Boat routing
Overview
Boat routing can be a valuable tool for anyone who enjoys boating or sailing by channels, rivers or fairways. Due to lack of most Fairways in OpenStreeetMap data, the boat routing is not recommended for open water navigation, it is suggested to use Direct to point instead. With Depth contour lines enabled, it can help you stay safe on the water by avoiding hazards such as shallow waters, rocks, or other obstacles.
The OsmAnd Boat routing engine also takes into account the characteristics of the waterways and the boat themselves.
- Android
- iOS
Route Parameters - Boat
By default, Boat profile is deactivated. To use this profile for routing, you need to switch it on in Menu → Settings → App profiles.
Boat routing can be configured according to your needs in the Route parameters section of the Navigation settings.
Typically, Boat routing is used with boat profile (the last one enabled together with the Nautical plugin). However, it is possible to use boat routing with other profiles as well, and different routing types can also be employed in the boat profile.
- Android
- iOS
| Parameter | Description | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Allow streams and drains | Allows you to use streams and drains for boat navigation. Enabling this option may be useful for small boats such as canoes, kayaks, rafts, rowboats. | Streams are naturally-forming waterways that are too narrow to be called a river. Drains are artificial waterways, typically lined with concrete or similar, used to carry superfluous water like storm water or grey-discharge. |
| Allow intermittent water ways | Turning this option on allows you to use intermittent waterways to navigate by boat. | Tag Intermittent is used to indicate that a waterway does not permanently contain water. |
Other Routing Types for Boat
Boat routing type is a default routing algorithm for Boat profile. Although you can choose another routing type, which is also suitable for boat navigation:
It's important to note, that the Direct-to-point and Straight line routings types should only be used in open water where there are no obstacles or hazards to navigation. If you are navigating in a waterway with a specific channel or route, you should use the boat routing type in OsmAnd, which will guide you through the correct navigational channels and avoid shallow areas or other hazards.
These routing types for the boat profile can be activated using the following path: Menu → Settings → Configure profile (Boat or another one) → Navigation settings → Navigation type.
Direct-to-Point Routing for Boat
When using Direct-to-point and Boat navigation types, you will need Depth contours data, which can be enabled and set in Configure map.
The Direct-to-point routing type can be used with the boat profile when you want to navigate your boat in open water without following any specific route or waterway. This routing type allows you to set a destination point and OsmAnd will calculate a direct path to that point from your current location. This type of routing doesn't take into account the characteristics of your boat such as minimum and maximum speeds, height and width. Your route will not be recalculated in case of deviation.
Straight Line Routing for Boat
The Straight line routing type can be used with the boat profile when you want to navigate your boat in open water but prefer to follow a straight line rather than a curved route to your destination point. This can be useful when navigating to a distant point, that is visible on the horizon, for example.
Other Routing Settings
The routing algorithm can also take into account temporary limitations specified in OpenStreetMap. This can be done by using Consider temporary limitations option. Note that in some cases, information from OSM can be outdated.
In the Recalculate route section of the Route parameters, you can enable and adjust route recalculation options.
In the Development section of the Route parameters, you can try new routing features that are currently in the testing phase. Note, that these settings are only available when the OsmAnd development plugin is enabled.
Road speeds setting in the iOS version of OsmAnd is located in Navigation settings → Route parameters (for Android, in Vehicle parameters → Default speed). This setting is used on unknown roads without speed limits. This is most often the case when navigating a track or online route. It must be set according to the parameters of your vehicle.
Vehicle parameters. Properly configuring the settings will help you avoid problems when creating a route. You can select the most appropriate route depending on the type of vehicle and road restrictions, as well as calculate the travel time.
This article was last updated in June 2024.