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Types of Routes

Overview​

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​

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:

  • Percorso.
    Map routes - cycle routes

  • Nodo reti.
    Map routes - cycle-node-networks

You can find more information in the Map Legend article.

Mountain bike​

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

  • Scala di difficoltà per MTB. 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​

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

  • Rete di appartenenza. Colors by network affiliation.
    Map routes - hiking network

  • Nodo reti. 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 (Map Legend).

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 slopes and routes​

  • Ski slopes and routes in Winter and Ski map style.
    Map routes - ski slopes

  • Ski slopes and routes in OsmAnd default map style.
    Map routes - ski slopes

Ski slopes and 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. If another map style is active, a banner is shown suggesting a switch to Winter and Ski (Android only) and only Slopes are shown. Tap Switch to change the map style without leaving the current screen, or Later to hide the banner.

Snowmobile trails​

Map routes - snowmobile

Snowmobile trails are mapped in OpenStreetMap as route=snowmobile. They are used for winter recreation and to connect remote areas during the snow season. In OsmAnd, snowmobile trails are clickable, see Actions with Routes section.

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, hazard areas, and nearby rapids for whitewater tourism. See Whitewater features in the Map Legend for rapid grades, river section grades, and related symbols.

Running​

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​

⚠️ 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.