Using GPX for the novice geocacher - Revision history

Smitch: /* Finalizing the map */

2020-10-16T18:04:45Z

Finalizing the map

Smitch: /* Converting to KML */

2020-10-16T18:00:09Z

Converting to KML

Smitch: /* Quantum GIS */

2020-10-16T17:58:57Z

Quantum GIS

Smitch: /* GPSBabel */

2020-10-16T17:57:31Z

GPSBabel

Smitch: /* GPX */

2020-10-16T17:54:41Z

GPX

Loucasdiamantboustea at 20:25, 5 October 2020

2020-10-05T20:25:52Z

Show changes

Loucasdiamantboustea: /* Mapping in Google Earth */

2020-09-30T16:52:03Z

Mapping in Google Earth

Loucasdiamantboustea at 13:37, 30 September 2020

2020-09-30T13:37:04Z

Loucasdiamantboustea at 15:29, 27 September 2020

2020-09-27T15:29:02Z

Loucasdiamantboustea at 18:02, 26 September 2020

2020-09-26T18:02:15Z

@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 # In your project, open up the waypoints menu.
 #:[[File:WaypointsGE.png|250px|thumb|center]]
-# Hover over the geocache's you wish to change the symbology, and choose 'Edit feature'.
+# Hover over the geocaches you wish to change the symbology, and choose 'Edit feature'.
 # From here you can change things like font, and icon.
-'''NOTE:''' On the far left panel, below the 'Projects' tab, there is a tab titled 'Map style'. You can use this to alter what is shown on the satellite imagery. You can turn things on and off like roads and other overlayed data.
+'''NOTE:''' On the far left panel, below the 'Projects' tab, there is a tab titled 'Map style'. You can use this to alter what is shown on the satellite imagery. You can turn things on and off like roads and other overlaid data.
 At this point, there is not much else you can do. Take a screenshot of your location with all your geocache locations. If you are using the desktop application you can do a bit more in turns of generating a legend and an actual map, but unfortunately, that is not yet a feature in the web version.

@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 #* This is the form that translates into KML, we will discuss some other options in [[#Loading in using a CSV]].
 # Change the 'Output file type' from '.kmz (zipped)' to '.kml (uncompressed)'.
-# Add your GPX files containing the geocache data, you can load in up to 10.
+# Add your GPX files containing the geocache data; you can load in up to 10 at once.
 # Click 'Create KML file' and download your new data.
 [[File:Gpsviskml.png|500px|thumb|center]]

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ===Quantum GIS===
-QGIS was started in May 2002 and made available for download through peer sharing networks. Many versions have been developed since the initial program. Now QGIS is a fully functioning Geographic Information System that runs on all main platforms such as Linux, Mac, Windows and Unix. The program supports a variety of data including, vector, rasters and database formats. QGIS is licensed under the GNU Public Licence (MicroResources, 2008).
+QGIS was started in May 2002 and made available for download through peer sharing networks. Many versions have been developed since the initial program. Now QGIS is a fully functioning Geographic Information System that runs on all main platforms such as Linux, Mac, Windows and Unix. The program supports a variety of data, including vector, raster, and database formats. QGIS is licensed under the GNU Public Licence (MicroResources, 2008).
 QGIS is a reliable GIS program that allows for simple navigation through the tools and a very intuitive learning process. It has a full graphical user interface so users regardless of experience level can utilize the software. Hardware requirements are minimal for QGIS, so the vast majority of desktops will be able to operate the program on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 ==Converting different formats==
 ===GPSBabel===
-GPSBabel is an open-source program that allows for tracks, waypoints, and routes to be transferred from various types of GPS units and file formats. GPSBable has both command-line and graphical interface, which would allow for easier batch processing. The main draw of this program is that it can convert between multiple format types, and can both download and upload points to/from most GPS units. GPSBabel uses the GNU Public License, and as such, the program can be altered by any user to their liking. This allows other open-source programs like QGIS to have GPSBabel integrated into their system as a plugin.
+GPSBabel is an open-source program that allows for tracks, waypoints, and routes to be transferred from various types of GPS units and file formats. GPSBabel has both command-line and graphical interfaces, and the command line allows for easier batch processing. The main draw of this program is that it can convert between multiple format types, and can both download and upload points to/from most GPS units. GPSBabel uses the GNU Public License, and as such, the program can be altered by any user to their liking, as long as the changes are shared in any redistribution. This allows other open-source programs like QGIS to have GPSBabel integrated into their system as a plugin.
 You can download the application [http://www.gpsbabel.org/ here]
 You can view a more comprehensive list of compatible ''Garmin'' units [https://www.gpsbabel.org/htmldoc-1.7.0/fmt_garmin.html here]
 ===GPSVisualizer===

