Creating a Route

Using the web app? Creating a Route on the Web App

Drawing your own backcountry route is one of the main things you can do in Topo Maps+. A single route can mix snapping to existing trails with sections you draw yourself.

How to create a route

Tap the Add button (+).
Tap Add Route.
The route builder opens at the bottom of the screen, with instructions at the top of the map. Tap the X on the instructions to hide them.
Tap the snap mode menu (it starts on Snap: Trails) and choose how new points are joined (see Snap modes below).
Tap the map to add points. Each new point is joined to the last one using the snap mode. To draw freehand, touch and hold the map, then drag. Drawn sections never snap.

Distance and Elev. Gain update as you go.
To remove the last point or drawn section, tap the Undo button (the curved arrow). To throw the route away, tap the X in the sheet.
When you're finished, tap the checkmark. The route's info card opens so you can see its details.

Snap modes

The snap mode decides how Topo Maps+ joins each new point to the last one:

Snap: Trails: follows the trails between the two points. Works offline.
Snap: Routes & Tracks: follows your own routes and tracks that are showing on the map.
Snap: Roads: follows roads. Needs an internet connection. If you lose your connection, the next section is added as a straight line.
Manual: a straight line between points.

You can switch snap modes at any point, so one route can follow a trail and then head cross-country. Snapping only works where there's a trail, road, or route to follow. Where there isn't one, Topo Maps+ draws a straight line.

Use the crosshairs for precision

Turn on Crosshairs in the sheet. The crosshairs move to the end of your route.
Choose Snap or Draw with the control above the sheet, on the right:
- Snap: move the map so the crosshairs are where you want the next point, then tap Add Point.
- Draw: drag the crosshairs to draw the route. Drawn sections never snap.

The route builder with Crosshairs on, the Add Point button on the left and the Snap and Draw control on the right above the sheet — Shown on iPhone — Android looks slightly different.

Free routes

Without a subscription, you can create 3 routes for free, with every snap mode. The bottom of the sheet shows how many you've used, for example You get to create 3 routes for free. 0/3 used. Deleting a route doesn't give you one back.

After your third route, the route builder still opens, but you can't add points. Tap Upgrade to Create More Routes to subscribe. Creating more routes requires an Essentials subscription or higher.

Using a keyboard and trackpad (iPad and Mac)

On a Mac, or on an iPad with a keyboard and a trackpad or mouse connected, the route builder uses a toolbar along the bottom of the map instead of the sheet. It shows the Distance, the snap mode menu, and the Undo, Save, and Cancel buttons. The instructions at the top of the map read Click the map to add points. Hold Shift and drag to draw.

Click the map to add a point.
Hold Shift and drag to draw.

Keyboard shortcuts:

Shortcut	Action
Shift-drag	Draw
⌘Z	Undo
Return	Save
Esc	Cancel

Click Keyboard Shortcuts under the instructions to see this list in the app.

How to find your saved routes

Tap the account button in the top-right corner of the map.
Tap Routes to see all of your saved routes. When you're working in a team, the row reads Team Routes and lists that team's routes. See Working in a Team.