GPS & GPX Overview

[Dave WilsonParticipant]

Below is an introduction to GPS and GPX that will be presented at the May 1st membership meeting.

 

GPS, GPX and Navigation Overview

Ever wonder what to do with the GPX files sent before MOA Rides?

What is a GPX file?

A GPX file is a standard format for storing GPS data. It contains information about routes, tracks, and waypoints, making it useful for navigation and mapping applications. GPX files can be used by various GPS devices and software. Dierence between routes and tracks

Routes: These are a sequence of waypoints that guide you from one location to another and are often used for planned trips. Navigation systems use the points to calculate the turn-by-turn directions, each nav system/map might show dierent directions from the same set of waypoints.

Tracks: These represent the actual path or trail you’ve traveled or plan to travel. Tracks are made up of numerous data points collected along your journey and are useful for reviewing or sharing your ride history. Navigation systems that support tracks generally show the track and a heading to follow to return to the track. Tracks are especially useful o road where turn by turn navigation isn’t useful. Some systems will allow a track to be converted to a route.

How are GPX files created?

o Using a route app like BaseCamp, GPX Studio, MyRouteApp or Rever o Record a trip/track using a GPS navigation device or application

Popular Route Applications

Basecamp – https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/basecamp/

o Need to have a Garmin GPS to unlock the maps before use o Runs only on Windows or Mac o Very powerful but not the easiest to learn

MyRouteApp – https://www.myrouteapp.com/

o Web based to run on any device

o The free version is limited to OpenStreetMap, but the paid version includes maps matching Garmin (HERE) or BMW Connected Ride (TomTom)

o Routes can be saved online within the app or exported in various formats o Community with library of shared rides

GPX Studio – https://gpx.studio/

o Completely Free with donation option o Web based to run on any device

o Uses OpenStreetMap – Routing on a Garmin or BMW Nav may dier o Routes must be saved to your device or the cloud o Creates only Tracks

Rever – https://www.rever.co

o Web based to run on any device o Large library of shared rides

o Free version with paid version unlocking more features

Navigation Devices

BMW Connected Ride Navigator o Replaces the older BMW Navigator VI o Plugs into GPS mount that is optional on many BMW motorcycles o Can be controlled via the Wonder Wheel

BMW Connected Ride Cradle o Mount a phone running the BMW Connected Ride app on a phone to o Plugs into GPS mount that is optional on many BMW motorcycles o Can be controlled via the Wonder Wheel o Provides wireless or wired charging for the phone

Dedicated GPS devices – Motorcycle brand independent

o Garmin (Various models) o TomTom (Various Models) – Discontinued in the US, but still available new and used

Apple Car Play/Android Auto devices – Displays applications from a phone.

o Chigee – One version plugs in to BMW GPS mount and controlled by Wonder Wheel o Carpuride – One version plugs in to BMW GPS mount and controlled by Wonder

Wheel o Rever supports Apple Car Play, but not Android Auto (under consideration)

Phone Mount o Google Maps can download oline maps o MyRouteApp – Paid version required for navigation o Rever – Paid version required for oline maps or turn by turn directions

How to use a GPX File

When using a track most GPS systems will not provide turn by turn directions, but some will display direction of travel to get back to the track.

BMW Connected Ride Navigator o Import GPX file via phone app or via USB cable

BMW Connected Ride Cradle with Connected Ride Application o Limited to 30 waypoints

o Sees a track file as a huge number of waypoints and won’t import the track but doesn’t show any warning

o Import GPX file directly in the application

Garmin GPS o Can directly use any GPX route or track not just ones created by BaseCamp o Import via USB cable from a computer

o Import via Garmin Drive app (Zumo XT Navigator) or Garmin Tread app (Zumo XT2 or Tread navigators)

Apple Car Play/Android Auto

o Apple Maps can’t use a GPX file directly, so a third-party navigation application is needed

o Google Maps can’t use a GPX file directly, but Google MyMap can import the GPX file and convert it

o The paid MyRouteApp application is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

 

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