What information should you include when publishing a route?
In addition to the track geometry, turn-by-turn directions and images, there are other ways to enrich your route and make it even more more informative.
Main data
- The route's duration: Although the duration is calculated automatically based on its geometry, it can also be entered manually to take into account other factors (and rounded if necessary).
- Meters of ascent and descent: These two entries are automatically calculated based on the altitude profile. You can also edit them manually.
- Highest and lowest points: These two values are also calculated automatically according to the elevation profile and can be edited manually.
- Start point and destination: This information should correspond with your route description and be as precise as possible. For a round trip, the start and finish points are of course identica
Additional information
- Safety information: Are there things along the route you should pay special attention to? This is the right place to warn about exposed sections, dangers and seasonal particularities.
- Equipment: hiking boots, rain jacket or via ferrata set? It is always useful to provide advice on the most important items of equipment others should take with them.
- Tips, hints and links: Other useful tips to share with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts include include things like opening hours and entrance fees.
Getting there
- Public transport: You should provide some details on how to access the area by bus or train. Consider entering the name of the nearest bus stop and train station as well relevant services. Departure times should be avoided, as they change regularly! You can also mark your route at this point with the official designation of being "Accessible by train and bus".
- Approach: If you arrived by car or know how to get to the starting point of the route in a private vehicle, you should try to give a short description. In this case, the nearest motorway exit or road number is especially helpful for orientation.
- Parking: As others will need to park after arriving by car, you should share your experiences regarding the number of parking spaces that are available and any costs that might apply.
Also
- Remarks (internal): These are personal notes and are not published.
- Tagging- Special features and classifications: Here you have the chance to display the most important characteristics of the route, including, for example, whether it is a 'round trip', is 'family friendly' or provides 'disability access'. Users can also directly filter according to these criteria when searching for routes and so by including them, you are increasing the visibility of your route. However, just remember that any false information you give can lead to negative reviews and poor ratings. This means that routes that are indicated as having "disability access", for example, should have no obstacles whatsoever for wheelchair users.
