Tag:surface=fine_gravel
 surface = fine_gravel
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Loose, small gravel, not compacted, typically used on paths and driveways with minimal traffic. 
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| Group: properties |
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| Status: de facto |
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surface=fine_gravel describes loose, small gravel (2–8 mm, very fine to fine gravel on ![[W]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Tango_style_Wikipedia_Icon_no_shadow.svg/20px-Tango_style_Wikipedia_Icon_no_shadow.svg.png){kind=icon}
Wentworth scale ) , typically used on paths in parks and driveways with minimal traffic. It may appear similar to fine surface=pebblestone, and sometimes there is a mixture of coarse (gravel) and rounded (pebbles) on the same surface.
It should not be confused with surface=compacted, which uses compacted gravel and sand to produce hard, relatively smooth surface suitable for vehicles. In contrast, loose gravel has sand-like consistency and is not well suited for vehicles, especially bicycles. However, particularly on highway=*s, fine_gravel may denote a thin layer of fine gravel on top of a compacted base, or is used as a synonym for compacted.
Between 2011[1] and 2023[2] fine_gravel was described at OSM Wiki as having the same meaning as compacted. Nevertheless, it was also used for fine, loose gravel. A community discussion from 2025 affirmed that the value should be used only for (relatively) loose surfaces, with the caveat that some surfaces may change quality (firmness and smoothness) with prolonged use and deterioration.[3]
See also
surface=compacted(often called "gravel roads" or "dirt roads")surface=gravelsurface=pebblestonesurface=shells