Waypoint Name Format
(See last page for comments)

Codes

Junctions	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
EXT	[0-999]	Freeway/highway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at center of road/freeway jct.	
EX	[exit #?]	Freeway/highway exit from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
EXTE	[0-99]	Freeway/highway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at start of eastbound exit	
EXE	[exit #?]	Freeway/highway exit from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
EXTN	[0-99]	Freeway/highway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at start of northbound exit	
EXN	[exit #?]	Freeway/highway exit from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
EXTS	[0-99]	Freeway/highway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at start of southbound exit	
EXS	[exit #?]	Freeway/highway exit from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
EXTW	[0-99]	Freeway/highway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at start of westbound exit	
EXW	[exit #?]	Freeway/highway exit from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
J	[altitude]	Junction of trails from map	Trail names in comment field if possible	
JC	[0-9999]	Junction of trails GPS field mark	See “XJ” and “Road junction”.	
JN	[0-9999]	Junction of trails from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
JR	[altitude]	Junction of trail and road from map 	A trail may be single or double track.	
JCR	[0-999]	Junction of trail and road GPS field mark 	A trail is NOT open to 4WD vehicles but might be open to ATV’s.	
JNR	[0-999]	Junction of trail and road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
OJC	[0-999]	Junction of an old trail GPS mark.          See “XJ”.	Old trail no longer used. Might look like XC routes.	
OJN	[0-999]	Junction of an old trail from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
OJR	[0-999]	Junction of an old road GPS field mark	Old road no longer used off of trail or road.	
OJNR	[0-99]	Junction of an old road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
ONR	[altitude]	Freeway on ramp/road jcn. from map	Junction of road and freeway on ramp.	
ONRP	[0-99]	Freeway on ramp/road jcn. GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field where on ramp leaves road	
ONRM	[0-99]	Freeway on ramp/road jcn. from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RJ	[altitude]	Road junction of roads from map 	Includes roads for which high clearance, etc. is needed	
RJC	[0-999]	Road junction of roads GPS field mark 	These are double tracks or paved.  May need 4WD.	
RJN	[0-999]	Road junction of roads from map or GPS avg.	May be closed to the public (i.e. Park maintenance)	
				
RRC	[0-999]	Railroad crossing GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field where road or trail crosses.	
RR	[0-9999]	Railroad crossing from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
SC	[0-9999]	Shortcut that “shouldn’t exist” GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
SCT	[0-999]	Shortcut that “shouldn’t exist” GPS avg.	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
				
SPR	[0-999]	Short spur junction GPS mark.      See “SPG”.	Short spur to a viewpoint, short side trail, driveway, etc. 	
SPU	[0-999]	Short spur junction from map or GPS avg.	Careful not to confuse with spring: “SPG”	
				
XJ	[altitude]	Cross-country trail junction estimate from map	Take off point from trail/road or multiple XC routes	
XJC	[0-999]	Cross-country trail junction GPS field mark	Not a “real” trail. Maybe game trail or obvious route used often.	
XJN	[0-999]	Cross-country trail junction estimate from map	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Water Features	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
CAN	[0-999]	Canal GPS field mark	Use for a flume, aqueduct, ditch – ruins or functioning.	
CNL	[0-999]	Canal from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
F	[NameA]	Falls generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
F	[altitude]	Falls or cascade from map	Name in comment/message field	
FA	[0-9999]	Falls or cascade GPS field mark 	Marked at top, bottom, or side	
FL	[0-9999]	Falls or cascade from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
I	[name]	Intermittent stream from map or very small	Where trail or road crosses.  See XIS for XC route.	
I	[altitude]	Intermittent stream from map or very small	Name in comment/message field.  	
IS	[0-9999]	Intermittent stream GPS mark.     See “Gully”.	Dry streambed, seasonal flow, or very small stream.	
IST	[0-999]	Intermittent stream from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
K	[NameA]	Lake or reservoir generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
[Name]L		Name of Lake or reservoir from map	Lake or reservoir	
L	[name]	Lake or reservoir from map		
L	[altitude]	Lake or reservoir from map	Prefer mark at outlet as multiple inlets more likely.	
LK	[0-9999]	Lake or reservoir GPS mark.      See “Lake edge”.	At outlet stream or at largest inlet or closest to trail.	
LAK	[0-999]	Lake or reservoir from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
LE	[altitude]	Lake edge from map	Other side of big lake from outlet near trail.	
LEG	[0-999]	Lake edge GPS field mark	Lake edge closest to trail when outlet not near trail.	
LED	[0-999]	Lake edge from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
PO	[altitude]	Pond from map	Too small to be called a lake. A beaver pond.	
POD	[0-999]	Pond GPS field mark	May be dry in late summer.       See “Tarn”.	
PON	[0-999]	Pond from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RP	[name]	Rapids from map		
RP	[altitude]	Rapids from map	Name and class in comment (it’s not Road Point)	
RAP	[0-999]	Rapids GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field possibly at start of rapids.	
RPD	[0-999]	Rapids from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
U	[NameA]	Rapids generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
S	[name]	Stream or river from map	Where the trail or road crosses.      See “Bridge”.	
S	[altitude]	Stream or river from map	Name in comment. Can be small enough to step across.	
ST	[0-9999]	Stream or river GPS field mark	Use “I”, “IS” for very small streams.	
STR	[0-999]	Stream or river from map or GPS marks average	Use “XST” if the trail doesn’t cross the stream.	
				
N	[NameA]	Spring generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
SG	[altitude]	Spring from map	Waypoint marked from map	
SPG	[0-999]	Spring GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field.         “SPR” is for Spur.	
SPN	[0-999]	Spring from map or GPS marks average	This might be a mud hole so don’t assume water is available.	
				
SJ	[altitude]	Stream junction with stream from map	Names in comment	
SJC	[0-999]	Stream junction with stream GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
SJN	[0-999]	Stream jct. with stream from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
SWP	[0-999]	Swamp or muddy area GPS field mark	A muddy or damp area or marsh or swamp.	
SWMP	[0-99]	Swamp or muddy area from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked in field wherever it’s convenient.	
				
TA	[altitude]	Tarn from map	Name in comment/message field	
TAR	[0-999]	Tarn GPS field mark	Small mountain lake - fills a cirque / formed by glacier.	
TAN	[0-999]	Tarn from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Water Features – Continued	
				
XI	[altitude]	Intermittent stream from map - no trail intersection	Dry streambed, seasonal flow, or very small stream.	
XIS	[0-999]	Intermittent stream GPS mark.    See “Gully”.	See “IS” if trail or road crosses stream.	
XIST	[0-99]	IS from map or GPS avg. - no trail intersection	X-C route may cross.	
				
XS	[altitude]	Stream point from map - no trail intersection 	See “Stream” if trail or road crosses stream.	
XST	[0-999]	Stream point GPS mark - no trail intersection	Trail doesn’t cross the stream. X-C route may cross.	
XSM	[0-999]	Stream point processed - no trail intersection	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
W	[NameA]	Stream end generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name. ‘W’ for “water”	
Z	[NameA]	Stream beginning generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	

General Points along Roads, Trails, or Routes	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
DS	[0-9999]	Double/Single track transition GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
DBS	[0-999]	Dbl/Single track transition from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
FLG	[0-999]	Flag or paint mark GPS field mark	Ribbon or paint on a tree, etc. usually to mark route/trail	
FLA	[0-999]	Flag or paint mark GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
				
GA	[altitude]	Gate across trail or road from map	Waypoint marked from map	
GAT	[0-999]	Gate across trail or road GPS field mark	May or may not be passable. Open or closed.	
GTE	[0-999]	Gate across trail or road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
LG	[0-9999]	Log across the trail GPS field mark	Fallen tree blocking trail to some degree	
LOG	[0-999]	Log across the trail GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
				
ORP	[0-999]	Old road point GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
ORPT	[0-99]	Old road point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
OTP	[0-999]	Old trail point GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
OTPT	[0-99]	Old trail point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
PST	[0-999]	Post GPS field mark	Post in pile of rocks or in ground for trail/route marker	
POS	[0-999]	Post GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
				
R	[name]	Road point from map	General purpose point along a road	
R	[altitude]	Road point from map	Name in comment/message field	
RD	[0-9999]	Road point GPS field mark	(RP is for rapids)	
ROD	[0-999]	Road point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RE	[altitude]	Road end from map 	Where road ends	
RED	[0-999]	Road end GPS field mark 	Waypoint marked in field	
REN	[0-999]	Road end from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RKC	[0-999]	Rock cairn GPS field mark	Pile of rocks to mark route or trail	
RKCN	[0-99]	Rock cairn GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	

