CompuTrainer
GPS/GPX Resources
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Technical Support CompuTrainer GPS/GPX Resources |
What’s the difference between GPS and GPX? GPS stands for Global Positioning System and refers mostly to the hardware device, but can be used to refer to the technology within the device as well. You use the GPS to collect the data. GPX refers to GPS Exchange Format, which is a XML data format (a computer programming language). GPX is used to exchange or interchange GPS data amongst various applications and web services. GPX is a standardized format wherewith all applications, using GPS data, can expect usable data. GPX data is created external of the GPS by means of connecting the GPS to the computer and a computer program will extract the GPS data and convert it to the GPX format Why only direct connect to a Garmin Edge 305? The Garmin Edge was the first GPS device to promise accurate altitude information. Though still not perfect, it is far better than what we have seen in the past. We ultimately concluded that other GPS data was getting better as well, so rather than add more direct connect GPS’s, we chose to go the GPX route instead. Why can I only have one history in my Garmin Edge 305 to use Course Creator? The routine needed to select multiple histories in the 305 is possible, it just has not been done yet. Because of the time involved, we chose to hold off on this feature until we had further feedback from actual users whether there were other issues needing to be addressed. And then we’d do it all at the same time. As mentioned in the manual, if you have multiple histories, use the GPX route. Can I use my existing GPS with Course Creator? Yes, as long as you can get GPX data from it. You will need to search the sites provided below to see if your GPS is supported by the GPX developers. If it isn’t you should contact them and see whether they can add your GPS to the list. Keep in mind that GPS technology has changed over the years and you may need to upgrade to a newer GPS. Is there a site I can go to to learn more about GPX? Yes! There is a great site you can go to at: www.topografix.com/gpx_resources.asp or you can also click on the link provided in the installation CD of GPS Course Creator. There are some great things besides making courses you can do with this GPX data. What site(s) do you recommend that provide a GPX program? We tested GPX files from the same GPS data on a number of sites. This so-called standardized GPX format can still be different even while using the same data. We found the best site to be www.easygps.com and it’s a even a free utility. The second best was www.motionbased.com. Motionbased, which is now owned by Garmin, is huge in scope and they have a growing database of routes as well submitted by other GPS users, which means you may be able to get GPX data from them as well as extracting your own. Page revised:
June 09, 2006 |