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 The uploaded data points from event participants will be formatted into the open standard GPX (the GPS Exchange Format). This will permit smooth data exchange between multiple GPS units regardless of the manufacturer.
-The following is an example of GPX demonstrating the structure and common tags used. In the example you can see that this is a geocache located in Lake Garibaldi Park:
+The following is an example of GPX data, demonstrating the structure and common tags used. In the example you can see that this is a geocache located in Lake Garibaldi Park:
 <pre> <?xml version="1.0" ?>
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 </pre>
-GPX schema was initially released in 2002, and it became the GPS standard in August 2004. These files contain a description of what’s inside so they can be understood by various programs and users. Most GPS units will automatically generate their points in GPX format but on the odd case that they don't, there are a couple of ways to change the format into or out of GPX.
+GPX schema was initially released in 2002, and it became the GPS standard in August 2004. These files contain a description of what’s inside so they can be understood by various programs and users. Most GPS units will automatically generate their points in GPX format but in the odd case that they don't, there are a couple of ways to translate the format into or out of GPX.
 ==Converting different formats==

@@ Line 97: / Line 97: @@
 ==Mapping in Google Earth==
-Google Earth offers a simple way to overlay point locations onto their satellite imagery. The maps that you can create through this software aren't necessarily going to be as in-depth and detailed as QGIS, but they are simple and do the trick. One perk of this software is that there is substantially less to figure out and troubleshoot.
+Google Earth offers a simple way to overlay point locations onto their satellite imagery. The maps that you can create through this software aren't necessarily going to be as in-depth and detailed as QGIS, but they are simple and do the trick in much less time than with QGIS. One perk of this software is that there is substantially less to figure out and troubleshoot.
 ===Converting to KML===

@@ Line 283: / Line 283: @@
 *GPX  [http://www.topografix.com/gpx.asp]
 *XML  [http://www.w3.org/XML/]
-*FOSS4G  [http://2009.foss4g.org/]
 *QuantumGIS  [http://www.qgis.org/]
 *GPSBabel  [http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html]
 *GPS Visualizer  [http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/]
-*OnEarth  [http://onearth.jpl.nasa.gov/]
 *Google Earth  [http://earth.google.com/]
 *Google KML  [http://code.google.com/apis/kml/documentation/]
 '''Sites for georeferenced images'''

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 This tutorial will cover the following:
-* How to download waypoints from geocache.com and prepare them for what you wish to do with them
+* How to download waypoints from geocache.com
-* How to use various open-source software to transfer these points to and from a GPS device
+* How to use various open-source software create simple maps to be used to assist the hunt
+* How to upload your geocaches onto a GPS device, and if necessary, translate them into different formats
-* An introduction to making maps in QGIS and Google Earth, mainly for viewing pleasure and to assist in the hunt
@@ Line 97: / Line 97: @@
 ==Mapping in Google Earth==
+Google Earth offers a simple way to overlay point locations onto their satellite imagery. The maps that you can create through this software aren't necessarily going to be as in-depth and detailed as QGIS, but they are simple and do the trick. One perk of this software is that there is substantially less to figure out and troubleshoot.
+===Converting to KML===
+Unfortunately, Google Earth only supports the loading of KML files, rather than the GPX files you just downloaded. This is an easy fix though, through the use of GPSVisualizer it is a quick translation.
+* Head to [https://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map_input?form=googleearth GPSVisualizer].
+** This is the form that translates into KML, we will discuss some other options in [[#Loading in using a CSV]].
+* I would recommend changing the 'Output file type' from '.kmz (zipped)' to '.kml (uncompressed)'.
+* Add your GPX files containing the geocache data, you can load in up to 10.
+* Click 'Create KML file' and download your new data.
+[[File:Gpsviskml.png|500px|thumb|center]]
+===Importing KML into Google Earth===
+You now have all your geocache locations saved as KML files, here's how to get it into Google Earth:
+* Open [https://earth.google.com/web/ Google Earth]. Remember that I will only be discussing the web version.
+* On the left side of the screen, select the 'Projects' menu. It'll look like a placemark, there will be an image showing its location if you are having trouble.
+* If you have not already created a project, click 'Open' and choose 'Import KML file from computer'.
+* If you do already have projects created, create a new project and choose 'Import KML file from computer'.
+* Choose the KML files you just created and let it load in.
+[[File:GEloadKML.png|500px|thumb|center]]
+===Finalizing the map===
+Now that your geocaches are in Google Earth, we can begin to make the map look a bit better. Google Earth is not as customizable as QGIS but you can still change symbology and alter the satellite imagery slightly.
+* In your project, open up the waypoints menu.
+[[File:WaypointsGE.png|250px|thumb|center]]
+* Hover over the geocache's you wish to change the symbology, and choose 'Edit feature'.
+* From here you can change things like font, and icon.
+'''NOTE:''' On the far left panel, below the 'Projects' tab, there is a tab titled 'Map style'. You can use this to alter what is shown on the satellite imagery. You can turn things on and off like roads and other overlayed data.
+At this point, there is not much else you can do. Take a screenshot of your location with all your geocache locations. If you are using the desktop application you can do a bit more in turns of generating a legend and an actual map, but unfortunately, that is not yet a feature in the web version.
 ==QGIS==