General Points along Roads, Trails, or Routes - Continued	
				
SB	[altitude]	Switchback from map	Waypoint marked from map - trail or road	
SBK	[0-999]	Switchback GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at angle (elbow)	
SWB	[0-999]	Switchback from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
T	[altitude]	Trail point from map	General purpose point along a trail.  See “PTI”.	
TP	[0-9999]	Trail point GPS field mark	What it marks in comment/message. See “Misc”.	
TPT	[0-999]	Trail point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
TE	[altitude]	Trail end from map 	Waypoint marked from map	
TED	[0-999]	Trail end GPS field mark 	Waypoint marked in field	
TEN	[0-999]	Trail end from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
TH	[altitude]	Trailhead from map 	Name in comment/message field.	
THD	[0-999]	Trailhead GPS field mark.         See “Parking”.	Marked at sign, gate, or place to help find start of trail.	
TLH	[0-999]	Trailhead from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
X	[altitude]	Cross-country route point estimate from map	See “Gully”, “Ridge”, and “Shelf”.	
XC	[0-9999]	Cross-country route point GPS field mark	At some distinct feature such as a ridge, rock pile etc.	
XP	[0-9999]	Cross-country route point from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
XE	[altitude]	Cross-country route end point from map	See “XJ” and “XS”.	
XED	[0-999]	Cross-country route end GPS field mark	End of a cross-country route for whatever reason	
XEN	[0-999]	Cross-country route end from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
	 	 		
Y	[NameA]	Name of a trail generated from GNIS database	Appears somewhere along the trail.	

High Points Relative to Surroundings	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
HP	[altitude]	High point from map	Waypoint marked from map.	
HPT	[0-999]	High point GPS field mark	Local "hill" of some significance or high point on trail.	
HPN	[0-999]	High point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
[Name]M		Name of Mountain from map		
M	[name]	Mount or Mountain from map       See “Peak”.	Name and altitude in comment	
M	[altitude]	Mount or Mountain from map	Name and maybe altitude in comment	
MT	[0-9999]	Mount or Mountain GPS mark	Contour lines make a “loop” that’s not a hole.	
MTN	[0-999]	Mount or Mountain from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
[Name]P		Name of Peak from map.         See “Mountain”.	Name and altitude in comment	
P	[name]	Peak from map	Name and altitude in comment	
P	[altitude]	Peak from map	Name and maybe altitude in comment	
PK	[0-9999]	Peak GPS field mark.               See “High point”.		
PEK	[0-999]	Peak from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Topography other than High Points and Water, etc.	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
BE	[altitude]	Beach from map	Sandy area on a river, ocean, bay, lake etc.	
BCH	[0-999]	Beach GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field wherever convenient	
BEA	[0-999]	Beach from map or GPS marks average	Not to be confused with bench, “BEN”	
				
CLF	[0-999]	Cliff GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
CIF	[0-999]	Cliff from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CO	[altitude]	Col or notch from map	Name of high mtn. pass in comment.   See “Pass”.	
COL	[0-999]	Col or notch GPS field mark	Probably no real trail over this kind of pass	
CLO	[0-999]	Col or notch from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CV	[altitude]	Cave entrance from map	Waypoint marked from map	
CAV	[0-999]	Cave entrance GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
CVE	[0-999]	Cave entrance from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
GU	[altitude]	Gully from map	Opposite of Ridge; contour lines make a “V” pointing uphill	
GUL	[0-999]	Gully GPS field mark	Trail crossing gully with no stream.    See “IS”.	
GLY	[0-999]	Gully from map or GPS marks average	See “X” (cross-country route point) and “Shelf”.	
				
IL	[altitude]	Island from map	Waypoint marked from map.   See “IS” (int. stream).	
ILD	[0-999]	Island GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
ILN	[0-999]	Island from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
LP	[altitude]	Low point from map	See “High point” and “Gully”.	
LPT	[0-999]	Low point GPS field mark	Low point on trail or “hole” not full of water.	
LPN	[0-999]	Low point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
G	[NameA]	Gap – Pass generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
PA	[altitude]	Pass from map	Name of pass in comment.  See “COL”.	
PAS	[0-999]	Pass GPS field mark	Land surface forms a “saddle”	
PSS	[0-999]	Pass from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
Q	[NameA]	Ridge generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
RI	[altitude]	Ridge from map 	Opposite of Gully; contour lines make “V” pointing downhill	
RIG	[0-999]	Ridge GPS field mark 	See “X” (cross-country route point) and “Shelf”.	
RID	[0-999]	Ridge from map or GPS marks average	Trail crossing ridge line	
				
SL	[altitude]	Shelf location from map	Wide contours for a traverse. Guide for cross-country travel.	
SHLF	[0-99]	Shelf location GPS field mark	Ledge on steep hillside.  See Shaft – because of similar names.	
SLF	[0-999]	Shelf location from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
V	[NameA]	Valley beginning generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
E	[NameA]	Valley end generated from GNIS database	USGS - Geographic Names Information System	
				
V	[altitude]	Valley from map 		
VA	[0-9999]	Valley GPS field mark 	Somewhere on trail going through a valley	
VAL	[0-999]	Valley from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Miscellaneous and General Locations that are Not Trails/Roads	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
 [Name]		Name of Mountain, lake, falls, etc.	Altitude in comment if possible	
				
B	[altitude]	Boundary from map of Forest, County, Park, etc.	A boundary crossing a road, trail, or stream, etc.	
BD	[0-9999]	Boundary GPS field mark of fence, etc	Altitude in comment.  See Boundary for wilderness.	
BDY	[0-999]	Boundary from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BW	[0-9999]	Boundary for wilderness area GPS field mark	See “Boundary”.  Use “B” if from map.	
BDW	[0-999]	Boundary for wilderness from map or GPS avg..	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
DG	[altitude]	Danger area from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DGR	[0-999]	Danger area GPS field mark	Underwater hazard, Avalanche chute, etc.	
DNG	[0-999]	Danger area from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
GPT	GC code	Geocache point GPS field mark	Proposed location or where found - not web site value	
GPN	GC code	Geocache point GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
MC	[altitude]	Miscellaneous from map	What it is in comment	
MS	[0-9999]	Miscellaneous GPS field mark	Used if trail point or point of interest doesn’t apply.	
MSC	[0-999]	Miscellaneous from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
NT	[0-9999]	Note for location GPS field mark	For connecting a location to a note	
NOT	[0-999]	Note for location from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
PI	[altitude]	Point of interest from map	Place that you want to mark for some reason from map.	
PTI	[0-999]	Point of interest GPS field mark	Place that you want to mark for some reason in field.	
PIN	[0-999]	Point of interest from map or GPS marks average	General purpose point that’s not TP, VPT, MS, etc.	
				
VP	[altitude]	View point from map	Waypoint marked from map	
VPT	[0-999]	View point GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
VWP	[0-999]	View point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
ZG	Number	Location picture taken GPS field mark	Number of picture or id after code	
ZP	Number	Location picture taken GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	

Camping, Picnicking, and Parking	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
CG	[altitude]	Campground "entrance" from map 	Name in comment/message field	
CPG	[0-999]	Campground "entrance" GPS field mark	Mark at information board, fee station, etc.	
CGD	[0-999]	Campground "entrance" from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CP	[altitude]	Campsite estimate from map	Estimated location for a camp.	
CMP	[0-999]	Campsite GPS field mark	Location of a camp. Possible altitude in comment.	
CPS	[0-999]	Campsite from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
GCP	[0-999]	Group campsite or campground GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at info. board, fee station, etc.	
GC	[0-9999]	Group camp from map or GPS marks average	Campsite or campground for groups.	
				
LUN	[0-999]	Lunch spot GPS field mark	Place where someone had lunch, good spot for lunch.	
LNH	[0-999]	Lunch spot from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
PG	[altitude]	Parking area from map	Place somewhere in parking area away from trailhead.	
PKG	[0-999]	Parking area GPS field mark.      See “Trailhead”.	Not to close to trailhead location if possible.	
PRK	[0-999]	Parking area from map or GPS marks average	Use for truck parking along Interstate, etc.	
				
