PitStopper comes with over 70 built-in POI categories, but what if you want to find something specific that isn't in the list? Maybe you're fascinated by historic windmills, want to spot lighthouses on a coastal ride, or need to locate hedgerows for a nature survey.

With Custom Tags, you can now create your own POI categories using OpenStreetMap tags and search for virtually any mapped feature.

What Are OpenStreetMap Tags?

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is the open-source map that powers PitStopper's POI data. Every feature on the map is described using tags - simple key=value pairs that define what something is.

For example:

• man_made=windmill describes a traditional windmill
• man_made=lighthouse describes a lighthouse
• historic=castle describes a castle or fortification
• natural=hedge describes a hedgerow
• amenity=ice_cream describes an ice cream shop

There are thousands of different tags covering everything from post boxes to aircraft wrecks, from bee hives to boundary stones. You can explore the full list on the OSM Map Features wiki page.

How Custom Tags Work

The Custom Tags feature lets you create your own POI category by specifying an OSM tag. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Open the Custom Tags Section

In the sidebar, you'll find a Custom Tags section with a distinctive green border. Click the + button or the "Add custom tag..." prompt to open the tag builder.

Step 2: Search for a Tag

Type what you're looking for in plain English - like "windmill", "lighthouse", or "castle". The search uses TagFinder, which helps you discover the correct OSM tag format.

Search results show:

• The tag in key=value format
• How many times it's used worldwide (popularity indicator)
• A brief description when available

Step 3: Configure Your Category

Once you've selected a tag:

1. Enter a display name (e.g., "Windmills" or "Historic Castles")
2. Choose an icon from the grid to represent it on the map
3. Click Add Tag

Step 4: Search as Normal

Your custom tag now appears in the Custom Tags section alongside any built-in categories. Simply check the box and click Search to find matching POIs along your route.

Example Use Cases

Heritage Cycling Routes Create tags for historic=wayside_cross, historic=boundary_stone, or man_made=milestone to discover historic markers along ancient routes.

Coastal Adventures Use man_made=lighthouse, leisure=beach_resort, or natural=cliff to plan coastal walks and rides.

Nature Spotting Add natural=tree (individual notable trees), natural=hedge, or leisure=nature_reserve for nature-focused journeys.

Quirky Finds Search for tourism=artwork (public art installations), man_made=windpump, or even historic=aircraft_wreck for unusual discoveries.

Tips for Finding Tags

Not sure what tag to use? Here are some approaches:

1. Use TagFinder's search - It understands plain English and suggests relevant tags

2. Browse the OSM wiki - The Map Features page lists all standard tags by category

3. Check existing maps - Find an example of what you want on openstreetmap.org, click it, and see what tags it uses

4. Start broad - If searching for "windmill" gives multiple options like man_made=windmill and building=windmill, try the one with higher usage count first

Saving Custom Tags

Your custom tags are:

• Saved automatically in your browser's local storage
• Included in presets when you save/load preset configurations
• Included in projects when you save your work

This means you can build up a library of custom categories tailored to your interests, and they'll be there every time you use PitStopper.

Learn More About OSM Tags

If you want to dive deeper into how OpenStreetMap tagging works:

• OSM Tags Wiki - The official documentation
• TagFinder - Search and explore tags
• Taginfo - Statistics on tag usage worldwide
• Map Features - Comprehensive list of standard tags

Custom Tags opens up the full breadth of OpenStreetMap data to your route planning. Whatever niche interest you have, if it's been mapped, you can now find it with PitStopper.