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 ===GPSVisualizer===
-GPSVisualizer is a website dedicated to converting between GPX files, plain text/CSV, and KML files (for Google Earth, we will talk about this in a later section ________). It also offers other features, such as plotting points, but we will not be using that in this tutorial.
+GPSVisualizer is a website dedicated to converting between GPX files, plain text/CSV, and KML files (for Google Earth, we will talk about this in a later section [[#Mapping in Google Earth]]). It also offers other features, such as plotting points, but we will not be using that in this tutorial.
 To access the tool we will be using, go [https://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert_input here]
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 ==Mapping==
 ===Quantum GIS===
-For the purpose of this tutorial, the open-source QGIS software will be used to produce maps. We will also explore using Google Earth in a later section __________
+For the purpose of this tutorial, the open-source QGIS software will be used to produce maps. We will also explore using Google Earth in a later section [[Mapping in Google Earth]]
 QGIS was started in May 2002 and made available for download through peer sharing networks. Many versions have been developed since the initial program. Now QGIS is a fully functioning Geographic Information System that runs on all main platforms such as Linux, Mac, Windows and Unix. The program supports a variety of data including, vector, rasters and database formats. QGIS is licensed under the GNU Public Licence (MicroResources, 2008).
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 ===Google Earth===
-The other mapping program we will be exploring in this tutorial is Google Earth. Google Earth can act as a psuedo-GIS in terms of mapping capabilities. There is enough to make a fairly basic map, but it will be nowhere near the detail as those that can be made in QGIS.
+The other mapping program we will be exploring in this tutorial is Google Earth. Google Earth can act as a pseudo-GIS in terms of mapping capabilities. There is enough to make a fairly basic map, but it will be nowhere near the detail as those that can be made in QGIS.
 Google Earth uses KML files to operate, and if you recall this is one of the types of files that are converted with GPSVisualizer. This conversion is necessary, as Google Earth only works with KML and does not have support for GPX files.
@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 The first thing that you must do is download the points you want from [https://www.geocaching.com/play/search geocaching.com] or any other geocaching websites that you come across. Then they will be converted into whichever format that you would like.
-Once you have the geocaching loaded, use the search bar to search for geochaches near the location you are going. You will be faced with a screen like the one below, choose the geocache(s) that you wish to download. In this case, I will download 'double double' for example purposes, but feel free to choose multiple in an area. In fact, I recommend doing that because it will make the maps we create so much better.
+Once you have the geocaching loaded, use the search bar to search for geocaches near the location you are going. You will be faced with a screen like the one below, choose the geocache(s) that you wish to download. In this case, I will download 'double double' for example purposes, but feel free to choose multiple in an area. In fact, I recommend doing that because it will make the maps we create so much better.
 [[File:Geocachingwebsite1.png|500px|thumb|center|Example of what it will look like after searching for geocaches]]
@@ Line 94: / Line 94: @@
 =Map making=
-You should now have all your GPX files downloaded and in one folder. The next step is to load the points into QGIS or Google Earth to make a map. If you wish to skip this step and immediately load the points onto the GPS, go to section _______.
+You should now have all your GPX files downloaded and in one folder. The next step is to load the points into QGIS or Google Earth to make a map. If you wish to skip this step and immediately load the points onto the GPS, go to section [[#Upload points to GPS]].
-==Google Earth==
