💡 TL;DR – Gmaps Pedometer
- What it is: A free, browser tool from the mid-2000s that let runners and cyclists map routes on Google Maps.
- Does it still work? Yes, but the site is outdated, clunky, and not mobile-friendly.
- Accuracy: Fine for rough distance estimates, but no real-time GPS or mobile syncing.
- Better alternatives: Modern apps like Strava and MapMyRun, or smartwatches like the Garmin Venu 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, offer route mapping, GPS tracking, and deeper fitness insights.
If you’ve been running, walking, or cycling since the mid-2000s, chances are you’ve stumbled across Gmaps Pedometer at some point. It was one of the very first free tools that let you trace a route on Google Maps, see the distance, and even estimate calories burned. For a lot of runners, it was a game-changer before GPS watches and fitness apps took over.
Fast forward to 2025: the site is still online, but it feels more like a relic of the past than a training tool. With so many modern options like Strava, MapMyRun, and GPS-enabled smartwatches, is there still a reason to use Gmaps Pedometer today?
In this guide, I’ll break down what Gmaps Pedometer is, why people still search for it, its pros and cons, and the best alternatives available right now. Whether you’re just curious or looking for a better way to track your routes, you’ll find the answers here.
What is Gmaps Pedometer?
Gmaps Pedometer (sometimes called Google Maps Pedometer) is a free, web-based tool that first appeared in the mid-2000s. Its purpose was simple: let runners, cyclists, and walkers plot out a route on a map and see the distance traveled.
Here’s how it worked:
- You’d go to gmap-pedometer.com on your desktop browser.
- Click points along the map to draw your route.
- The tool calculated distance, elevation, and estimated calories burned.
- You could even save routes and keep a basic workout log.
Back when smartphones didn’t have built-in GPS tracking apps, this was revolutionary. Runners loved it because it made planning a new route as easy as clicking around on a map.
📌 Why it mattered:
Before the days of modern smartwatches and fitness apps, Gmaps Pedometer was one of the easiest ways to figure out “How far did I actually run?” without buying a GPS watch.
Why People Still Use Gmaps Pedometer
Even though it looks dated compared to today’s sleek fitness apps, Gmaps Pedometer still has a certain appeal for some runners, walkers, and cyclists.
Here’s why:
- Simplicity: No sign-ups. Just drop points on a map and get your distance.
- Free forever: Unlike premium apps that lock features behind paywall, Gmaps Pedometer costs nothing.
- Desktop-friendly: For people who like planning routes on a computer before heading out, it’s quick and easy.
The Limitations of Gmaps Pedometer in 2025
| Feature | Gmaps Pedometer | Modern Apps & Smartwatches |
|---|---|---|
| Free to Use | ✅ | ✅ (basic) |
| Mobile Friendly | ❌ | ✅ |
| Real-Time GPS Tracking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Route Planning | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sync with Wearables | ❌ | ✅ |
| Advanced Metrics (HR, Pace, HRV) | ❌ | ✅ |
As handy as Gmaps Pedometer was in its early days, it simply doesn’t stack up against modern fitness tracking tools. Here’s where it falls short:
- Not mobile-friendly: The site was built for desktops and can feel clunky on smartphones.
- No real-time GPS tracking: You can only plan routes manually, it doesn’t track your run as you go.
- No integration with wearables or apps: You can’t sync it with your smartwatch, Strava, or Apple Health.
- Outdated interface: Compared to modern apps, the design looks and feels ancient.
- Limited data: It only covers distance and elevation, no heart rate, pace, cadence, or recovery insights.
Best Alternatives to Gmaps Pedometer in 2025
While Gmaps Pedometer still works, most runners, walkers, and cyclists today use modern apps and smartwatches that offer way more features and accuracy. Here are the top alternatives worth considering:
Strava
✅ Route mapping + real-time GPS tracking
✅ Huge community support
- ✅ Syncs with Garmin, Apple Watch, Fitbit
MapMyRun
✅ Easy-to-use route builder, similar to Gmaps Pedometer
✅ Mobile-optimized with workout tracking
✅ Integrates with wearables
Apple Fitness
✅ Easy-to-use route builder, similar to Gmaps Pedometer
✅ Mobile-optimized with workout tracking
✅ Integrates with wearables
The Bottom Line: Should You Still Use Gmaps Pedometer?
Gmaps Pedometer was an innovative tool in its time, and it can still be fun if you just want a quick, free way to map out a route on your desktop. But for more advanced training in 2025, it’s simply too limited. It lacks real-time tracking, smartwatch syncing, and advanced health metrics.
If you’re curious, give Gmaps Pedometer a try. But if you want to track progress and train smarter, modern apps and smartwatches are the way to go.
👉 Ready to upgrade? Check our guide to the Best Smartwatches for Fitness Tracking in 2025.
