Understanding and creating GPX files

 

I have seen how to create a csv file in Excel, it is simple enough. GPX file creation however seems too complex for me to grasp an understanding of, mostly how to create this kind of file. Is there a GPX creator for Dummies out there? To me, it looks exactly like a programming language and seems far more labor intensive even creating one waypoint. Is there a easy way to understand this format, or is there a program where you enter the pertinent data and it will create all the gobley-gook formatting? Thanks for any help in understanding this!

"gobley-gook" creator

5randy wrote:

...or is there a program where you enter the pertinent data and it will create all the gobley-gook formatting?

I couldn't find one that did what I wanted, so I wrote one.
"Gobley-gook Creator" has a certain ring to it, but
GeePeeEx Editor is the current product name ;-)

BTW - in the FAQ, there is an article entitled "How do I create a GPX file"., which contains the statement:-

The comment (<cmt>), description (<desc>), link (<link>), Symbol ( <sym>), Display mode (<gpxx:DisplayMode>), and Categories (<gpxx:Categories>) can be viewed in appropriate fields when you open the GPX with MapSource. They currently are not utilized by your GPSr.

It is true that a gpx file created to Garmin's specification will not necessarily display as expected (and will display in different, unexpected ways on different units).

However, with some unit-specific modifications, these fields can be used - to dramatic effect.

--
------------------------ Phil Hornby, Stockport, England ----------------------               http://GeePeeEx.com - Garmin POI Creation made easy           »      

I can vouch for GeePeeEx

For the $US10, it will do an excellent job converting csv, gpx and kml files. The other good news is, it will maintain up to 6 digits of accuracy when converting a kml to gpx file.

I was thinking of writing a small program in VB6 but when I saw the program that Phil had developed, the ten dollars was a no brainer.

--
Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. - Pablo Picasso (Bob - Garmin c530, eTrex Vista HCx)

Re: Understanding and creating GPX files

5randy,

I think what you are looking for can be found at http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/geocoder/ . It is a free on-line converter that will give you your GPX file with the absolute minimum effort on your part.

Ralph

--
I like rice. Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2,000 of something.

2nd on GeePeeEx

I can recommend GeePeeEx too!

GPSBabel

is another free tool which converts between many different formats.

--
___________________ Garmin 2455, 855, Oregon 550t

Thanks to you Hornbyp and all others for your help!

Cool you are from Stockport, A friend I have worked with for many years is originally from Stockport, a Dr. R. Hill... I will check outyour program. I have dabbled around in Visual Basic years ago, and when I looked at C++ I decided it was way to much time to invest verses how much I would use it. Cheers!

I'll 3rd it

tjablons wrote:

I can recommend GeePeeEx too!

I like the extra info I can add to any particular poi, like jpg or tons of extra verbage.
Not to mention the ease of merging small csv files to one gpx file.
Or how it will "find" the phone number from a csv file and make it a "dialable" number.

Phil did a great job.

--
........Garmin StreetPilot c550 / Nüvi 765...........

C++

5randy wrote:

Cool you are from Stockport, A friend I have worked with for many years is originally from Stockport, a Dr. R. Hill... I will check outyour program. I have dabbled around in Visual Basic years ago, and when I looked at C++ I decided it was way to much time to invest verses how much I would use it. Cheers!

All I remember of C++ is cin and cout. I even forgot what that does...lol.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -