Loc (*.loc) Or Gps Exchange (*.gpx)

[+funstuff]

Just got a new Etrex Legend today, and I'm really new to all this. Trying to figure out which of the files *.loc or *.gpx so we can go out tomorrow and start hunting. Could someone help me out here. I also understand there are some program files that I'm told I need to download in order to transfer to the Legend unit. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thx in advance.....

[+larsl]

Just got a new Etrex Legend today, and I'm really new to all this. Trying to figure out which of the files *.loc or *.gpx so we can go out tomorrow and start hunting. Could someone help me out here. I also understand there are some program files that I'm told I need to download in order to transfer to the Legend unit. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thx in advance.....

It depends on what you are going to use them for. LOC files contain cache name, owner, waypoint name, cache types and coordinates. Groundspeak GPX files contain all that and some more info (logs and descriptions I think, but I've never seen one so I can't tell for sure). LOC files can be downloaded by anyone, GPX files only by premium members. If you're only going to use the file to transfer the waypoints to your GPSr the LOC files will work well, I don't think there are any GPSrs that can use the extra info in the Groundspeak GPX files.

 

As for software, there are lots of different packages. I use GPSBabel because it's free and scriptable. It can upload an download data in many different formats from Garmin and Magellan units (including the eTrex family).

[+briansnat]

If you can get them, go with the GPX files. They come with the waypoint symbol already set as "geocache" so you get the cache icon without editing the file or manually changing the icon on your GPS. Also, though the Legend doesn't have the description field, many GPS's do and the GPX file values that, while LOC doesn't.

 

Basically, the GPX has a lot more info and your GPS will ignore what it can't use.

Edited November 21, 2004 by briansnat

[+tirediron]

In addition to what Brian said about .gpx files, if you get Cachemate you can upload the .gpx file to your Palm, and have all of the text information (Description, hints, past logs, et cetera). It's not free, but at US$7.00, it is a bargain!

[+IV_Warrior]

If you're JUST looking to upload to your GPS, I'd go with the .loc file. It's a smaller file and does what you need. (you'll need a program like EasyGPS to do the transfer) An added benefit of the .loc is that it DOESN'T have the big "geocache" icon cluttering up your map screen, just uses the little square box.

[+E = Mc2]

First of all, welcome to the addiction! (My wife says "Insanity")

 

For just the basic upload of waypoints to the GPS reciever (GPSr), you will need to download a program such as EasyGPS. The *.LOC option will work fine, if all you want to do is upload waypoints to the GPSr.

 

On other fronts...

If you have a Palm or Pocket PC, then you might want to get the *.GPX files instead of the *.LOC . The GPX files contain a stripped down version of the actual cache pages. Instead of carrying the printed pages into the field, you can put them in your palm (known as "Paperless Geocaching").

 

In order to process the GPX file into something that your Palm can read, you will need the above Cachemate, GPSBabel, or my personal favorite, Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK). You will also need to download something along the lines of Plucker to get the info into your handheld device, depending on which software you use to process the GPX file.

 

If you are interested in paperless Geocaching, I would recommend that you go to CYBret's web pages: Geocacher-U and spend some time looking around. He has an article(s) in the 'Resources' section about paperless Geocaching that should help get you started along that route, should you so desire. (although he uses GPX Spinner to process the GPX file, it's pretty much the same)

 

Have FUN!