The GPX file format has been gaining momentum as the de-facto standard for transferring information between the various mapping software packages and GPS devices. CyclistNexus is pleased to offer support for the GPX exchange format.

For more detailed information about GPX, please visit the GPX website.

Exporting information from a route to a GPX File

The GPX export capability can be accessed from a link on the summary tab of the View Route Page.  The link, called Export to gpx, is located on the lower right part of the page. When this link is clicked, a dialog box appears with options to control exactly what will be included in the exported file. These options are described below.

Include points of interest as gpx waypoints

If the box for this option is checked, any route markers or points-of-interest contained in the route will be written to the GPX file as waypoints.  Some examples of route markers are Parking, Water, Restrooms, First Aid, and Information.  Most GPS devices will be able to import a name, symbol, and location for each of these markers.

Include the route path as gpx track

This option controls whether to export the complete set of latitude/longitude points that define the path of the route. This path, which may include hundreds or even thousands of points, is stored in the GPX file as something called a track. In GPS terminology, a track represents a collection of latitude/longitude points that are "strung together" to trace a path. It may be helpful to think of a track as a set of breadcrumbs that follow the exact path of the journey, including every bend and turn made along the way.

Include the cue sheet as a gpx route

This option controls whether to export the information in the cue sheet to the GPX file. The cue sheet information is exported into a GPX route. A route, as defined in GPX terminology, is different from a CyclistNexus route. A GPX route is an ordered collection of waypoints that define a trip. Unlike a GPX track, a GPX route does not include each turn or bend along the road, instead, only the significant waypoints that are needed for navigating are included. In this way, a GPX route is similar to a CyclistNexus cue sheet. GPX routes can be especially useful on GPS devices that provide automated turn guidance, sometimes referred to as driving directions.

Importing GPX routes into some software packages may result in a display where the route's waypoints are threaded together by straight lines that don't follow the exact path of the ride. This may be visually disturbing, but it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the route, or your data. For this reason, a gpx track usually provides a better visual representation of the path of a ride.

Transfering GPX data to a GPS

Once a GPX file has been created, there are several options for downloading the data contained in it to a GPS device. Some GPS devices come with custom software that includes GPX support. On devices that do not support the GPX format, software will be required to do a conversion before downloading. There are several programs available for this task that can be freely downloaded. One such program is EasyGPS. This software makes loading GPX data onto a GPS device a snap. Unfortunately, it's only supported on Windows operating systems. For a multiplatform solution, GPSBabel is another great alternative. Finally, Google Earth can import a GPX file and offers a great 3-D tour that flies over your route while showing a 3-D terrain model.

Below are some very basic instructions for loading information exported from a CyclistNexus route onto a GPS using the EasyGPS program.

Importing information from a GPX File to a route

This ability to import information from a gpx file is not yet implemented. We are continually upgrading the features available at CyclistNexus, so please check back soon.