PC	[altitude]	Picnic area from map	Waypoint marked from map	
PIC	[0-999]	Picnic area GPS field mark.        See “Table”.	Mark at information board or some table.	
PNC	[0-999]	Picnic area from map or GPS marks average	Name in comment/message field	
				
RC	[altitude]	Recreation area from map	Recreation area general location or entrance	
REC	[0-999]	Recreation area GPS field mark.	Mark at info. board, some table, fee station, etc.	
RCN	[0-999]	Recreation area from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RST	[0-999]	Roadside rest area GPS field mark	Exit number in comment.  See “Parking” and “Turnout”.	
RT	[0-9999]	Roadside rest area from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
TO	[0-9999]	Turnout area of road for possible parking GPS mark	Probably small area - limited parking if legal to park	
TOT	[0-999]	Turnout area of road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Mining and Tunnels	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
ADT	[0-999]	Mining “tunnel” GPS field mark	An adit has “one” opening, doesn’t go through mtn.	
ADIT	[0-99]	Mining “tunnel” from map or GPS marks average	Altitude in comment.  See “Tunnel”.	
				
MN	[altitude]	Mining site, prospect, or quarry from map	Name in comment/message field	
MIN	[0-999]	Mining site, prospect, or quarry GPS field mark	Mine, Prospect, or Quarry, etc.  See “Adit” and “Shaft”.	
MNE	[0-999]	Mining site from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
SA	[altitude]	Shaft: mining “hole” from map	Could be a very dangerous area.	
SAF	[0-999]	Shaft: mining “hole” GPS field mark	See “Shelf” – because of similar names.	
SAT	[0-999]	Shaft: mining “hole” from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
“-“	[NameA]	Tunnel generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude.	
TN	[altitude]	Tunnel from map	A tunnel has 2 openings - goes through ridge.	
TUN	[0-999]	Tunnel GPS field mark	See “Adit”.	
TNL	[0-999]	Tunnel from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Man Made Features other than Trails, Roads, and Canals, etc.	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
AL	[altitude]	Altitude mark on map that’s not a BM	Exact altitude in comment.	
ALT	[0-999]	If location of AL seems to be marked – GPS mark	See “High point”, “Peak”, “Trail point”, “Ridge”.	
ATD	[0-999]	Altitude mark from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BA	[altitude]	Boat access, launch, ramp from map	Waypoint marked from map	
BT	[0-9999]	Boat access, launch, ramp GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field on ramp at water line	
BOT	[0-999]	Boat access, launch, ramp from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BEN	[0-999]	Bench location GPS field mark	A bench to sit on. Might be made of rocks. See “Table”.	
BNH	[0-999]	Bench location from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BL	[altitude]	Building(s) from map	Probably not old buildings.  See “Cabin”.	
BLG	[0-999]	Building(s) GPS field mark	Entrance kiosk, train station, restroom, etc.	
BLD	[0-999]	Building(s) from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BM	[altitude]	Benchmark from map	Exact altitude in comment.  See “Altitude”.	
BMK	[0-999]	Benchmark GPS field mark	Altitude in comment	
BNM	[0-999]	Benchmark from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BR	[NameA]	Bridge generated from GNIS database		
BR	[altitude]	Bridge from map	Usually something more substantial than a few logs 	
BRG	[0-999]	Bridge GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at center of bridge	
BRD	[0-999]	Bridge from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
BUS	[0-999]	Bus stop (stage, shuttle, etc.) GPS field mark	Transportation pickup point, not building.  See “BLD”.	
BST	[0-999]	Bus stop from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CBN	[0-999]	Cabin GPS field mark	May only be a few logs left – foundation.	
CAB	[0-999]	Cabin from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CEM	[0-999]	Cemetery or grave GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field.	
CMT	[0-999]	Cemetery or grave from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
CRL	[0-999]	Corral GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field nearest trail or at gate.	
CRR	[0-999]	Corral from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
DK	[altitude]	Dock or Pier from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DCK	[0-999]	Dock or Pier GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field on dock at beginning or end	
DOK	[0-999]	Dock or Pier from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
D	[NameA]	Dam generated from GNIS database		
DM	[altitude]	Dam from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DAM	[0-999]	Dam GPS field mark	At spillway or center or where convenient	
DMA	[0-999]	Dam from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
RUIN	[0-99]	Ruin GPS field mark	See “Cabin”.	
RUN	[0-999]	Ruin from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
SGN	[0-999]	Sign GPS field mark	Entrance sign, post with numbers (on nature trail), etc.	
SIG	[0-999]	Sign from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
TBL	[0-999]	Table GPS field mark	See “Bench” and “Picnic”.	
TAB	[0-999]	Table from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

General Categories

Junctions	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
EXT, EX, 
EXTE, EXE, EXTN, EXN, 
EXTS, EXS, 
EXTW, EXW	Freeway or highway exits
Northbound direction (may be general road direction not short term road direction), or
East, South, and West. In the US odd number roads may be N/S and even numbers E/W.	If no travel direction, it is marked in the center of the "junction". Ramps are marked either where the turn off lane begins or, if really long exit lane, then about where it branches off.
If the exit number is known put it in the comment field and if possible also put it in the name code. Don't assume code is exit #.	
			
J, JC, JN	A junction of a trail and one or more other trails.	A trail may be single or double track. A double track might be an old road that is no longer open to cars, pickups, etc. Cars may use it on rare occasions. Note that it can be difficult to decide whether “trail” or “road” is appropriate.	
			
JR, JCR, JNR	A junction of at least one trail and at least one road. 	A trail is not usually open to 4WD vehicles but might be open to ATV’s (three or four wheel), dirt bikes and/or mountain bikes.	
			
OJC, OJN	A junction of an old trail with a road or a trail.	Looks like an old trail that is no longer used. 	
			
OJR, OJNR	A junction of an old road with a road or a trail.	Looks like an old road that is no longer used. It can be difficult to decide whether “old trail” or “old road” is appropriate.	
			
ONR, ONRP, ONRM	A junction of a freeway on ramp and road.	The ramp to a controlled access highway where it joins the local road.  Also used for exits on other types of highways/roads.	
			
RJ, RJC, RJN	A junction of a road and one or more other roads.	These are double tracks or paved roads. Roads may be so rough that they are impassable by cars (i.e. 4WD, etc. is needed).
A road may be closed to public vehicles such as a park or water district maintenance road.	
			
RRC, RR	Railroad crossing a road or trail.		
			
SC, SCT	Shortcut of a switchback, etc.	Unofficial path that may be erosion prone and/or bypassing a curve in the real trail.	
			
SPR, SPU	Short spur junction of a road or trail.	Short spur to a viewpoint, short side trail, driveway, campsite etc. Sometimes used for a trail junction that's a short distance from the trailhead/parking lot.
Careful not to confuse with spring: “SPG” and “SPN”	
			
XJ, XJC, XJN	Cross-country route junction from a road, trail, or another cross-country route. There may be a visible tread but don’t expect one.	Take off point from a trail, road, or XC route. This is used not only for real XC routes where there is no visible path but also “game” paths, “minor” trails, social trails (not usually marked in high use areas), and obvious routes used often.	

High Points Relative to Surroundings	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
HP, HPT, HPN	High points other than peaks and mountains.
See also “low point”, “pass”, and “ridge”.	Hill or local "bump" of some significance; contour lines make a “loop” (that’s not a hole). Also the high point of the trail or road in the immediate area but not necessarily the highest ground.	
			
M, MT, MTN, P, PK, PEK	A mountain or peak.
See “High point”.	Name and altitude in comment if possible.
A more significant “high point”.	

Water Features	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
CAN, CNL	Canal or similar and may be very old and not functional.	Use for a flume, aqueduct, or ditch. It could be functional or in ruins.	
			
F, FA, FL	Falls or cascade.         See “Rapids”.	Marked at the top, bottom, or middle of a waterfall or cascade.	
			
I, IS, IST	Intermittent stream, creek, or dry streambed or small stream that may not be intermittent.
If an adult can step across then use this.

See “Gully”.	Could be a very small stream that runs all year. Could be a large stream that only runs when there is a heavy rain (flash flood). May or may not be dry some of the time. A dry streambed. Marked where a trail or road crosses. Was used on cross-country routes in older files – now see XIS.	
			
L, LK, LAK, K	Lake or reservoir.

See “Lake edge”, “Pond”, and “Tarn”.		Usually marked at the outlet stream (since there is usually just one) or outlet closest to the trail. May also be marked at the largest inlet or at the inlet closest to the trail for convenience.	
			
LE, LEG, LED	Lake edge	Marked at a lake edge closest to trail, edge first arrived at, fishing spot, etc. Or marked at the side of a big lake for reference.	
			
PO, POD, PON	Pond
See “Tarn” and “Lake”.	Too small to be called a lake. It might be dry in late summer or drought year. A beaver pond for instance, which will change.	
			
