Networks of cycling routes in Belgium and The Netherlands
In parts of Belgium and The Netherlands networks of cycling routes have been
created that consist of a set of numbered nodes connected by legs. Signposts
lead you from node to node. This system allows you to plan cycling tours of
virtually any length starting at a point that is convenient to you.
In the summer of 2002 I have started to map the nodes of these networks as GPS
waypoints. I started doing this for two reasons:
- To make it easier to get to your starting node;
- To provide a way for getting to the next node in case you loose your way
(which can especially happen in The Netherlands where the signpost system
is much poorer than in Belgium) or if want to move to another node without
following a predefined leg.
Waypoints are provided in EasyGPS, OziExplorer and Garmin MapSource formats.
Waypoint names
Network nodes usually have 2-digit numbers. As a result there will be several
nodes with the same number, even within a single network. When planning a route
this is never a problem as two nodes with the same number are never close to
eachother. The duplicate numbers do pose a problem however when defining GPS
waypoints. Therefore I have devised a waypoint naming scheme that guarantees
unique waypoint names across networks. This allows you to load waypoints for
multiple networks into your GPS receiver without name conflicts.
The format of a waypoint name is CCRRSNN where
| CC | = country code (ISO 3166) |
| RR | = region (e.g. ZL for Zuid-Limburg) |
| S | = subregion (0-9) |
| NN | = node number (01-99) |
Example: waypoint NLZL012 is node 12 in subregion 0 of Zuid-Limburg in The
Netherlands.
Sometimes a node actually consists of two nodes that are only 100 or 200 meters
apart. In such a case there will be only one node on the map, but there will be two
waypoints with suffixes A and B.
Network maps
For each network I have scanned a network map as a low quality JPG for quick
reference. Original maps are available at any local Tourist Information office
for a small fee. Buy the map(s) for best appreciation of the network(s)!
Network information items
For each network the following items are provided in a ZIP file:
- readme file in Dutch
- readme file in English
- scanned map in JPG format
- waypoint files in EasyGPS, OziExplorer and Garmin MapSource formats
Waypoint accuracy is about 10 meters. Waypoints have been collected with a
Garmin eTrex Legend receiver.
Cycling route networks
Pagemaster: Roger Hünen.
Last update: 11 may 2003.