+==Mapping in Google Earth==
 ==QGIS==
@@ Line 111: / Line 111: @@
 ** We will discuss the 'Download' and 'Upload' tabs in a later section. Note that there seems to be an issue with the 'Import Other File' tab, I have tried it with multiple different files (that aren't GPX) and QGIS had crashed, it could just be my machine.
 **Also, note the final tab 'GPX Conversion', this tab allows waypoints, tracks, and routes to be simultaneously converted between each other. This only works with GPX files.
-* You will likely have multiple layers now, don't worry, we will merge all the layers into one soon (section ______). This will also make it so in the end, you will only have one GPX file being transferred into your GPS.
+* You will likely have multiple layers now, don't worry, we will merge all the layers into one soon (section [[#Merging file once in QGIS]]). This will also make it so in the end, you will only have one GPX file being transferred into your GPS.
 ===Loading in using a CSV===
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 ** For the X and Y field, choose longitude and latitude respectively. These are values directly from your input table, so if they aren't options you may have added the wrong table.
 ** Set the CRS as WGS 84 (This will likely already be chosen)
-** Save the file to your folder by choosing the '...'. I would recommend saving it as a .shp; however, it is possible to save it as a GPX here, but I have found that to be extremely unreliable, and hasn't worked very well for me.
+** Save the file to your folder by choosing the '...'. I would recommend saving it as a .shp; however, it is possible to save it as a GPX here, but I have found that to be extremely unreliable and hasn't worked very well for me.
 [[File:Pointsfromtable.png|500px|thumb|center]]
@@ Line 162: / Line 162: @@
 * Like symbology, head to the properties menu, this time select 'Labels' from the left panel.
-* There likely won't be anything in the menu except a single drop down menu. Click the menu and select 'Single labels'.
+* There likely won't be anything in the menu except a single drop-down menu. Click the menu and select 'Single labels'.
 ** This will make it so that the labels apply to all points based on the same criteria. You can alter criteria depending on 'rules' by choosing the 'Rule-based labelling' option.
 * All the fields will automatically fill, so if you don't want to you don't have to change anything, your points will be labelled. However, here are a few tips:
@@ Line 195: / Line 195: @@
 From here, you now just have to get that file(s) onto your GPS unit.
-If you used Google Earth, you should already have GPX files. Skip to section [[Uploading to GPS]].
+If you used Google Earth, you should already have GPX files. Skip to section [[#Uploading to GPS]].
-If you do not have a unit that works with GPX, ensure that you have a GPX file then skip to section [[Uploading to GPS]].
+If you do not have a unit that works with GPX, ensure that you have a GPX file then skip to section [[#Uploading to GPS]].
 First, plug your GPS into your computer.
@@ Line 233: / Line 233: @@
 * Ensure that you 'input' and 'output' are checked as 'file' and 'device' respectively.
 * Load your file that you wish to be uploaded. This will be in GPX or another format that you just translated to.
-* Choose the correct format (Garmin serial/usb protocal is likely to be good). If you need help with this, check the 'Help', it will take you to the documentation.
+* Choose the correct format (Garmin serial/USB protocol is likely to be good). If you need help with this, check the 'Help', it will take you to the documentation.
 * Choose the correct output device (Your GPS).
 [[File:BabelFiletoDevice.png|500px|thumb|center]]
@@ Line 245: / Line 245: @@
 Foster, D (2008). GPX for developers. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from The GPS exchange format Web site: http://www.topografix.com/gpx_for_developers.asp
-MicroResources, (2008, July). Quantam GIS. Retrieved October 18, 2008, from QGIS.org Web site: http://qgis.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=1&Itemid=99
+MicroResources, (2008, July). Quantum GIS. Retrieved October 18, 2008, from QGIS.org Web site: http://qgis.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=1&Itemid=99
 ===Helpful Web Links===