Pockey Query

[+Bandit Patrol]

I'm new to the pocket query procedure and would like some help on how to open the download.

Do I need to use GSAK or is there another way to open the file? I also have to choices to open: area.gpx

and area-wpts.gpx, what is the difference between these to files?

 

Thanks for helping a newbie to the program!

Dawn

[+msrubble]

I'm new to the pocket query procedure and would like some help on how to open the download.

Do I need to use GSAK or is there another way to open the file?

 

You don't need to use GSAK. You can if you would like to process the file some more before sending to your GPS unit. You can open the zip file with any compression/decompression utility (WinZip, 7zip, etc.). If you use Windows, versions since XP can unzip zip files without any special added program needed.

 

You can take the belt-and-suspenders approach, and unzip them on your computer, then copy the .gpx files to your GPS.

 

I also have to choices to open: area.gpx

and area-wpts.gpx, what is the difference between these to files?

 

The "area" file, in your example, is the cache pages.

 

The wpts file is extra waypoints like parking coordinates, trailheads, sometimes extra stages in a multicache, or points of interest.

 

[Edited to add:]

 

If you do want to manipulate the .gpx files before sending them to your GPS unit, GSAK isn't the only option, although it is a very popular choice. There's a list of geocaching software on geocaching.com that can be used to work with .gpx files.

Edited November 15, 2011 by msrubble

[+WRASTRO]

If you are using a smart phone you will need to be using one of the several geocaching apps to open the file from your email. If you are not using a handheld GPS you will only need the phone app.