When build a robot designed to follow a road (or a line on the ground), it is important to have a test road (or line) mapped out.
There are numerous large mats which can be purchased for just this purpose.
(Note the line markings are made with white masking tape and a green 3M masking tape)
Unfortunately the more durable the commercial mat, the heavier it is and this result is expensive shipping on already significant cost items.
One solution is to use Polythene Plastic (aka Builder's Plastic, Polyfilm or Builder's Film) which is:
* relatively inexpensive;
* available in different sizes;
* lightweight and able to be folded for transport;
* can be walked on without being damaged;
*can be folded up;
* masking tape adheres quite well (folding doesn't impact the masking tape).
Disadvantages include:
* despite being black in colour, it can be quite reflective (shiny)
* usually is sold folded in half or quarters, resulting in quite strong "winkles" when first unrolled.
The photo below demonstrates the reflective surface properties:
Here is an example of how it is sold:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/grunt-2-x-10m-100um-black-multi-purpose-builders-film_p0810288
Also not most brands will have logos or other text printed on one side, make sure you use the none printed side for your track.
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