![]() GPSTools is one of these plugins, and it is the one we will be using in this tutorial. QGIS is available for download here QGIS PluginsĪs with GPSBabel, the public license allows users to alter the program and add whatever they like to their version, because of this, QGIS has a suite of downloadable plugins that offer features and services that are not in the base version of QGIS. Hardware requirements are minimal for QGIS, so the vast majority of desktops will be able to operate the program on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It has a full graphical user interface so users regardless of experience level can utilize the software. QGIS is a reliable GIS program that allows for simple navigation through the tools and a very intuitive learning process. QGIS is licensed under the GNU Public Licence (MicroResources, 2008). The program supports a variety of data, including vector, raster, and database formats. Now QGIS is a fully functioning Geographic Information System that runs on all main platforms such as Linux, Mac, Windows and Unix. Many versions have been developed since the initial program. QGIS was started in May 2002 and made available for download through peer sharing networks. To access the tool we will be using, go hereĪlthough we are not using the other tools, I encourage you to look around and explore the options presented.įor this tutorial, an emphasis will be placed on the open-source QGIS software, but we will also explore using Google Earth. ![]() It also offers other features, such as plotting points, but we will not be using that in this tutorial. GPSVisualizer is a website dedicated to converting between GPX files, plain text/CSV, and KML files (for Google Earth, we will talk about this in a later section #Mapping in Google Earth). You can view a more comprehensive list of compatible Garmin units here GPSVisualizer This allows other open-source programs like QGIS to have GPSBabel integrated into their system as a plugin. GPSBabel uses the GNU Public License, and as such, the program can be altered by any user to their liking, as long as the changes are shared in any redistribution. The main draw of this program is that it can convert between multiple format types, and can both download and upload points to/from most GPS units. GPSBabel has both command-line and graphical interfaces, and the command line allows for easier batch processing. GPSBabel is an open-source program that allows for tracks, waypoints, and routes to be transferred from various types of GPS units and file formats. Most GPS units will automatically generate their points in GPX format but in the odd case that they don't, there are a couple of ways to translate the format into or out of GPX. These files contain a description of what’s inside so they can be understood by various programs and users. GPX schema was initially released in 2002, and it became the GPS standard in August 2004. In the example you can see that this is a geocache located in Lake Garibaldi Park: The following is an example of GPX data, demonstrating the structure and common tags used. This will permit smooth data exchange between multiple GPS units regardless of the manufacturer. The uploaded data points from event participants will be formatted into the open standard GPX (the GPS Exchange Format). The formatting allows the data to be accepted by the majority of GPS units on the market without incurring any major compatibility issues. This is an XML based data format that permits the easy exchange of GPS data between software and web services via the internet. The GPX format is the main tool being used for the collection and exchange of GPS data by geocache users. How to upload your geocaches onto a GPS device, and if necessary, translate them into different formats.How to use various open-source software to create simple maps which can be used to assist the hunt.In this tutorial, I will walk you through some simple steps and processes so that you can geocache as well, if not better with the 'basic' package (free) than someone who has paid for the 'premium' package (paid). For instance, the ability to view maps and create lists of geocaches is only available in the 'premium' package. The dedicated geocaching app has multiple features that can aid in a user's search, however, most of these are paid services. Geocaching has come a long way since it first began. Going on a road trip? Why not stop at some interesting locations to hunt for geocaches, where dozens of others have also stopped and left notes or other small gimmicks. Geocaching is not only a fun hobby, but it is also a way to connect people from all walks of Earth.
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