How do we evaluate the quality of a RouteYou route?

Updated February 25, 2026 09:58

At RouteYou, we aim for high‑quality routes that are reliable, clear, and pleasant to follow. The evaluation matrix below describes how we objectively assess routes based on fixed quality criteria. This matrix forms the foundation for assigning scores, such as the well‑known RouteYou stars and the Recommended status.

What does the route score mean, and how should you interpret it?

How do we work?

We combine automatic evaluation with expert assessments. All criteria are analyzed separately. When certain aspects are not sufficiently clear, a RouteYou expert manually reviews the route.

The evaluation matrix is the objective assessment framework that RouteYou uses to determine how well a route meets our quality requirements. Each criterion has a clear purpose and is evaluated individually.

Evaluation matrix

Criterion	Objective	Evaluation
Route title	The title must accurately reflect the content of the route. Certain words reduce the quality.	Terms such as demo, test or derived must not appear in the title. Meaningful, self‑chosen titles are evaluated positively.
Route description	A good description consists of multiple sentences and provides context.	Terms such as demo or test must not be present. Extensive, original descriptions score positively.
Route geometry	The shape of the route must be logical, realistic, and high quality. Long straight segments without waypoints are penalized, as are an unrealistically high number of sharp turns.	Geometry that aligns with normal expectations is evaluated positively.
Route type	The route type should be as specific as possible and match the activity mentioned in the description. For example, instead of selecting the general type “Cycling route,” choose a more specific type like “Road cycling route.” Why this is important ?	Specific route types are rated positively. Generic types such as Cycling route, Motor and car route or All routes are evaluated negatively.
Recognized paths and roads	A route preferably follows known and (re)calculated road segments. Why routes are best (re)calculated	Less than 20% manually drawn sections = positive. The more route segments that can be linked to existing roads or paths, the better.
Minimum distance	The distance must be appropriate for the selected route type. For example, a pleasant walking route will be shorter than a road cycling route.	Routes that are too short are penalized.
Routing options	The routing option must be suitable for the chosen route type. Example: a road cycling route with road cycling‑appropriate settings. What are routing options?	No contradiction between type and routing option = positive.
Road characteristics	Surface type and road characteristics must match the activity. Surface classification.	Unpaved surfaces are penalized in road cycling, car, inline skating, scooter, and touring motorcycle routes. Unpaved surfaces are required and rated positively in gravel and mountain bike routes.
Author score	The author's experience and reliability increase the credibility of a route. How the author score is determined	A higher author score has a positive impact.
Points of interest	Relevant and well‑developed points of interest make a route more attractive.	A route with points of interest is rated positively.
Favorites	Confirmation from the RouteYou community gives us more confidence to present a route as recommended. What are saved routes?	More than 2 favorites = positive. More than 5 favorites = extra positive.
Own media	Personal photos and media enrich the route experience.	Routes that contain personal media are evaluated positively.

Use these tips to improve your route score!

Frequently asked questions

What if your route is actually better than its score?

Some routes deserve more than what the automatic score shows. You can always request a manual review from an expert. Just send an email to info@routeyou.com.

As a TOR, you can do more!

TORs (Trusted Outdoor RouteYou Experts) receive additional trust in our evaluation process and play an important role in the community. Want to become a TOR? Send us a message via info@routeyou.com. Learn more: What is a TOR?