Similar to a GPX file, KML files are readable with a text editor and at the most basic level they store latitude and longitude data in WGS84. KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, and it was originally developed as a data format for Google Earth. You can view the contents of a GPX file using a simple text editor on your computer. In a GPX file, data is saved as latitude and longitude in the WGS84 datum. In fact, if a GPX file contains info tags that CalTopo does not recognize, you may not be able to import that file. There may be additional information in the file such as timestamps and date, elevation, and more, but these are not required. GPX, or GPS Exchange Format is an open source file format that contains information types such as coordinates, waypoints, tracks and routes. GPX files are the standard format for most GPS units. Below we will look at how they differ and when to use one or another. Additionally, both tools currently have a link for connecting directly to Garmin GPS devices through GPSIO, although with newer devices it is not necessary to have a special connection.ĬalTopo works with three types of object files: GPX, KML, and GeoJSON. The export function has more options, starting with the ability to export the three file types, as well as add a connection to Google Earth or copy map data to a new map. The import function allows you to bring in GPX, KML, or GeoJSON data files and we will talk about what each of these file types are.
The export menu is available when the map has objects on it.
Moving Your Data From Other Mapping Programsīuilt with Grav - The Modern Flat File CMS.Folders, Bulk Ops, and Data Management in CalTopo.Working with Existing Lines and Polygons.Managing Your Data: Maps, Tracks, Layers, Icons, and More.