roadbook-system
is a collection of tools (RB Recorder, RB Editor, RB Reader, RB Ranking and Secure System 4×4) designed for off-road use and to promote non-competitive 4x4 events and rallies, where the co-driver is just as important as the driver.
It was born partly from a dream — Thierry Sabine’s Dakar — and partly from nostalgia for the 24 Ore del Frignano and other events organized with passion by clubs.
While designing it, I looked for solutions that allow unconventional navigation modes and, thanks to dedicated controls, help ensure participant safety, respect for rules and limits, while also promoting a sporting spirit
The programs are designed with simple logic and a clear workflow. To make good use of them, it is best to start from the quick guide and the main shortcuts.
I call this philosophy LSU (Logical, Simple, Useful), and these principles guide every function I add — or would like to add.
No endless menus, no unnecessary complexity: just logic, simplicity and functionality.
Take a few minutes to see how the different Roadbook system programs integrate with each other.
RB Recorder is an open-source Android application designed to record GPS tracks during reconnaissance before converting them into a roadbook.
It is optimized for solo use. The "Record" button allows you to quickly create voice notes by simply dictating them along the route.
The recordings can be used to highlight a difficult obstacle, a change in terrain, a hazard, or any other useful information, which can then be added to the roadbook notes.
Once complete, RB Recorder generates a package containing the GPX track and voice notes, which can be imported and managed in RB Editor.
The interface is currently only available in Italian. It is simple and intuitive to use and doesn't require a particularly detailed manual.
Roadbook Editor (PC Windows) is completely free, fast, functional and designed to create roadbooks for non-competitive events starting from a .gpx file and the maps provided by the application.
Instruction manual available from the menu in Italian, Spanish and English.
RB Reader is the free application used to read the created roadbooks.
Simple, complete and intuitive, it allows manual or automatic note validation, for example for motorcyclists, mountain bikers or solo drivers.
When manual validation is used, it collects route information and, at the end of the trip, generates a code that can be scanned by the organization for the rankings.
Instruction manual in Italian, Spanish and English.
Works with all Android 8 or later devices.
RB Ranking s a free Windows application designed to manage event rankings easily.
By scanning the QR codes generated by the participants, it provides different types of rankings in real time and can also manage Trial fields with penalties and points.
Instruction manual in Italian, Spanish and English.
A team led by Maurizio Andreotti is developing a WebApp based on Roadbook-System, designed to work on different devices and operating systems.
The project is still under development, and compatibility with Roadbook-System is not yet complete, but work is continuing.
For my part, apart from some testing and suggestions, I am not directly involved in the WebApp conversion. I am continuing to develop and improve the original Roadbook-System suite, keeping the same SLU philosophy: Logical, Simple, Useful.
The two paths may offer different solutions: the WebApp with greater cross-platform flexibility, and Roadbook-System with a simpler, more stable and more focused approach.
When the WebApp is ready, I will publish the link, so everyone can choose the tool that best suits their needs and their adventures.
All programs are distributed under the GNU GPL v3 license:
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html#license-text
November 24, 2025