Apparatus and method for enhancing the utilization of distance measuring devices

Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing the utilization of distance measuring devices using electronic communication devices. A route(s) presentable via a map or map segment may be presented via a mobile device. A distance walked, jogged, or otherwise traveled by a user of the mobile device can be determined using a distance measuring device, such as a step counter. The resulting distance traveled is associated with the presented route to indicate an approximate location of the user on the presented route. The route may be any imaginary or virtual route, whereby the user's actual distance traveled on his/her actual route is depicted on the map/map segment as traveling on the virtual route. Communication tools allow data to be obtained, messages to be communicated, and other services to be performed at certain times and/or in connection with reached locations along the route.