Route planning and navigation

[tuxumino]

came across this vid on route planning apps and found it interesting. I had not heard of GPX files and generally not into letting tech tell me where to go. I'm the kind that pulls over to look at the paper map, but maybe it's time to think about on the fly navigation systems. Has anyone used GPX or other systems?

 

[bikeama]

I have used Garmin's Base Camp to make GPX files, I am sure there are better apps that are less Kluny to use. I have also used Google and converted them to GPX filres and loaded them to the Garmin. Best advice I have had on finding a route is to look for where you want to go on a map app. Then zoom way in and look for the small squiggly lines. Ride the small lines.

 

[augustiron]

Gps is awesome for exploring off-road, getting lost following tasty unfamiliar roads and trails and being able to make it back to camp.
The ability to leave a breadcrumb trail allows you to focus on the ride and also share and save routes.
I love my GPS on the moto.

If all I was riding still was skyline, 9, pescadero, 101, 1 etc, no need

 

[ThumperX]

I subscribe to onX Offroad. It actually shows private property and permissions.

 

[ichabodnt650]

Every route I've created has been in GPX format, readable by any map displaying software. It is a simple list of latitude and longitude in sequential order, and in ASCII format. When overlaid on a Garmin zūmo XT, it lets me see where I want to go instead of whatever its software algorithm decided was the quickest or shortest way from point A to point B.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<gpx version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1 http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1/gpx.xsd">
<wpt lat="37.3727" lon="-122.0874"><name>01 House Bagels</name></wpt>
 <trk>
  <name>sample</name>
  <trkseg>
      <trkpt lat="37.3727" lon="-122.08736"/>
      <trkpt lat="37.37252" lon="-122.08736"/>
      <trkpt lat="37.37235" lon="-122.08736"/>
  </trkseg>
 </trk>
</gpx>

 

[BillSmith]

I have got to do this for next C2C trip. Thanks for reminder of GPX files.

Have had some nightmares of Google map foolery when in mistakenly diverted between unfamiliar waypoints. Getting routed through a Chicago airport, in the rain, in the dark, over bridges...probably my worst unintentional detour ever.

 

[johnk]

I use this site https://gpx.studio/ for route planning. It's really great and easy to use.
It lets you plan and route and export a .gpx file that any good GPS software should be able to read (looking at you Google).
The one tip I have is after the route is the way you want, use the filter button to optimize the route before you export the file for use. I found if I didn't do this the files all had odd corruptions and it wouldn't work.

I use them in Osmand on my Android phone and it's great.

The gpx studio takes donations to support his site. If you like it toss him a few bucks. I'd hate to see his site go away.