RP, RAP, RPD, U	Rapids
See “Falls”  (Cascade).	Be careful not to confuse this one with “Road point” (RD, ROD).
Name in comment/message field	
			
S, ST, STR, W, Z	Stream, creek, or river

If an adult has to step on rocks or logs to get across then this code might be used. 
See “Bridge” and “Intermittent stream”.	Where a trail or road crosses the waterway. Use “IS” for very small streams. Use “XST” if a trail doesn’t cross the stream.
The GNIS database marks the “beginning” and “end” locations.
Note that the “end” location is likely to be a stream junction and the beginning may not be well defined.	
			
SG, SPG, SPN, N	Spring or hot spring
Can be seasonal; May also be very small.	Be careful not to confuse this one with “Spur” (SPR, SPU).
This might be a mud hole so don’t assume water is available. 	
			
SJ, SJC, SJN	Stream junction with another stream	Names in comment if possible	
			
SWP, SWMP	Swamp, marsh, or muddy area.	A muddy or damp area or marsh or swamp. It might be dry some time during the year. Mark near trail or wherever it’s convenient	
			
TA, TAR, TAN	Tarn.   See “Lake” and “Pond”.	Small mountain lake - fills a cirque / formed by glacier. Probably above timberline.	
			
XI, XIS, XIST	Intermittent stream point – no trail intersection
Intermittent creek, or dry streambed or small stream that may not be intermittent.	Trail doesn’t cross the intermittent stream. Cross-country route may cross.
See “IS” if trail or road crosses intermittent stream.	
			
XS, XST, XSM	Stream point – no trail intersection 	Trail doesn’t cross the stream. Cross-country route may cross.
See “Stream” if trail or road crosses stream.	

Miscellaneous and General Locations Not Associated with Trails/Roads	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
B, BD, BDY, or BW, BDW	Boundary of Forest, County, Park, etc. and
Boundary for wilderness area	A boundary often crossing a road or trail. This could be a fence or sign or could have no visible indication. May be marked anywhere, not just at an intersection with road, trail, etc.	
			
DG, DGR, DNG	Danger area
See “Miscellaneous” and "Shaft".	Underwater hazard, avalanche chute, etc.
"Miscellaneous" was used before this to mark avalanche chutes.	
			
GPT, GPN	Geocache point – where a geocache was found or to be put	Not a value from a Geocaching web site but value at the time found or a place where one is intended to be placed.	
			
MC, MS, MSC	Miscellaneous

See “Trail point” and “Point of interest”.	What it is in comment if possible. Might be rock formation,  volleyball court (recreation type areas), or a wet area along trail that “swamp” doesn’t seem to apply to, etc.	
			
NT, NOT	A note about the location
See “Miscellaneous”.	Some comments about a particular location or area.
Probably longer note than will fit in “Miscellaneous”	
			
PI, PTI, PIN	Point of interest 
See “Miscellaneous”, "Building", "View point".	Place that you want to mark for some interesting reason. A rock formation that has a name, visitor center, etc.  Try to use “misc.” for recreation type areas, such as children’s play areas, tennis.	
			
VP, VPT, VWP	View point	Place of some kind of view. May not be easy to get to!	
			
ZG, ZP	Picture location	Spot where a picture was taken and some way to identify picture.	

Camping, Picnicking, Recreation, and Parking	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
CG, CPG, CGD	Campground "entrance"	Mark at information board or fee post if possible.	
			
CP, CMP, CPS	Campsite in backcountry or within campground	Estimated location for a camp (backpacking/canoeing, etc.) or a site commonly used. Marked at the campfire ring if one exists.	
			
GCP, GC	Group campsite or campground 	Group area (backcountry) or group campground. Geocachers use "GC" for geocache.	
			
LUN, LNH	Lunch spot 	Place where someone had lunch or a good spot for lunch.	
			
PG, PKG, PRK	Parking area
See “Trailhead”.
Use for truck parking along Interstate, etc.	Marked in middle, at sign, at beginning, or at a corner/edge.
If trailhead starts at one edge, “parking” would probably be marked at other end to help show size of parking area.	
			
PC, PIC, PNC	Picnic area.               See “Table”.	Mark at information board or table closest to parking if possible.	
			
RC, REC, RCN	Recreation area at a river, lake, etc.	Mark at information board, table closest to parking, entrance, fee station, etc.	
			
RST, RT	Roadside rest area.
See “Parking” and “Turnout”.	Usually marked in parking area closest to main building or bulletin board, etc. If known, exit number in comment.	
			
TO, TOT	Turnout area of road for possible parking 	Probably small area - limited parking - check if legal to park.
Expect it to be on the side of a road.	

General Points along Roads, Trails, or Routes	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
DS, DBS	Double track to single track transition	Transition of path from a "road" to a "trail" - not distinct?	
			
FLG, FLA	Flag (ribbon) or paint mark	Ribbon or paint on a tree, etc. usually to mark route/trail	
			
GA, GAT, GTE	Gate	Might be open or closed. May or may not be passable. Might be closed at certain times - seasonal closure.	
			
LG, LOG	Log across trail	Fallen tree blocking trail to some degree.	
			
ORP, ORPT,
OTP, OTPT	Old road point or Old trail point	Point on an old road or old trail like “Road pt.” Or “Trail point” except that the road or trail is in decay – returning to nature.	
			
PST, POS	Post	Post marking route stuck in ground or supported by rocks.	
			
R, RD, ROD	Road point (RP is for rapids)	General purpose point along a road.  See “Trail point”.	
			
RE, RED, REN	Road end 	End of a road.	
			
RKC, RKCN	Rock cairn also known as a trail duck	Pile of rocks to mark route usually near or above timberline.	
			
SB, SBK, SWB	Switchback	Switchbacks on a trail or road but usually a trail - "R" on road.	
			
T, TP, TPT, Y	Trail point
See “Miscellaneous” and “Point of interest”.	General purpose point along a trail. If possible put what it marks in comment/message. Use if “Gully” or “Ridge” isn’t quite right.	
	 		
TE, TED, TEN	Trail end 	May be beginning of cross-country route.  End of distinct tread.	
			
TH, THD, TLH	Trailhead
“See Parking area”.	Mark at gate, register, sign, or a place so a user can find the start of the trail from the parking area.	
			
X, XC, XP	Cross-country route point estimate
See “Gully”, “Ridge”, and “Shelf”.	At some distinct feature such as a ridge, rock pile etc.
This is used not only for real cross-country routes where there is no visible path but also “game” paths, obvious routes used often, unofficial (social) trails, and “minor” trails.	
			
XE, XED, XEN	Cross-country route end point or beginning	See “XJ”, “XS”, and "XC".	

Mining and Tunnels	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
ADT, ADIT	Mining “tunnel”.      See “Tunnel” and “Mine”.	An adit has “one” opening, doesn’t go through mountain.	
			
MN, MIN, MNE	Mining site, prospect, or quarry.
See “Adit” and “Shaft”.	Mine, prospect, or quarry, etc.  Could be filled in/collapsed adit.
Many are barely holes in the ground.	
			
SA, SAF, SAT	Shaft: mining “hole”.	Beware of edges. Not to be confused with “Shelf”.	
			
“-“, TN, TUN, TNL	Tunnel generated from GNIS database
See "Adit".	A tunnel has 2 openings - goes through ridge or mountain.
Marks may be at entrances or approximate center.	

Topography other than High Points and Water, etc.	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
BE, BCH, BEA	Beach	General location of a beach on a river, ocean, lake, stream, etc.
Marked wherever convenient.	
			
CLF, CIF	Top or bottom of a cliff.	Preferably top - better satellite view, warning before falling off.	
			
CO, COL, CLO, G, PA, PAS, PSS	Pass, gap, or col in mountain range or ridge, etc.

See “Ridge”.	The surface of the land forms a “saddle”.
A col is a notch in a high mountain ridge.
A gap is a general term from the GNIS.	
			
CV, CAV, CVE	Cave entrance or any other useful location.		
			
GU, GUL, GLY	Gully (usually at a trail)
 
See “IS” and “X” (cross-country route point).	Opposite of Ridge; contour lines make a “V” pointing uphill
Trail crossing gully with no stream. May not be much of a “depression”.	
			
IL, ILD, ILN	Island
See “IS” (int. stream) to avoid confusing codes.	Marked in approximate center or wherever convenient.	
			
LP, LPT, LPN	Low point.       See “High point” and “Gully”.	Low point on a trail or a “hole” that’s not full of water.	
			
