General information about GPX files

GPX is the standard file type that works for virtually all stand-alone GPS units. In addition, GPX works with many GPS applications for your phone. You will have to consult your application's documentation to find the exact process.

Trekarta is a free, open source outdoors-oriented navigation app for Android. Map updates are also free. The application is also relatively simple to use, and the admin of the Wiki have used it both to document and refer to pre-loaded landmarks while on the trail.

##### Getting Trekarta

Trekarta Lite is available in the Play Store for free. The full version is also there for $.99.

If you know how to sideload Android apps, or have Fdroid installed, you can get the full version for free at the Fdroid site or through the app.

##### Importing GPX files into Trekarta

Upload the GPX to your phone. You can text the file to yourself, use a file transfer application, email, bluetooth or another method you are familiar with.

Once the file is on your phone, open it in your file manager and tap it. Select the option that says, "Trekarta" or "Trekarta Import".

Alternately, open Trekarta, tap the 3 bars menu on the bottom right, and choose Import. Navigate to your file and select it.

The GPX information should appear on the default map.

Zoom in to see individual waypoints. Tap to identify the waypoint. Swipe up to see more information about the waypoint.

To make Trekarta show the map location of invidual waypoints in a GPX file, tap the Waypoint button in the bottom center, then choose an individual GPX file. In this case, we're choosing the Elk River Trail Gassaway to Ivydale GPX file.

All of the waypoints should be listed. Routes are listed separately.

To see where a waypoint or route is on the map, tap the waypoint and look for the 3 dots on the top right. Choose View to see it on the map.

Trekarta will show you the route or waypoint on the map...in this case, the unfinished Gassaway section of the ERT:

##### Recording GPS Data in Trekarta

###### Recording Waypoints

To record a waypoint, such as a landmark or milepost, do the following:

First, center the waypoint on the map using the crosshairs. If you are standing next to the waypoint, this should happen automatically. Once you are satisfied that the crosshairs are on the waypoint, press and hold the center WAYPOINT icon at the bottom (it looks like an upside down teardrop with a dot in the middle). You will get a notification that the place is saved.

You can leave this with the default name, or tap the Customize option to name the waypoint.

An editable field appears. Name the waypoint anything you wish and hit Enter. The place name is saved.

The waypoint will now appear in your Waypoints list.

###### Recording Tracks

To record a track, press and hold the Track icon.

The track feature will then record your track until you press the Track icon again. When you do, Trekarta will display updated information about your track. To stop recording, press the slashed out Track icon at the top. Your track will be saved.

##### Exporting and Sharing Waypoints and Tracks

###### Sharing waypoints

Tap the WAYPOINT Icon (upside down teardrop) at the center bottom. A menu of your saved waypoints will open.

Long press each waypoint you wish to share. Selected waypoint icons will turn orange.

Then tap the SHARE icon at the top right (three interconnected points, beside the trash can icon). Trekarta will ask you what format to use. Choose GPX for compatibility with a variety of devices and apps. Choose KML to easily import into Google Earth.

Then tap Continue.

Trekarta will ask you to name your file. Enter a name and tap Continue. You'll be presented with a list of applications that you can use to transfer data off of your phone.

Choose one, and the data will be uploaded to the application of your choice. You can then upload it to Google Earth for editing, or send it directly to this site.

###### Sharing Tracks

The process is similar to sharing waypoints. Start with the Tracks menu (pen and squiggly line) at the bottom. Your Tracks will be displayed. Long press to select one, then tap the Share icoon at the top right. No re-naming is necessary, as the default route name will be used. Select your application and share.

Please feel free to share and upload your GPX and KML files with us, as we are still in need of GPS data!