interstate Highways' or 'State Highways' or 'Major Highways'

From what you say maybe just the first two?

I say ignore all three if you want to see countryside and you're not in a hurry. I travel quite a lot for my work and tend to minimize flying as much as possible--I much prefer to drive among places, once I fly to the portion of the country I need to be in.

State and county roads are the way to go for me ("B" roads in the UK). The beauty part is that traffic is much lighter -- everyone else is on the 4-lane roads, fighting amongst themselves.

Sometimes there's too much of a good thing; when you tire of the road less traveled, hit the "go to" option and select your final destination for the day. Little Buddy (your trusted Garmin) will direct you to the nearest high-speed road.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Many thanks, we seem to be of similar mind. I will try telling basecamp to ignore all roads except for residential.