HIKING: GPS DATA SETS

In recent times I have taken to capturing GPS data sets for the 'big' hikes I've been on. I've published these data sets in KML (Google Earth) format in case they are of use to anyone out there...

These data sets typically capture some or all of the following data points:

Style Symbol Descriptor
#hut Hut Hut/Campsite (or off-track accommodation)
#poi Point of Interest Point of Interest
#shelter Shelter Shelter - for temporary or emergency escape from the elements
#supplies Supplies Supplies (either on-track or off-track)
#trackEnd Track End Track End
#trackStart Track Start Track Start
#waypoint Waypoint Waypoint - typically logged at approximately 30 minute intervals

In addition to the waypoint data, some data sets include track data (with track points typically logged at approximately 5 minute intervals). In some instances the track has been 'colourised' to indicate ground speed or gradient between each track point. Track colouration goes from green (high speed, low gradient), through yellow/orange (medium speed, medium gradient) to red (low speed, high gradient). Simple tracks (with no ground speed or gradient information) are coloured blue.

GPS Data Sets

To convert my data sets to a format that you can load directly into your GPS, use GPS Babel on GPS Visualizer. Select "Google Earth (Keyhole) Markup Language" for the 'Input file format'.

Alternatively, to convert my data sets to GPX format, use the simple file converter on GPS Visualizer. Copy the location of my KML file (right-click on the icon above and select 'Copy Link Location') and paste it into the "Or provide the URL of a file on the Web" field.