Details
- Hike Leader - D. Smith
- Contact -
- Distance -
- Difficulty - Moderate
- Special Note -
Description
A workshop on how to use GPS tracks recorded by your GPS or with an app on your mobile phone
- a 2 hour session for members ready to use GPS tracks in various ways
- Recording a track on your GPSr or mobile phone
- Linking your GPSr to a computer and uploading to internet-mapping services including Google Earth, Google Maps, Map Source, Basecamp, OpenCycle, and others
- We can’t do full justice to using Google Earth this time, but we will show the basic processes and steps
- Using apps on Android mobile devices or on Iphones to record tracks (requires a data plan)
- Linking mobile device tracks to internet maps, social media, and then using/sharing images
- Making maps from tracks
- Editing your maps
- GPS track files (.gpx, .kml, .kmz, esri, and other common file types)
- we will not be addressing following a downloaded track while out hiking (that’s a different topic for another day)
- more details to be added to this listing closer to the actual date
Notes:
- Although you can attend the session if you don’t have a GPSr or a mobile phone with a data plan, it may be too advanced if you have no experience with these devices.
- The session will be tuned to users who already are competent with the basics of computers and mobile devices.
- Participants can bring their own devices and a laptop, if that will help. There is wireless service at the meeting place.
- This will not be a-learn-to-use-a-GPS-course. You need to already know how to use it first to learn the next steps – manage and use tracks. Also, everyone has different devices and we don’t know all the workings of each one.
- The devices I will be using will be a Garmin GPSMap 64S and an Android Phone using GeoTracker. I don’t have an Apple phone so you will have to adapt a bit when I explain.
- For a mapping program I use TopoFusion operating under Windows 10 . TopoFusion is free to use for a while, but has a one-time fee for continued use. There are however, free, internet-based services out there to do many of the same functions.
- I use Google Earth Pro but it is mostly the same as regular and free Google Earth.
- I also will briefly review and show you how to use Strava, MapmyHike, and other popular tracking apps, if time permits.
- We will be using the Sports Council Office (Cunliffe House) on Lorne Street which has tables and room for about 20 people. We will be using a projector and screen at the site.
- If you register and then need to cancel, do so early so that others can register.
- Since this workshop will be a lot of work to prepare for the session, it will only be a “go” if there is enough interest before the prep starts
Some References:
- The Differences between Tracks and Routes (Garmin)
- Here is a quick video on Geo Tracker
- GPS Visualizer (a free program)
- GPS Babel
- Strava
- GPSies
- OziExplorer
- Scribble Maps
- Open Cycle Map
- Other Resources
The Session (draft):
1. GPS Tracks on your GPS or mobile phone.
2. File formats.
3. Exporting and Importing Tracks.
4. Importing Tracks to Mapping Programs.
5. Google Earth and Google Maps.
6. Apps.
7. Creating map files.
8. Editing Map files.
9. Editing GPS files/Creating your own GPS files.
10. Sharing GPS files.
Session Notes:
Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.
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