Make Easy Track Maps With GPS Visualizer
One of the most entertaining things you can do with a track file after returning from a geocaching trip is to superimpose that file over a map or satellite picture.
There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but the easiest way I’ve found so far is by using the GPS Visualizer website. It’s quick, has a number of options and produces output in a number of file formats.
There’s no software to download, but you have to have transferred your track file from your GPS into your desktop computer.
Once you’ve done that, go to the GPS Visualizer’s Draw A Map page. There’s a form for uploading your track file. Use the buttons on the left to brows to one or more files containing track data and/or waypoints of interest.
Unless you have the Adobe SVG viewer installed (I didn’t) choose JPEG as your output format from the pulldown list on the right.
At first, you needn’t alter the other options, just click “Draw The Map” at the bottom left.
Your map should soon be displayed in a new window, your track superimposed over a street map.
Other options on the right control the color of the track (color it by, speed, or elevation, for example) the type of background to use (choose among a variety of satellite pix and maps), and even whether to use English or metric units.
Another page on the site will draw you an altitude profile for the track so that you can see your ascent and descent with respect to sea level.
When I am getting picky about my output, I use other tools. But few solutions beat the GPS Visualizer for a quick look at your track without the hassle of installing software. That makes this a great option for people who want to check out a track at work, or if they are visiting a friend’s house and are using a friend’s computer.
Use it when you’re scouting a new cache location — check out the topographical map to see the steepness of different approaches.
If you haven’t been saving and using your track data, this is a great reason to start.