Q, RI, RIG, RID	Ridge (usually at a trail)

See “X” (cross-country route point) and “Shelf”.	Opposite of Gully; contour lines make “V” pointing downhill.
Trail crossing ridgeline. If both “sides” turn up enough, it may be a pass.	
			
SL, SHLF, SLF	Shelf or ledge location
See “Shaft” to avoid confusing codes.	Wide contours on topographic map for a traverse. Guide for cross-country travel. Possibly more (wider) than a “shelf”.	
			
E, V, VA, VAL	The beginning, end or some convenient location in a valley. Also known as “park” (Colorado)	Somewhere on trail going through a valley
The GNIS database marks the “beginning” and “end” locations.	

Man Made Features other than Trails, Roads, and Canals, etc.	
Codes	General Type	Description	
			
AL, ALT, ATD	Altitude mark on topo map.
See “High point”, “Peak”, “Trail point”, “Ridge”.	This is not a benchmark. Exact altitude in comment

BA, BT, BOT	Boat access, launch, ramp, etc.	Marked on/at ramp possibly at water line wherever that was at the time but not below end of concrete ramp.	
			
BEN, BNH	Bench location.            See “Table”.	A bench to sit on. Might be made of rocks or a cut stump.	
			
BL, BLG, BLD	Building(s)
See “Cabin”, "Point of interest", "Misc."	Entrance kiosk, train station, visitor center (usually PTI), restroom, etc.	
			
BM, BMK, BNM	Benchmark	Exact altitude in comment.  See “Altitude”.	
			
BR, BRG, BRD	Bridge	Marked in center if possible. Usually something more substantial than a few logs. Probably cut lumber and a constructed foundation (but foundation might be rock and/or wood).	
			
BUS, BST	Bus stop or stage, shuttle stop, etc.
See "Building".	Place that's not a building to catch transportation. A train station or bus station would probably be marked as a building.	
			
CBN, CAB	Cabin, log cabin, group of cabins, none left
See “Building”.	There may only be a few logs left, just a foundation or flat area.
Marked in about the middle of multiple cabins.	
			
CEM, CMT	Cemetery or grave		
			
CRL, CRR	Corral 	At fence point (corner) nearest the trail or at gate.	
			
DK, DCK, DOK	Dock or Pier	Marked at beginning or end.  May or may not be good for tying up a boat. I.E. Fishing/viewing pier, “Pier 39” in San Francisco	
			
D, DM, DAM, DMA	Dam	Marked at spillway or at the center if possible.	
			
RUIN, RUN	Ruin 	Some sort of ruins.  See “Cabin”.	
			
SGN, SIG	Sign 	Entrance sign, post with numbers on a nature trail, etc.	
			
TBL, TAB	Table.                   See “Bench” and “Picnic”.		

Old Codes Being Phased Out	
				
FAC	[0-999]	Fire road access (into park for instance) GPS mark	Road not generally intended for public use.	
FAS	[0-999]	Fire road access from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
GRUP	[0-99]	Campsite for groups GPS field mark	Group campsite. Changing to GC.	
GROP	[0-99]	Campsite for groups from map or GPS avg.	Changing to GCP.	
				
CBNS	[0-99]	Multiple cabins GPS field mark	Use CBN for one or more. Same with BLG.	
CABS	[0-99]	Multiple cabins from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Some other changes:
BLD and BLG have been swapped (BLD used to be the GPS mark, now BLG is the GPS mark - for the memory aid "G").
RID and RIG have been swapped.
DGA was changed to DG.

Alphabetical List	
Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
[Name]		Name of Mountain, lake, falls, etc.	Altitude in comment if possible	
[Name]L		Name of Lake or reservoir from map	Lake or reservoir	
[Name]M		Name of Mountain from map	See Peak. Contour lines make a “loop” that’s not a hole.	
[Name]P		Name of Peak from map.           See “Mountain”.	Name and altitude in comment	
				
“-“	[NameA]	Tunnel generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude.	
				
ADIT	[0-99]	Mining “tunnel” from map or GPS marks average	Altitude in comment.  See “Tunnel”.	
ADT	[0-999]	Mining “tunnel” GPS field mark	An adit has “one” opening, doesn’t go through mtn.	
AL	[altitude]	Altitude mark on map that’s not a BM	Exact altitude in comment.	
ALT	[0-999]	If location of AL seems to be marked – GPS mark	See “High point”, “Peak”, “Trail point”, “Ridge”.	
ATD	[0-999]	Altitude mark from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
B	[altitude]	Boundary from map of Forest, County, Park, etc.	A boundary usually crossing a road, trail, or stream, etc.	
BA	[altitude]	Boat access, launch, ramp from map	Waypoint marked from map	
BCH	[0-999]	Beach location GPS field mark	Sandy area on a river, ocean, bay, lake etc.	
BD	[0-9999]	Boundary GPS field mark of fence, etc	Altitude in comment.  See Boundary for wilderness.	
BDW	[0-999]	Bdy. for wilderness from map or GPS marks avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BDY	[0-999]	Boundary from map or GPS marks average	Boundary but not a wilderness boundary	
BE	[altitude]	Beach location from map	Altitude in comment and name	
BEA	[0-999]	Beach location from map or GPS marks average	Sandy area on a river, ocean, bay, lake etc.	
BEN	[0-999]	Bench location GPS field mark	A bench to sit on. Might be made of rocks.  See “Table”.	
BL	[altitude]	Building(s) from map	Probably not old buildings.  See “Cabin”.	
BLD	[0-999]	Building(s) from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BLG	[0-999]	Building(s) GPS field mark	Entrance kiosk, train station, visitor center, restroom, etc.	
BM	[altitude]	Benchmark from map	Exact altitude in comment.  See “Altitude”.	
BMK	[0-999]	Benchmark GPS field mark	Altitude in comment	
BNH	[0-999]	Bench location from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BNM	[0-999]	Benchmark from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BOT	[0-999]	Boat access, launch, ramp from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BR	[NameA]	Bridge generated from GNIS database	USGS - Geographic Names Information System	
BR	[altitude]	Bridge from map		
BRD	[0-999]	Bridge from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BRG	[0-999]	Bridge GPS field mark		
BST	[0-999]	Bus stop from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
BT	[0-9999]	Boat access, launch, ramp GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field on ramp at water line	
BUS	[0-999]	Bus stop (stage, shuttle, etc.) GPS field mark	Transportation pickup point, not building.  See “BLG”.	
BW	[0-9999]	Boundary for wilderness area GPS field mark	See “Boundary”.  Use “B” from map.	
				
CAB	[0-999]	Cabin from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CAN	[0-999]	Canal GPS field mark	Use for a flume, aqueduct, ditch – ruins or functioning.	
CAV	[0-999]	Cave entrance GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
CBN	[0-999]	Cabin GPS field mark	May only be a few logs left – foundation.	
CEM	[0-999]	Cemetery or grave GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field.	
CG	[altitude]	Campground "entrance" from map 	Name in comment/message field	
CGD	[0-999]	Campground "entrance" from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CIF	[0-999]	Cliff from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CLF	[0-999]	Cliff GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
CLO	[0-999]	Col from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CMP	[0-999]	Campsite GPS field mark	Location of a camp. Possible altitude in comment.	
CMT	[0-999]	Cemetery or grave from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CNL	[0-999]	Canal from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CO	[altitude]	Col from map	Name of high mtn. pass in comment.   See “Pass”.	
COL	[0-999]	Col GPS field mark	Probably no real trail over this kind of pass	

Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
CP	[altitude]	Campsite estimate from map	Estimated location for a camp.	
CPG	[0-999]	Campground "entrance" GPS field mark	Mark at information board or fee station.	
CPS	[0-999]	Campsite from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CRL	[0-999]	Corral GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field nearest trail or at gate.	
CRR	[0-999]	Corral from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
CV	[altitude]	Cave entrance from map	Waypoint marked from map	
CVE	[0-999]	Cave entrance from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
D	[NameA]	Dam generated from GNIS database	USGS - Geographic Names Information System	
DAM	[0-999]	Dam GPS field mark	At spillway or center or where convenient	
DBS	[0-999]	Dbl/Single track transition from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
DCK	[0-999]	Dock or Pier GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field on dock at beginning or end	
DG	[altitude]	Danger area from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DGR	[0-999]	Danger area GPS field mark	Underwater hazard, Avalanche chute, etc.	
DK	[altitude]	Dock or Pier from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DM	[altitude]	Dam from map	Waypoint marked from map	
DMA	[0-999]	Dam from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
DNG	[0-999]	Danger area from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
DOK	[0-999]	Dock or Pier from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
DS	[0-9999]	Double/Single track transition GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
				
