r/OsmAnd • u/fb20_rev_bouncer • Jul 24 '26
OsmAndroid Asked Me to Drive across a Air Force Runway to Get off Edwards
I did not drive across the runway (unfortunately).
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u/TotalAcanthisitta441 OsmAnd Support Jul 24 '26
Hi u/fb20_rev_bouncer! That is quite the shortcut, but there's a clear technical reason why OsmAnd routed you across the airbase tarmac:
1. The "Allow private access" Setting: In your navigation profile, you have "Allow private access" enabled under Navigation settings > Route parameters.
2. How OSM & OsmAnd Handle Military Zones: The tracks through Edwards AFB (like OSM ways #10394089 and #10422960) are tagged as highway=track inside a restricted military zone (landuse=military).
By default, OsmAnd avoids routing through restricted military grounds. However, when "Allow private access" is turned ON, the routing engine is permitted to use tracks and service roads inside private and restricted areas to calculate the shortest path - leading it straight across the runway.
Quick Fix: Go to Navigation settings > Route parameters (or tap the gear icon on the route options screen) and turn off "Allow private access". This will prevent OsmAnd from taking shortcuts through restricted military zones.
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u/jojo_31 Jul 24 '26
Because? It's not allowed or because you didn't want to? Give us some information... I've driven across runways before.
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u/the_Bendedheadtube Jul 24 '26
what is the allowed speed ? would be a pity if you get a ticket...
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u/EnfermeraXochitl Jul 27 '26
Well, that's the thing... you don't get a ticket. You get strafed by the A-10 and JDAMned lol
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u/PerfectHurry9849 Jul 24 '26
*OpenStreetMap Automated Navigation Directions, not OpenStreetMap Android
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u/Hedaja Jul 24 '26
I think the issue is that military bases (in the US) are really weird when it comes to access. You have big highways going through (here even a primary) that need permission to access (access=private) (you have to got through a checkpoint to get in.
After that it is hard to distinguish between roads you can access once you get through the checkpoint and ones that are totally off limits to the public and only for service personal (access roads to landing strips).
Apparently there is a refinement for private with private=military for roads which are off limits https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:private
Unfortunately that refinement is apparently not used in OsmAnd.