Problems with GPX files, info missing

[+thegreengreengrassofhome]

I have been using GPX files on my PDA, but have come across a couple of problems.

1) The trackable item information only provides the name, it would be better if at least the goal was also included so that I do not pick up a trackable in which I cannot realistically move on (e.g. goal is to travel east when I am at my eastern point from my area)

2) Some cache descriptions seem to include web refs to graphics which are vital to finding the cache ( found by looking at the gpx file using notepad), one cache that springs to mind was a cross word, which was a made up of several jpegs in a table. This means I need internet connection on my device when looking for the cache, and that in the area I am there is internet GPRS connectivity, surely this goes against the idea of having a file to use offline. Is it possible to include the images files as part of the GPX file package, or restrict this type of clue?

 

Thanks in advance.

[+StarBrand]

The GPX files were never intended to be a 100% replacement for the online listings. Photo's cannot be included in the files as the GPX is a text only xml file. Links are included in the GPX and some of the PDA software can grab the linked images when they are connected online.

 

The listing pages do not include any of the TB goals so I would not expect the GPX to have it either. Any good TB owner has probably made a tag with the goal information included directly on the TB. Otherwise - feel free to grab it and move it along to another cache.

[+thegreengreengrassofhome]

The GPX files were never intended to be a 100% replacement for the online listings. Photo's cannot be included in the files as the GPX is a text only xml file. Links are included in the GPX and some of the PDA software can grab the linked images when they are connected online.

 

The listing pages do not include any of the TB goals so I would not expect the GPX to have it either. Any good TB owner has probably made a tag with the goal information included directly on the TB. Otherwise - feel free to grab it and move it along to another cache.

 

I understand that a GPX file is not a 100% replacement, but not being able to search for a cache because the information is not included in the gpx file isn't very good either! The example I give is that the crossword clue was a number of jpeg images, not just a photo of the area, therfore I was unable to search for the cache. I know that the image cannot be included within the XML file, but I am suggesting a local link, so that the zipped GPX file will include them.

 

I agreed that the TB goals are not directly on the cache description page, but a simple click will provide them, so it not to hard to include the information in the file either.

 

The assumtion of a lot of people is that everybody can get to the internet where ever they are. I sorry to give you the bad news, but you CANNOT!

[+Lil Devil]

2) Some cache descriptions seem to include web refs to graphics which are vital to finding the cache ( found by looking at the gpx file using notepad), one cache that springs to mind was a cross word, which was a made up of several jpegs in a table.

You should be solving the puzzle caches while at home, before you head out into the field.

 

I would vote strongly against including any pictures in the ZIP file. Keep the file as small as possible, please. Most links are already included so any decent reader will get them anyways.

[+thegreengreengrassofhome]

2) Some cache descriptions seem to include web refs to graphics which are vital to finding the cache ( found by looking at the gpx file using notepad), one cache that springs to mind was a cross word, which was a made up of several jpegs in a table.

You should be solving the puzzle caches while at home, before you head out into the field.

 

I would vote strongly against including any pictures in the ZIP file. Keep the file as small as possible, please. Most links are already included so any decent reader will get them anyways.

 

Yes but you seem to be missing the point, if you can get connection to the internet, and I am sorry that I was not aware that you should check all of the details of each cache in the area you are going in case the cles are hiddern in jpegs!

[+Prime Suspect]

For the most part, only puzzle caches might have necessary images. If you use the right tool, you will have these images. I use Plucker and Sunrise XP to put cache data into my Palm. When it builds the cache pages, it pulls in any inline images, and includes them in the upload file. Using Plucker Reader on my Palm, I see what is pretty much an exact copy of the cache page that you see on the web.

[+StarBrand]

Perhaps you misunderstand. I never said you needed internet connectivity in the field. What you do need is some software to examine the GPX for linked images and then download those images - before you head out into the field.

 

Also - for the most part - you cannot solve many puzzles while out in the field so as noted above - i would generally work on those and getting the final coordinates before you are out in the field. Again, either exclude those from your PQs or use some software to read the GPX and id those before heading out.