A computer implemented method of generating geographic routes across a geographic area that start and end at the same geographical position A, comprising: obtaining route calculation metadata relating to desired parameters of a geographic route to be generated, the metadata including the position A , a first set of criteria from a group at least comprising one or more of: a route time criterion and/or a route distance criterion, wherein the route time criterion includes an indication of a method of travel, and a second set of criteria at least comprising a route area criterion; calculating, using geographical data representing the geographic area, a first set of geographic routes across the geographic area that start and end at the position A, and which at least partially meet one or more of the first set of criteria ; calculating a size of the geographical area enclosed by each route of the first set of geographic routes; calculating a first score for the routes of the first set of geographic routes based on at least one of the first set of criteria , wherein the routes of the first set of geographic routes are scored based on the extent to which the routes of the first set of geographic routes meet one or more of the first set of criteria; calculating a second score for the routes of the first set of geographic routes based on the route area criterion such that the routes of the first set of geographic routes are scored based on the size of the geographical area enclosed, wherein routes that enclose a larger geographical area are scored higher than routes that enclose a smaller geographical area; combining the respective first and second scores of the routes of the first set of geographic routes to thereby provide a ranking of the routes of the first set of geographic routes; and providing at least one geographic route for output in dependence on the ranking of the routes of the first set of geographic routes. obtaining route calculation metadata relating to desired parameters of a geographic route to be generated, the metadata including the position A , a first set of criteria from a group at least comprising one or more of: a route time criterion and/or a route distance criterion, wherein the route time criterion includes an indication of a method of travel, and a second set of criteria at least comprising a route area criterion; calculating, using geographical data representing the geographic area, a first set of geographic routes across the geographic area that start and end at the position A, and which at least partially meet one or more of the first set of criteria ; calculating a size of the geographical area enclosed by each route of the first set of geographic routes; calculating a first score for the routes of the first set of geographic routes based on at least one of the first set of criteria , wherein the routes of the first set of geographic routes are scored based on the extent to which the routes of the first set of geographic routes meet one or more of the first set of criteria; calculating a second score for the routes of the first set of geographic routes based on the route area criterion such that the routes of the first set of geographic routes are scored based on the size of the geographical area enclosed, wherein routes that enclose a larger geographical area are scored higher than routes that enclose a smaller geographical area; combining the respective first and second scores of the routes of the first set of geographic routes to thereby provide a ranking of the routes of the first set of geographic routes; and providing at least one geographic route for output in dependence on the ranking of the routes of the first set of geographic routes. <EOS>