+ShadwSrch Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 Insert standard "Would have searched if I could." message here... I am new to this, and haven't even gotten the GPS yet (it will arive UPS today ). I am looking around so I can be prepared for when it arrives. The .loc file is basically an XML file, but I noticed that there is not much in it. Is the GPX just more complete? Is having a premium account the only way to download .GPX files? I am looking at GSAK, and have successfully downloaded and accessed .loc files for caches within 7 miles of my house. Looking at the detail, though, I know that I will want more. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment
ImpalaBob Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 loc file is basically .... cache waypoint name and location coordinates. The minimum you need to download to a GPS and go looking. gpx file is available only to premium members. It contains everything needed to download the GPS (loc file stuff) and to download to a PDA or PPC so you have descriptions, hints, 5 past logs, correct waypoint geocache symbol. We use gpx files from pocket queries (another premium feature) downloaded into MapSource for transfer to our Garmin Map60C and for transfer to our PDA for the Cachemate program.... Everything we need to go geocaching! Both loc and gpx files are text files and can be viewed in any text editing program. ImpalaBob Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 The GPX fliles have some advantages even for those who aren't using paperless caching. First it comes with the geocache icon symbol valued for all caches (its just a generic waypoint icon with LOC files). Also, it comes with the comment field valued with the cache and owner name, so if you have a unit like a Garmin 60 series, the comment field for the waypoint will contain that info. Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 At just $3 per month being a premium member is a bargain and the PQs and GPX files really make it worthwhile. Best features for sorting out the growing number of caches. Quote Link to comment
+ShadwSrch Posted January 12, 2006 Author Share Posted January 12, 2006 Is there a way to get .GPX files for multiple caches? I just got the premium membership, and I can see the GPX option on the Cache page, but how can I get multiples? Pocket queries? I will look. Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 Build your Pocket Queries here. Quote Link to comment
+ShadwSrch Posted January 12, 2006 Author Share Posted January 12, 2006 I figured it out....I need to run it once today... Then I can go back and set it to run on a schedule... Got the GPX file and have loaded it into GSAK... When the GPS arrives, I can get started...Thanks! Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 I have about thirty Pocket Queries saved in my list that cover a wide area. I don't have any of them "scheduled." I just run them when needed, like the day before I know I am going into town to run some errands. Play with the filters in GSAK while you wait for your GPSr to arrive. You can filter for just the easy caches, or for the hiking caches (based on the Difficulty and Terrain ratings). With your mapping software you can create a route, convert that to a .gpx file and then use the arc/poly filter in GSAK to get only the caches next to or very close to that route. It is a very powerful program that was extremely daunting for me when I first looked at all those options. Now you will want to get a Palm (or Pocket PC), if you don't already have one, so you can "cache paperless." Welcome to the addiction! Quote Link to comment
+Runneroffaith Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 I don't have a GPSr that can download cords straight onto it. I wish you could disable the gpx file feature so that you could only download the pocket query straight from a PDA with it being zipped or have to download that large file... Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 I'm not quite sure I understand, but I think you would be happy with all the stuff GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) can do with the Pocket Query data. Quote Link to comment
+Runneroffaith Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 I am completely satisfied with Pocket Queries, except for the fact that you are required to download the .gpx format along with the ebook format (which is the only format I use). Quote Link to comment
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