The basic idea is to make a list of highway segments you have traveled and collect them into a plain text file to be emailed to the webmaster. The text file will be processed and converted into a set of custom stats pages and maps describing your travels.

1. Choose a username. Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores in your username, and keep the name at or under 15 characters long.
2. Make a plain text file. Name the file username.list, replacing username with the username you chose. For example, if you choose the name "highwayguy", name your file "highwayguy.list".
3. Make a list of highway segments you have traveled.

   The Highway Browser (HB) is designed to help you with this process. The HB lists all available highways that can be mapped. For each highway, the HB also provides a list of points that you can use as a start or end point.

   Break up your travels into segments by highway and region (country, state, province, etc.). For each highway segment, add one line to your .list file with the following format:

   Region Highway Point1 Point2

   For example, if you traveled on Interstate 70 in Illinois between the Missouri border and Exit 52, you would put the following line in your file:

   IL I-70 MO/IL 52

   That text comes from the blue text in the HB, shown here in the areas highlighted in yellow:

   

   Check out our Examples page where we spell out how to break down your travels into "segments" to enter into the file.

4. Check your work. Make sure the following items are correct:
   • Each line has exactly the 4 required fields: region, highway, and two point labels.
   • The fields have only a single space between them. Tabs, commas, or other delimiters may prevent the mapping script from parsing your file correctly.
   • The file is saved as plain text with a .list extension. Word processor files (Microsoft Word, Open Office Write, etc.) and rich-text formats will not work. If you use a word processor to create your file, be sure to select "Save As..." and save the file in a plain text format.
   • Including a small number blank lines is acceptable. You might wish to break up your list into chunks by region or highway type to make it easier to read or manage.
5. Send your .list file to . Mention in the subject line that your username is a new one. You have now finished your part. Your file will be manually included in the next site update, which usually occurs on a weekly basis.
6. Later, look for your name on the Traveler List. Once your file has been processed, your name will appear in this list along with all the other travelers. Click on your username and enjoy your clinched highway stats and maps.
7. Update your file as needed by emailing an updated copy.Check your online Log File (on your stats pages). If you included a highway or point label that the mapping script does not recognize, it will tell you in your Log File. Sometimes the highway data are updated and may create a new error. If you do more traveling, you can update your .list file to reflect the new highways on which you have traveled. To update your file, just email it again, and it will be processed in the subsequent site update.

The Clinched Highway Mapping collaborators hope that you enjoy your free maps and stats pages.