Create, Edit, and Measure Routes in the Android App

This article will show you how to create and edit routes using either the snap-to-trail or straight line route builder. You can also use routes to measure distances on the map. 

Create a new route

1. From the Map tab, tap the + icon and select “Create Route”

2. Choose a routing mode:

• Hiking: snaps to all trails and roads.
• Cycling: snaps only to trails and roads marked as open to cyclists.
• Driving: snaps only to roads.
• Straight Line: does not snap to trails or roads.

Note: Snap-to-trail routing only works with trails and roads displayed on Gaia Topo. Follow these steps to make Gaia Topo the active map layer.

To use snap-to-trail routing while offline, you must download offline routing data when you download maps for offline use.

3. Tap and drag the blue dot to the start of your route. 

Tap and hold anywhere on the screen to plot your next point. Drag the blue dots to change the route.

Tap the undo button to delete the last segment.

Tap a blue dot and then tap the pencil icon to delete a route point or turn a route point into a waypoint.

4. Tap the green auto-complete button to see several options for advanced routing tools: reverse, back to start, and out and back.

Reverse

Reverse switches the route start and endpoints.

Back to Start

Back to start completes a loop to the starting point. It will route along the nearest trail. If you experience unexpected results, tap the undo button and then add another route point closer to the final destination and try again.

Out and back

Out and back completes a one-way route by following the same path back to the starting point.

5. When you finish plotting the route, tap Save at the top-right of the screen.

6. From the Name and Save screen, you can:

• Add a route title
• Add notes
• Choose an activity (e.g., hiking, off-roading, skiing)
• Change the color of the route
• File the route into a folder
• Download offline maps for the route

Download offline maps for your route

From the Name and Save screen, tap Download Maps. Toggle on the layers you want to download for offline use. If you'd like to create additional routes while offline, make sure the Offline Route Data is toggled on.

Please note a Gaia GPS Premium Membership is required to download offline maps.

Edit an existing route

• Add another point to the end of the route - Long-press any spot on the map to add a new point to the end of your route. 
• Reposition points - Tap and hold on a point and reposition it. 
• Add points to the middle of the route - Tap and drag any of the interval distance markers to add a new point along the route.

• Delete points - Tap on a point, tap the pencil icon and then select "Delete".
• Name a point - Tap on a point, tap the pencil icon and then select "Name Waypoint"

5. Tap "Save" to save your edits.

Reverse an existing route

You can reverse an entire route with these steps. 

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Route is not snapping to trail

1. Snap-to-trail routing only works with trails and roads displayed on Gaia Topo. Follow these steps to make Gaia Topo the active map layer.

2. If the blue dots are not close to the trail/road, the line may not snap. Zoom in further and drag the blue dots directly on top of the trail/road.

3. If snap-to-trail is not working, when you are offline, it may be that you did not download offline routing data when you downloaded your map. Follow these steps to download offline routing data: Download Maps for Offline Use.