The Gradient & Steepness layer colours a route according to its estimated incline. It can help you identify where the most demanding climbs or descents are likely to occur.
Show the Gradient & Steepness layer
- Open a route and expand its route map.
- Tap Layers.
- Turn on Gradient & Steepness.
- Close the layers panel to view the colour-coded route.
Gradient & Steepness is a Go Guide Premium map layer. Turning it on switches off the Surface Types layer because both features colour the route line.
Read the gradient colours
- Level — under 3%: comparatively flat terrain.
- Gentle — 3% to 7%: a noticeable but relatively gentle incline.
- Moderate — 7% to 12%: a more sustained incline that may require additional effort.
- Steep — 12% to 20%: a demanding incline or descent.
- Very steep — over 20%: a particularly steep section.
The legend above the map matches each colour with its gradient range.
What a percentage means
Gradient compares vertical change with horizontal distance. A 10% gradient means the route changes by approximately 10 metres vertically for every 100 metres travelled horizontally.
The percentage describes steepness, not the total amount of climbing. A short steep section can have a high gradient while contributing relatively little to the total elevation gain.
Use the elevation profile
Use the gradient layer with the elevation profile to understand where climbs and descents occur. Drag across the elevation profile to follow the corresponding position on the route map.