What is a GPX File?
What is a GPX File?
A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file stores geographical data including waypoints, routes, and tracks. It's the standard format OMN uses to save your navigation information.
Open Format
GPX is an open standard, meaning no single company controls it. This allows you to share route data across different mapping software platforms. For example, you can save a route you've drawn in OMN and email it to a friend who uses different mapping software.
Core Components
A GPX file can contain three types of data:
Waypoints
Individual locations defined by longitude and latitude coordinates. Waypoints can include:
- Elevation data
- Names and descriptions
- Timestamps
In OMN, waypoints appear as individual points on the map (shown as flags or markers).
Routes
An ordered sequence of waypoints, typically created during trip planning. Routes have:
- Defined start and end points
- Connected waypoints shown as lines
- Distance and elevation statistics
Routes are what you create when planning a walk in OMN.
Tracks (Tracklogs)
An ordered list of waypoints recorded during actual travel. Unlike routes:
- Tracks are normally recorded while moving
- Routes are normally plotted by the user
- Track points include timestamps, enabling speed calculations
When you record a tracklog in OMN, you're creating a track.
Benefits of Open Standards
The open GPX format means:
- No vendor lock-in
- Easy sharing between GPS devices and apps
- Your data remains accessible even if you change software
- Wide compatibility with hiking and mapping tools