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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. More information is 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​

Map routes - 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.

Climbing Routes​

Map routes - Climbing Routes

OsmAnd supports climbing areas (climbing=area) and climbing crags (climbing=crag), allowing you to find rock climbing locations directly on the map.

  • Climbing areas represent larger zones where multiple climbing routes exist.

  • Climbing crags refer to specific rock formations or walls suitable for climbing.

  • These locations include detailed attributes such as:

    • Climbing grade (e.g., UIAA, French, YDS).
    • Rock type (e.g., limestone, granite).
    • Route length (in meters).
    • Climbing quality (solid, loose, mixed).
    • Summit log availability.

To enable climbing locations on the map, go to: Menu → Configure Map → Routes → Climbing Routes.

Hiking Trails Difficulty Grade​

Map routes - alpine hiking

Some road segments could be part of many routes, but they could be individually colored to represent the difficulty of 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

Ski routes​

Map routes - ski slopes

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.

Horse routes​

Map routes - horse routes

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

Whitewater sports​

Map routes - whitewater sport

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

Running routes​

Fitness routes

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

Fitness trails​

Fitness routes

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

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​

Go to: Android Menu → Configure map → Routes

Configure Map Routes section

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

Actions with Routes​

Hiking, cycle, travel, and other routes are available for selection on the map and are marked with OSMC symbols, where applicable.

When you tap a route symbol on the map:

  • A list of nearby routes at that location is displayed.
  • After selecting a route from the list, the track context menu for that route opens, showing detailed information and actions.

Route info Route info

In the context menu, you can:

Route Info and Elevation​

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.
  • action buttons: Save as and Start Navigation.
  • 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.

To view graph of the elevation, slope, or altitude details for a selected route, simply tap on any of the following values in the context menu: Distance, Uphill, Downhill, or Altitude.

Routes on the ground

Save as a Track​

Routes on the ground Routes on the ground

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.

Start Navigation​

Routes on the ground

To start navigation along the selected OSM route, tap the Start Navigation button in the Info panel.

This will launch the Navigation by track mode, allowing you to follow the route with voice guidance and navigation features.

Quick Actions​

You can customize whether routes are switched on or off using the Quick Action widget.

Find routes using the Search function by name or by selecting "Routes" in the Categories section.

To search, go to the Search menu or Search → Categories and enter your activity.

Routes on the ground

Navigate to Search → Categories → Routes to find desired routes. Routes include name, activity type, length, location, and distance to the nearest point.

Routes on the ground

Use filters button (top right corner) to display only the desired routes.

Routes on the ground Routes on the ground

This article was last updated in March 2025