GPS Route Creation :: Steps 1 & 2
The GPS Route that we take on our hikes generally starts life as a GPX Track that either we've walked or hacked together, or someone else has made available. If nothing is available I create my own using RouteConverter, being as detailed as possible. After the full track has been incorporated into the Itinerary it can be converted to a suitable route for loading onto our GPS Unit.
Itinerary Version | 7 |
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Itineray Date | 2020-02-08 |
GPS Route Creation Process
- Start with the full GPX Track
- Reduce the complexity using a GPSBabel Crosstrack reduction
- Add appropriate Point Names, including Mapping Boundaries, Trail / Track Names and short instructions.
- Import into BaseCamp
- Convert to Route
- Add Icons
- Transfer to GPS Unit
1 GPX Track
The starting point for our GPS Route was the GPX Tracks offered by the Friends of The Heysen Trail, who also offer many more resources.
2 GPSBabel Crosstrack Reduction
Crosstrack reduction is a method of reducing the number of points in the Track that have the smallest overall effect on the overall shape of the route. Using this method, the first point to be removed will be the one that is closest to a line drawn between the two points adjacent to it.
Once the Track has been full defined and converted into the Itinerary, it needs to be reduced as there will be way too many points on the Track (which will become the Route), and GPS Applications (such as Compass) is of reduced benefit, and sometimes less useful.
- Pre-Redaction
- Size: 2,974 Kb
- Points: 19,416
- Post-Reduction
- Size: 313 kb
- Points: 1,660
The Track is obviously vastly reduced, which is a good thing. The next step will probably add some more points in when required, which will obviously make it bigger again.
Next TaskAdd Point Names and Simple Instructions
where I'll add simple instructions or information that's readable on the small GPS screen.
Our Resources
The Friends of The Heysen Trail have a huge amount of resources available, which we have obviously availed ourselves of quite liberally. I'll be updating this as required…
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