For a route server that generates route data for a route between a starting location and a destination location on a map, a method of compressing the route data that includes a maneuvering instruction for each of a plurality of junctures from the starting location to the destination location of the route is described. For a maneuvering instruction for each juncture of the route, the method determines whether the maneuvering instruction for the juncture is needed at a route client that is to receive the route data. When the maneuvering instruction for a particular juncture is determined not to be needed at the route client, the method modifies the route data by removing the maneuvering instruction for the particular juncture from the route data.