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Downloading GPS Data

There are three types of data available to download to your GPS. They are waypoints, tracks and routes.

• Waypoint - a specific point on the Earths surface, designated by numerical data.
• Track - a group of waypoints that form a path.
• Route - a group of waypoints that designate turning points along a path.

Trail data is recorded with both waypoints and tracks. The waypoints will tell you where a trailhead is, points of interest, and important intersections. Tracks will guide you along the small twists and turns along a path, let you know how far you have to go, and how far you have gone.

When a trail is mapped, it can be saved in a few formats. One of them is .GPX. This is a universal format that is read by most GPS units and GPS mapping software. A GPX file for a trail will contain both the track and waypoint information needed.

In order to transfer a GPX file that you have downloaded to your GPS unit, you will need some software help you. Free versions like Easy GPS, are simple and easy to use. Just open the GPX file with Easy GPS and cick on SEND. With your GPS connected to your computer, it will automatically upload to your GPS and you are ready to go.