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Routes

Overview​

OsmAnd has many powerful features for displaying different routes on the map. By default, these routes are part of vector maps (OpenStreetMap data), however similar functionality is provided by tracks which could be created with Plan a Route, imported as GPX tracks, recorded with the Trip Recording plugin.

Type of Routes​

Routes represent different outdoor activities using data from OpenStreetMap. Tapping the shield icon with a route number or route flag on the map will open a context menu that provides additional information about the route and allows using it as part of navigation.

You can configure the filtering of some route types in the Configure Map menu.

Cycle routes​

Cycle routes are present in three types: local (lcn), regional (rcn), national (ncn), international (icn). Also, cycle routes could be part of Node networks. You can choose how to assign color to the route segments:

  • Route.
    Map routes - cycle routes

  • Node networks.
    Map routes - cycle-node-networks

You can find more information in the Map Legend article.

Mountain bike routes​

MTB routes have a specific mapping in OpenStreetMap and could be selected separately from cycling routes.

  • MTB scale. Shows trails according to the MTB scale. You can find more information in the Map Legend article.
    Map routes - MTB trails

  • IMBA. Show MTB trails according to the International Mountain Bicycling Association, MTB IMBA. More information is in the article Map legend.
    Map routes - MTB trails

Hiking / Walking routes​

Hiking routes are present in three types: local (lwn), regional (rwn), national (nwn), international (iwn). Also, walking routes could be part of Node networks. OsmAnd doesn't separate walking and hiking routes and combines them into 1 group. You can choose how to assign color to the route segments:

  • OSMC. Colors routes according to their individual local color (if available in OpenStreetMap) and the tourist shield symbol.
    Map routes - hiking osmc

  • Network affiliation. Colors by network affiliation.
    Map routes - hiking network

  • Node networks. Colors routes according to the type of node network (international, regional, or local).
    Map routes - hiking node networks

Dirt Bike Trails​

The Dirt Bike Trails feature allows you to display dirt bike-specific routes on the map based on the dirtbike:scale tag. This scale highlights trails suitable for dirt biking, with a colored overlay showing difficulty levels.

You can activate this feature in Menu → Configure map → Routes → Dirt bike routes. The system functions similarly to the MTB scale, offering a visual representation of routes tailored to dirt biking — more about the ‘dirtbike’ tag can be found here.

Map routes - Dirt Bike Trails

Hiking Trails Difficulty Grade​

Some road segments could be part of many routes, but they could be individually colored to represent difficulty for the segment in mountainous areas. Currently, OsmAnd supports Italian and Swiss classifications, and each has a specific list of equipment requirements to access this segment.

  1. SAC scale
  2. CAI scale

Map routes - alpine hiking

Ski routes​

Ski routes are a specific group of routes in OpenStreetMap. Typically, these routes could be used with Winter and Ski map style with all visible Pistes.

Map routes - ski slopes

Horse routes​

Horse routes are displayed as color-indicated routes with symbols for horseback riding.

Map routes - horse routes

Whitewater sports​

Whitewater routes are shown together with access icons, danger zones for whitewater tourism.

Map routes - whitewater sport

Running routes​

Running routes in OpenStreetMap are used for named, numbered, or otherwise marked running routes primarily for athletics.

Fitness routes

Fitness trails​

A fitness trail is a trail or path equipped with obstacles or stations along its length to exercise the human body for the purpose of improving health.

Fitness routes

Travel routes​

⚠️ Android only
This feature is currently not available for the iOS version of the OsmAnd app.

Travel routes Travel routes

Travel routes are part of custom Travel book (.travel.obf) files, which can be generated from the user's routes or be part of additional plugins.

You can customize the display of certain Travelbooks and types of tracks, display tracks as points, or Point groups (for example for Wikivoyage travel books). Learn more about Travel guides here.

Display Routes on the Map​

Menu → Configure map → Routes

Configure Map Routes section

Map routes - hiking osmcMap routes - cycle-node-networks

Route Info and Elevation​

To get full route information and elevation data, tap the route icon (shield) on the map. If you have already used the Download button in the track context menu, tap the line of the required route on the map.

Route info

The following information will be visible in the context menu:

  • Route info: Route name, OSM link (OSM Editing plugin required), Type, Description, Distance, Direction, Ascent/Descent, Altitude range, Network, Operator, State, Color, Roundtrip, Start/End points, and more.
  • General: Size, Location, Created on.
  • Additional Info. Displays type of activity.
  • Elevation info. Displays information about the elevation data on the route.
  • Analyze Track on Map. Displays detailed analysis of track data using graphs and maps.

Save as a Track​

Routes on the ground Routes on the ground

Hiking, Cycle, Travel, and other routes are available for selection on the map, and marked with OSMC symbols. If you tap a route symbol, a list of the routes nearest to it is offered. Selecting one of them opens the track context menu of the route.

To save the route as a GPX file, tap the Save (Download) button under Info panel. This will open the Quick actions button panel where you will have access to track actions such as changing Appearance, Navigation, or editing Plan a route.

Quick Actions​

You can configure to switch on and off routes via Quick action widget.

This article was last updated in November 2024