E	[NameA]	Valley end generated from GNIS database	USGS - Geographic Names Information System	
EX	[exit #?]	Freeway exit from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
EXE	[exit #?]	Eastbound freeway exit GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
EXN	[exit #?]	Northbound freeway exit GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
EXS	[exit #?]	Southbound freeway exit GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
EXT	[0-999]	Freeway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at road/freeway jcn.	
EXTE	[0-999]	Eastbound freeway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at eastbound exit	
EXTN	[0-999]	Northbound freeway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at northbound exit	
EXTS	[0-999]	Southbound freeway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at southbound exit	
EXTW	[0-999]	Westbound freeway exit GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field at westbound exit	
EXW	[exit #?]	Westbound freeway exit GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
F	[NameA]	Falls generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
F	[altitude]	Falls or cascade from map	Name in comment/message field	
FA	[0-9999]	Falls or cascade GPS field mark 	Marked at top, bottom, or side.	
FL	[0-9999]	Falls or cascade from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
FLA	[0-999]	Flag or paint mark GPS marks average	Flag, etc. usually marking route/trail, processed marks	
FLG	[0-999]	Flag or paint mark GPS field mark	Ribbon or paint on a tree, etc. usually to mark route/trail	
				
G	[NameA]	Gap – Pass generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
GA	[altitude]	Gate across trail or road from map	Waypoint marked from map	
GAT	[0-999]	Gate across trail or road GPS field mark	May or may not be passable. Open or closed.	
GC	[0-9999]	Group camp from map or GPS marks average	Campsite or campground for groups.	
GCP	[0-999]	Group campsite or campground GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field.	
GLY	[0-999]	Gully from map or GPS marks average	See “X” (cross-country route point) and “Shelf”.	
GPN	GC code	Location of a geocache GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
GPT	GC code	Location of a geocache GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field.	
GTE	[0-999]	Gate across trail or road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
GU	[altitude]	Gully from map	Opposite of Ridge; contour lines make a “V” pointing uphill	
GUL	[0-999]	Gully GPS field mark	Trail crossing gully with no stream.   See “IS”.	
				
HP	[altitude]	High point from map	Waypoint marked from map.	
HPN	[0-999]	High point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
HPT	[0-999]	High point GPS field mark	Local "hill" of some significance or high point on trail.	

Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
I	[name]	Intermittent stream from map 	Usually where trail or road crosses. May be XC route.	
I	[altitude]	Intermittent stream from map 	Name in comment/message field. 	
IL	[altitude]	Island from map	Waypoint marked from map.  See “IS” (int. stream).	
ILD	[0-999]	Island GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
ILN	[0-999]	Island from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
IS	[0-9999]	Intermittent stream GPS mark.       See “Gully”.	Dry streambed, seasonal flow, or very small stream.	
IST	[0-999]	Intermittent strm. from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
J	[altitude]	Junction of trails from map	Names in comment	
JC	[0-9999]	Junction of trails GPS field mark	See “XJ” and “Road junction”.	
JCR	[0-999]	Junction of trail and road GPS field mark 	A trail is NOT open to 4WD vehicles but might be open to ATV’s.	
JN	[0-9999]	Junction of trails from map or GPS marks average		
JNR	[0-999]	Junction of trail and road from map or GPS avg.		
JR	[altitude]	Junction of trail and road from map 	A trail may be single or double track.	
				
K	[NameA]	Lake or reservoir generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
L	[name]	Lake or reservoir from map		
L	[altitude]	Lake or reservoir from map	Prefer mark at outlet as multiple inlets more likely.	
LAK	[0-999]	Lake or reservoir from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
LE	[altitude]	Lake edge from map	Other side of big lake from outlet near trail.	
LED	[0-999]	Lake edge from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
LEG	[0-999]	Lake edge GPS field mark	Lake edge closest to trail when outlet not near trail.	
LG	[0-9999]	Log across trail GPS field mark	Tree down blocking trail to some extent	
LK	[0-9999]	Lake or reservoir GPS mark.     See “Lake Edge”.	At outlet stream or at largest inlet or closest to trail.	
LNH	[0-999]	Lunch spot from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
LOG	[0-999]	Log across trail GPS marks average		
LP	[altitude]	Low point from map	See “High point” and “Gully”.	
LPN	[0-999]	Low point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
LPT	[0-999]	Low point GPS field mark	Low point on trail or “hole” not full of water.	
LUN	[0-999]	Lunch spot GPS field mark	Place where someone had lunch, good spot for lunch.	
				
M	[name]	Mount or Mountain from map	Name and altitude in comment	
M	[altitude]	Mount or Mountain from map	Name and maybe altitude in comment	
MC	[altitude]	Miscellaneous from map	What it is in comment	
MIN	[0-999]	Mining site, prospect, or quarry GPS field mark	Mine, Prospect, or Quarry, etc.  See “Adit” and “Shaft”.	
MN	[altitude]	Mining site, prospect, or quarry from map	Name in comment/message field	
MNE	[0-999]	Mining site from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
MS	[0-9999]	Miscellaneous GPS field mark	Used if trail point or point of interest doesn’t apply.	
MSC	[0-999]	Miscellaneous from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
MT	[0-9999]	Mount or Mountain GPS mark.       See “Peak”.	Contour lines make a “loop” that’s not a hole.	
MTN	[0-999]	Mount or Mountain from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
N	[NameA]	Spring generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
NOT	[0-999]	Note for location GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
NT	[0-9999]	Note for location GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field to associate with a text note	
				
OJC	[0-999]	Junction of an old trail GPS mark.      See “XJ”.	Trail no longer used. Might look like XC routes.	
OJN	[0-999]	Junction of an old trail from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
OJNR	[0-99]	Junction of an old road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
OJR	[0-999]	Junction of an old road GPS field mark	Old road no longer used.	
ONR	[altitude]	On ramp to freeway (motorway) from map	Probably need seven-character name to get four digits.	
ONRM	[0-99]	On ramp to freeway from map or GPS marks avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
ONRP	[0-99]	On ramp to freeway (motorway), GPS field mark	Marked where on ramp connects to local road.	
ORP	[0-999]	Old road point GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
ORPT	[0-99]	Old road point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
OTP	[0-999]	Old trail point GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
OTPT	[0-99]	Old trail point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
P	[name]	Peak from map	Name and altitude in comment	
P	[altitude]	Peak from map	Name and maybe altitude in comment	
PA	[altitude]	Pass from map	Name of pass in comment.  See “COL”.	
PAS	[0-999]	Pass GPS field mark	Land surface forms a “saddle”	
PC	[altitude]	Picnic area from map	Waypoint marked from map	
PEK	[0-999]	Peak from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
PG	[altitude]	Parking area from map	Place somewhere in parking area away from trailhead.	
PI	[altitude]	Point of interest from map	Place that you want to mark for some reason from map.	
PIC	[0-999]	Picnic area GPS mark.             See “Table”.	Mark at information board or table closest to parking.	
PIN	[0-999]	Point of interest from map or GPS avg.	General purpose point that’s not TP, VPT, BLG, etc.	
PK	[0-9999]	Peak GPS mark.                      See “High point”.		
PKG	[0-999]	Parking area GPS mark.          See “Trailhead”.	Not to close to trailhead location if possible.	
PNC	[0-999]	Picnic area from map or GPS marks average	Name in comment/message field	
PO	[altitude]	Pond from map	Too small to be called a lake. A beaver pond.	
POD	[0-999]	Pond GPS field mark	May be dry in late summer.   See “Tarn”.	
PON	[0-999]	Pond from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
POS	[0-999]	Post location GPS marks average		
PRK	[0-999]	Parking area from map or GPS marks average	Use for truck parking along Interstate, etc.	
PSS	[0-999]	Pass from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
PST	[0-999]	Post location GPS field mark	Post in pile of rocks or in ground for route marker.	
PTI	[0-999]	Point of interest GPS field mark	Place that you want to mark for some reason in field.	
				
