Feature Request: Freehand Drawing Mode with GPX Export

[julcnx]

A useful addition would be the ability to hand-draw geometries (freehand, pencil-style) on the map and later export those drawings as a GPX file. See example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8AQyRUZqiU

For example, before exploring a new area, I often trace potential, unmapped trails visible in satellite imagery using my own app (video above). I enable a drawing mode via a dedicated button, then draw directly on the map by clicking and dragging. When I release the mouse, the shape is completed, and I can immediately continue drawing additional segments if needed.

Once finished, I generate a GPX file and upload it to my mobile navigation app. This approach helps identify possible missing connections and provides backup routes in case mapped trails turn out to be unusable on the ground.

I deliberately prefer this method over directly mapping visible trails into OSM, as best practice is to wait until features have been properly surveyed in the field. What may look like a trail from satellite imagery can in reality be a riverbed, an abandoned track, or a non-viable route.

[vcoppe]

Plotting tracks with routing disabled is not exactly the same, but isn't it sufficient?

[julcnx]

Plotting tracks with routing disabled is not exactly the same, but isn't it sufficient?

Requires 2–3× more time and lots of clicks—okay for short route gaps, but inefficient for detailed drawings in sparsely mapped areas. Not essential, but a nice-to-have if implementation is easy.