GPS
Files:
Our GPS files and Google Earth files contain
only Trackpoint Data & Waypoint Data.
The information below explains the differences
between Route Data, Trackpoint Data, and
Waypoint Data... plus why we don't include
Route Data in our GPS files or Google Earth
files. For an audio version of this tutorial,
please click here.
Route
Data:
For our purposes, Route Data is used to
indicate straight-line-travel between two
points (or waypoints). Although this data
is useful for planes and boats... its not
as helpful for foot travel that follows
trails and roads.... because trails &
roads tend to follow the path of least resistance
rather than straight lines. This is one
reason why our GPS Coordinates are not pre-loaded
with Route Data. One point of clarity about
our maps and GPS coordinates... When we
talk about a Winter Route or an Alpine Route...
we are not referring to Route Data... we
are using Trackpoint Data. In
the graphic below, Route Data is represented
by the straight-dashed-line that goes between
the dark dots (waypoints).
Trackpoint
Data:
Trackpoint Data is used to show a path of
travel. More specifically, we use it to indicate
the path of a trail or road. This type of
a data is a line shape that represents the
latitude, longitude, and altitude of a trail
or road as it curves and climbs. In
the graphic below, Trackpoint Data is represented
by the squiggley red line that travels between
the dark dots (waypoints).
Waypoint
Data:
Waypoint Data is used to show specific locations
in 3 dimensional space. Forks, Trailheads,
Parking Lots, Points of Interest, etc. are
shown using this type of data. Every waypoint
contains latitude, longitude, and altitude
information. In addition, waypoints can have
notes or comments associated with it. GPS
users can access this information on their
GPS unit to learn more about their location.
For example, the location "Fork 1"...
(shown as F-1)... has a note or comment saved
to it. This comment or note might say "Buf
Crk Rd-543 & Sandywash Trail". What
this means is that F-1 is the fork for Buffalo
Creek Road-543 & Sandywash Trail. In
the graphic below, Waypoint Data is represented
by the dark dots.