Q	[NameA]	Ridge generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
R	[name]	Road point from map	General purpose point along a road	
R	[altitude]	Road point from map	Name in comment/message field	
RAP	[0-999]	Rapids GPS field mark		
RC	[altitude]	Recreation area from map	Recreation area marked at entrance, fee station, etc.	
RCN	[0-999]	Recreation area from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
RD	[0-9999]	Road point GPS field mark	(RP is for rapids)	
RE	[altitude]	Road end from map		
REC	[0-999]	Recreation area GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
RED	[0-999]	Road end GPS field mark 	Waypoint marked in field	
REN	[0-999]	Road end from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
RI	[altitude]	Ridge from map	Opposite of Gully; contour lines make “V” pointing downhill	
RID	[0-999]	Ridge from map or GPS marks average	Trail crossing ridge line	
RIG	[0-999]	Ridge GPS field mark 	See “X” (cross-country route point) and “Shelf”.	
RJ	[altitude]	Road junction of roads from map	Includes roads for which high clearance, etc. is needed	
RJC	[0-999]	Road junction of roads GPS field mark 	These are double tracks or paved. May need 4WD.	
RJN	[0-999]	Road junction of roads from map or GPS avg.	May be closed to the public (i.e. Park maintenance)	
RKC	[0-999]	Rock cairn GPS field mark	Pile or stack of rocks as trail/route marker	
RKCN	[0-99]	Rock cairn GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
ROD	[0-999]	Road point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
RP	[name]	Rapids from map		
RP	[altitude]	Rapids from map	Name in comment (don’t confuse with Road Point)	
RPD	[0-999]	Rapids from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
RR	[0-9999]	Railroad crossing from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
RRC	[0-999]	Railroad crossing GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
RST	[0-999]	Roadside rest area GPS field mark	See “Parking” and “Turnout”.	
RT	[0-9999]	Roadside rest area from map or GPS avg.	If exit number known put in comment - maybe identifier	
RUIN	[0-99]	Ruin GPS field mark	See “Cabin”.	
RUN	[0-999]	Ruin from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	

Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
S	[name]	Stream or river from map	Where the trail or road crosses.    See “Bridge”.	
S	[altitude]	Stream or river from map	Name in comment. Can be small enough to step across.	
SA	[altitude]	Shaft: mining “hole” from map		
SAF	[0-999]	Shaft: mining “hole” GPS field mark	See “Shelf” – because of similar names.	
SAT	[0-999]	Shaft: mining “hole” from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
SB	[altitude]	Switchback from map		
SBK	[0-999]	Switchback GPS field mark		
SC	[0-9999]	Shortcut that “shouldn’t exist” GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field	
SCT	[0-999]	Shortcut that “shouldn’t exist” GPS avg.	Waypoint from processed GPS points	
SG	[altitude]	Spring from map	Waypoint marked from map	
SGN	[0-999]	Sign GPS field mark	Entrance sign, post with numbers (on nature trail), etc.	
SHLF	[0-99]	Shelf location GPS field mark	Ledge on steep hillside.  See Shaft – because of similar names.	
SIG	[0-999]	Sign from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
SJ	[altitude]	Stream junction with stream from map	Names in comment	
SJC	[0-999]	Stream junction with stream GPS field mark		
SJN	[0-999]	Stream junction with stream from map, GPS marks	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
SL	[altitude]	Shelf location from map	Wide contours for a traverse. Guide for cross-country travel.	
SLF	[0-999]	Shelf location from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
SPG	[0-999]	Spring GPS field mark	Waypoint marked in field. “SPR” is for Spur.	
SPN	[0-999]	Spring from map or GPS marks average	This might be a mud hole so don’t assume water is available.	
SPR	[0-999]	Short spur junction GPS mark.         See “SPG”.	Short spur to a viewpoint, short side trail, etc. 	
SPU	[0-999]	Short spur junction from map or GPS avg.	Careful not to confuse with spring: “SPG”	
ST	[0-9999]	Stream or river GPS field mark	Use “I”, “IS” for very small streams.	
STR	[0-999]	Stream or river from map or GPS avg.	Use “XST” if the trail doesn’t cross the stream.	
SWB	[0-999]	Switchback from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
SWMP	[0-99]	Swamp from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked in field wherever it’s convenient.	
SWP	[0-999]	Swamp GPS field mark	A muddy or damp area or marsh or swamp.	
				
T	[altitude]	Trail point from map	General purpose point along a trail.  See “PTI”.	
TA	[altitude]	Tarn from map	Name in comment/message field	
TAB	[0-999]	Table from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TAN	[0-999]	Tarn from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TAR	[0-999]	Tarn GPS field mark	Small mountain lake - fills a cirque / formed by glacier.	
TBL	[0-999]	Table GPS field mark	See “Bench” and “Picnic”.	
TE	[altitude]	Trail end from map		
TED	[0-999]	Trail end GPS field mark 		
TEN	[0-999]	Trail end from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TH	[altitude]	Trailhead from map	Name in comment/message field.	
THD	[0-999]	Trailhead GPS mark.           See “Parking”.	Marked at sign, gate, or place to help find start of trail.	
TLH	[0-999]	Trailhead from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TN	[altitude]	Tunnel from map	A tunnel has 2 openings - goes through ridge.	
TNL	[0-999]	Tunnel from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TO	[0-9999]	Turnout area of road for possible parking GPS mark	Probably small area - limited parking.	
TOT	[0-999]	Turnout area of road from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TP	[0-9999]	Trail point GPS field mark	What it marks in comment/message. See “Misc”.	
TPT	[0-999]	Trail point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
TUN	[0-999]	Tunnel GPS field mark	See “Adit”.	

Code	Identifier	Description	Comments	
				
U	[NameA]	Rapids generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
				
V	[NameA]	Valley beginning generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
V	[altitude]	Valley from map		
VA	[0-9999]	Valley GPS field mark 	Somewhere on trail going through a valley	
VAL	[0-999]	Valley from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
VP	[altitude]	View point from map		
VPT	[0-999]	View point GPS field mark		
VWP	[0-999]	View point from map or GPS marks average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
				
W	[NameA]	Stream end generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name. ‘W’ for “water”	
				
X	[altitude]	Cross-country route point estimate from map	See “Gully”, “Ridge”, and “Shelf”.	
XC	[0-9999]	Cross-country route point GPS field mark	At some distinct feature such as a ridge, rock pile etc.	
XE	[altitude]	Cross-country route end point from map	See “XJ” and “XS”.	
XED	[0-999]	Cross-country route end point GPS field mark	End of a X-C route for some reason	
XEN	[0-999]	X-C route end point from map or averaged		
XI	[altitude]	Intermittent stream on cross country route from map	Intermittent stream on X-C route from map	
XIS	[0-999]	Intermittent stream (no trail) GPS field mark	Intermittent stream and no trail intersection	
XIST	[0-99]	Intermittent stream (no trail) from map or average	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
XJ	[altitude]	Cross-country trail junction estimate from map	Take off point from trail/road or multiple XC routes	
XJC	[0-999]	Cross-country trail junction GPS field mark	Not a “real” trail. Maybe game trail or obvious route used often.	
XJN	[0-999]	Cross-country trail junction estimate from map	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
XP	[0-9999]	Cross-country route point from map or GPS avg.	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
XS	[altitude]	Stream point from map on X-C route	See “Stream” if trail or road crosses stream.	
XSM	[0-999]	Stream point from map - no trail intersection	Waypoint marked from map or processed GPS points	
XST	[0-999]	Stream point GPS mark - no trail intersection	Trail doesn’t cross the stream. X-C route may cross.	
				
Y	[NameA]	Name of a trail generated from GNIS database	Appears somewhere along the trail.	
				
Z	[NameA]	Stream beginning generated from GNIS database	“NameA” = usually name, some may have altitude	
ZG	Number	Picture location GPS field mark	Place where picture was taken and number of picture	
ZP	Number	Picture location GPS marks average	Waypoint from processed GPS points	

General Comments

This document describes how we try to name waypoints.  Some of the following comments are guidelines we use and may not be followed strictly.  The comments are intended to explain, to mention possibilities, or things to keep in mind.

This format was developed for GPS receivers that have a six-character limit for the waypoint name.  Of course it works with those receivers that support eight, ten, and longer waypoint names.  Currently we plan to leave it at six characters since it helps conserve limited GPSR screen space; however, we might add a seventh digit on occasion when more identifiers are needed.  We’re developing this convention so that we can write computer programs to help manage and process waypoints.  It’s also intended to give some information about locations displayed on the GPSR screen.  A program can also separate points marked from a map and downloaded into the GPS receiver for route finding from those points marked in the field.  The different letter codes for the same type of location serve to distinguish those points marked by map from those marked in the field.

The Name Code and Identifier

The first two columns form the waypoint name.  The first column (Code) is used to establish the type of the location and the second column (Identifier) to provide a unique name (number).  The unique name might be a sequential count, an altitude, or an abbreviation of the name of the location.  The shortest codes are used for altitude identifiers so that most of the altitude will fit in the waypoint name. Codes for GPS field marks are kept to no more than three letters (there are a few exceptions such as “RUIN”) for the common locations so that at least three different entries can be made in the GPS unit in one “session”.  For example we might use the following combinations for one location in one field session: XJC21, XJC-21, XJC021.

