A little help for the map.

One small detail. A smoother little wander for the next pair of feet.

A missing pavement, a locked gate, a path that ends too soon. We’re sorry when a map gap interrupts your wander. Here’s how to check ahead—and, if you’d like, lend the map a hand.

Before your feet follow the line

Pawcasso’s route search uses OpenStreetMap, a map built by its contributors. Pedestrian paths and access restrictions can be missing or wrong, and roadworks may not appear.

• Look along the whole line. Use Street View to look for pavements, crossings and awkward sections. Check the photo date where it’s shown; images can be old or unavailable. A photo doesn’t confirm that a path is public or open today.
• Check what’s happening now. Look at local closure information and follow signs, gates and barriers on the day.
• Leave room to change your mind. If a section is private, closed or feels unsafe, stop and choose a safe alternative. It’s okay to leave a drawing unfinished.

Google’s Street View guide explains how to explore photos from different dates, where available.

A small note can be a big help.

Start here if you’ve spotted a missing path or a detail you aren’t sure how to edit. An OpenStreetMap note invites contributors to investigate; it doesn’t immediately change the map.

1. Open OpenStreetMap’s notes map, find the spot and check for an existing note.
2. Choose Add a note and put the marker where the problem is.
3. Describe what you saw, when you saw it and any signs. Say what you’re unsure about.

Notes are public, so leave out personal details. You can add one without an account; signing in lets you receive replies. Read the OpenStreetMap notes guide.

Fancy a little mapping wander?

StreetComplete and Every Door are independent community apps. Both add the details you collect to OpenStreetMap. You’ll need an OpenStreetMap account to upload edits.

For a path that needs a little more care

A missing path or wrong connection may need a fuller map editor. Leave a note for an experienced mapper, or try the browser-based iD editor with LearnOSM’s beginner guide. A crossing or entrance marker alone doesn’t create a connected walking path.

Share what you’ve observed. Use your own observations from places you may legally access, or sources OpenStreetMap permits. Google Street View can help you preview an outing, but don’t copy its details into OSM without permission. Read OpenStreetMap’s guidance on Google imagery.

Follow the signs. Describe access signs exactly and avoid guessing who may enter. The OpenStreetMap access guide explains the distinction.

Roadworks need current information. Check local notices. Don’t delete a permanent road for a brief closure; OpenStreetMap’s construction guide explains how temporary restrictions differ.

How your little detail helps Pawcasso

Better OpenStreetMap details can help future route searches as our map data refreshes. We can’t promise when an edit will reach Pawcasso or fix a particular route, and other map providers update separately.

Sending us a Pawcasso route correction doesn’t edit OpenStreetMap. You choose whether to contribute there, tell us what went wrong, or simply keep on with your day.

Thank you for helping the next little wander find its feet.

Tell Pawcasso about a route problem · Help test Pawcasso

Official project links and guides checked on 9 October 2026. App availability can change.