'Route Point' is a generic term for a fixed point on the map through which a route will pass. Given a sequence of route points, the software will find roads that plan a route to visit each route point in the correct order.

If route points are plotted far apart, the route planning software has much more choice about which roads to take. So a choice of routing preferences can be made - eg Faster, Hilly, Curvy etc. If you deviate from the original planned route, the software has a better chance of finding a different way to reach the next route point.

If route points are close together, then the software has little option but to follow the planned route. If you have to deviate from the planned route, then issues can arise because the next route point will probably be behind you - and the satnav must visit the point in order. Getting to know how the XT2 behaves in such situations is important and is described on later pages.

• Via Point - Announces on arrival. Absolutely must visit. Orange Flag on XT2 screen.
  
  
• Shaping Point - Silent on approach and arrival. XT2 will alwyas route you to shaping points, but they are relatively easy to ignore. Small blue disc on the screen.
  
  
• Start Point - Green flag. Otherwise behaves like a Via Point. Importnat that you pass through the start point, so best not placed where you get on the bike. Place it a mile up the road.
  
  
• End Point - Chequered flag. Otherwise a Via Point. The XT2 stops navigation when the End Point has been reached.
  
  
• 'Ghost points' - The invisible route points that are placed between shaping/vias when a route is calculated to follow certain roads. The Zumo does not work these out - it copies the points from the map files once it has decided which roads to take. There are thousands of these in a calculated route. They are very close together and allow the magenta line be drawn using short straight lines on the Zumo screen.

'Ghost Point' is a term that I use. They are properly called Garmin GPX route point extensions.