In general an altitude follows one letter.  An altitude or a sequential count may follow two letters; a sequential count follows three or more letters with a few exceptions (i.e. ONR).  Note that “NameA” may have letters that match any of the above combinations but may not have any digits (a statement of possibility not a rule).  Some place names do have numbers in their names that may end up as part of [Name].  For instance "Agnes Number Seven Mine" could become "AGNS7M".

 An altitude follows two letters when the single letter is a different type.  Note that near the ocean high sequential numbers are less likely to be mistaken for an altitude and, away from the ocean, numbers less than 200 are not likely to be altitudes.  For example a number less than 1000 is not an altitude in the Colorado Rockies or the Sierra Nevada. Of course places like Hawaii have a wide range of altitudes in a small distance.  The letter combination is intended to guarantee that altitudes are not confused with sequence numbers.

If only 4 digits are available for altitude and 5 are needed, drop the ones digit. So 1130 equals 11,300 to 11,309 feet.  Try to put the exact altitude in the comment - possibly after the name of the feature.  If keeping the waypoint name at a length of six isn’t important, then another possibility is adding an extra digit for a seven character name.

If altitude of one type equals an altitude of another location of the same type within a geographic region select the next closest altitude. Try to keep benchmarks exact and change the altitudes that are estimates by a foot or two up or down. Or change an estimated altitude by maybe 5 or 10 feet so the number doesn't look like it is an exact USGS published value.

How and Why the Codes Were Chosen

We’ve ended many of the codes for GPS field marks with a “G” for a memory aid (when there’s a “G” somewhere in the type name of course).  Also many codes for processed marks end with an “N” or have it somewhere in the code. For instance the “C” in the junction type GPS field marks was replaced with “N” for the processed codes.  Some “PT’s” for “point” in GPS field marks are changed to “PN” for processed codes.  These conventions were thought of later in development so there are exceptions (“LUN” and “TUN” are GPS field marks).

 “J”, “JC”, “JN” are trail and trail junctions.  Add an “R” at the end for trail and road junctions.  Add an “R” at the beginning for road and road junctions.  Add an “O” in front for old trail and old road junctions but followed by a “J” and then “R” if it’s a road.  This format is primarily for outdoor activities in natural settings so the focus is on trails not roads.

Waypoint names usually have to be unique, especially in GPS receivers.  So when we are out in the field and want multiple marks for a given location, we keep the numbers the same for the same location by adding one or two minus signs or zeroes in front of the number such as “JC2”, “JC02”, “JC002”, “JC-2”, “JC--2”.  The plus sign is also used with the newer receivers from Garmin.  A space is not used since it is often used as a separation character.  Then a computer program can calculate the average location for the waypoints marking the same location.  A waypoint code is assumed to mark the same location when the letter code is the same and the numerical value following it is the same.

Understanding the Types

A road that is closed to the public and that is not regularly (normally) used by park personnel is usually marked as a “trail” (double track trail).  A road that may be used by the public (i.e. to access group picnic site) or that looks like it is used often by park personnel (park service road) is usually marked as a road.  We try to decide a type based on what seems to be the primary use.  However, a utility road that is used mostly as a trail but is otherwise a very good, well-defined road may be marked as a road.

	Often used maintenance	             Trail			        JCR		Little used road

	road to building:		         JCR	Double track trail		Trail		Not used as trail

Some other codes that may be mixed up because of subjectivity: 

GUL, IS	A gully with gravel on the bottom left by running water should be marked as an intermittent stream. A gully with dirt and leaves, etc. probably only has some water when it rains or snow is melting.

PTI, RUIN	A “point of interest” may be a ruin and hopefully more interesting than something marked as a “RUIN”.

BRG, IS, ST 	When are logs dropped across a stream not a bridge?  Does a cut board make a bridge? When does a concrete culvert become a bridge made of concrete?

ORP, R 	When does a road become an old road?  When trees and other plants are growing in it.  How high?

OTP, TP 	When does a trail become an old trail?  When grass and other plants are taking over.  How much?

LK, POD 	How big does a pond need to get before it becomes a lake?  A bad drought can’t dry up a lake?

RIG, TP 	How much does the ground need to be raised in the form of a “rib” to be a ridge?  How much of an “elbow” (angle) would a trail following a contour make?

GUL, TP	How deep and sharp does a depression have to be before it becomes a gully?  Some “depressions” will be fairly small and labeled as a gully.

PAS, RIG	How deep does a saddle on a ridge have to be to become a pass instead of a depression on a ridge?  If there are two contour lines above the point on both sides, it will likely be labeled a pass.

What about Streams?

When trails are mapped in the mountains when snow is melting there can be numerous small streams that might be marked as “Intermittent Streams”.  Other spots where water is coming out of the hillside and possibly running down the trail might be marked as “Miscellaneous” with a note of “Seepage”.  As the snow disappears these will dry up so it may not look like there was ever water at the marked location.  When trails are mapped in the mountains after the snow has melted there won’t be any waypoints at these locations because there wasn’t any water flow at that time.  A seepage area is a wide area, a stream is narrow but may run down a trail some distance.  A seepage area may funnel into a stream.

If you look at the topographic map, the size of the catch basin can be a clue to whether or not there will be water in an “Intermittent Stream” or even a “Stream”.  If there isn’t a blue line or blue dash-dotted line on the topographic map where an “Intermittent Stream” waypoint occurs, it could be a stream that will dry up with the snow.

Some streams marked on the topographic maps aren’t there anymore.  That might be the reason there is no stream waypoint at the stream marked on the map.

Swamp? What swamp?

A “seepage area” probably had fairly solid ground and didn’t interfere much with travel.  An area with enough seepage to create a muddy quagmire was probably marked as a “swamp”.  Drought conditions or just being later in the season may have completely dried out the area so that there is no sign that anything was once wet.

A “swamp” may have been an area that was flooded by a beaver dam.  If the dam broke the area may be dry, solid ground again.  A “swamp” may be anything from a mud hole (which may be dry at another time or marked as a “spring”) to a real swamp.

Old Trails and Roads

We’ve thought about adding codes for old trail and road end points but, in many cases, it’s hard to tell where they end.  Old trails and roads tend to fade out and in so an “OTP” or “ORP” may have a comment “the end” if we think it ended there or if that spot was the last place we saw any sign of it.  The area was probably not searched to see if we could pick it up again.

Sometimes old roads are good collectors of water and seeds.  So it’s not unusual for them to be so overgrown that they can’t even be walked on anymore. In other cases they made good stream beds so they are now deep, rugged gullies so they aren’t so fun to walk.

Cross-Country

“Cross-Country” should be taken to mean there is no trail, path, tread, etc.  However…

In city parks, areas near population centers that get a large amount of traffic, we tend to use “cross-country” for minor trails and un-official social trails.  These trails may or may not be well defined and may also change frequently.  In these areas we are very unlikely to show a real cross-country route (no tread) and going off trail is probably against the park rules anyway.  In heavy use areas we don’t want to cause the formation of a trail where there isn’t one already.

In more remote areas there may be a faint tread (trail) because enough people walk there.  A tread may appear when the terrain forces people onto one place and disappear when the terrain allows people to walk “anywhere”.  A “cross-country” route in remote areas is likely to be a real cross-country route.  Some official trails in remote areas actually disappear.  An “XC” along a trail, in between some “TP”’s, means there is no tread (trail disappears) between them.  A “TED” is not used because the trail really hasn’t ended – the length of no trail shouldn’t be very long, not on the order of miles.

Note that in alpine/tundra areas it is desirable to walk in a manner that doesn’t form trails where there are no trails.  That is don’t walk in someone else’s footsteps on non-durable surfaces.

Exceptions

Mueller State Park in Colo. numbers trails from 1 to about 50.  As an aid to identifying junctions, the format used is:
JCx-y, JCx-yy, JCxx-y , JCxxyy	Where x and y are single digit trail numbers and xx and yy are double digit trail numbers.

As of August 2006 this special form is no longer used for Mueller State Park.

Copyright © 2006 by Western Maps LLC. All rights reserved.

File notes:	Margins for tables (for printing):	Top = .4”, Bottom = .46”, Left = .3”, Right = .3”
	Margins for comments:	Top = .75”, Bottom = .5”, Left = .75”, Right = .75”

File:	WaypointNameFormat.doc    December 30, 2006			Produced by Dan Anderson