Extremely good tool for manipulating GPX files
Update (Feb 2016):
GPX Editor just keeps getting better. Since last year the developer has added every GPX feature that I need for my mountain biking adventures into this single tool. Here’s my workflow:
0) Download GPX files from Trailforks.com or MTBProject.com (you must be logged in at either site to see the GPX download link).
1) Import the downloaded GPX tracks (File -> Import From File…).
2) Double-click on the “Number” field for each Track and assign each of them a number in ascending order. I like to leave a few gaps between my numbers (1, 5, 10, 15, 20) so that I can easily rearrange or add tracks later on without renumbering all of them when I add a single track.
3) Sort the tracks by the “Number” field by clicking on the “Number” heading.
4) Check the direction of each Track by selecting the track and then selecting the first track point to see if the track needs to be reversed in order to connect to the previous track in the proper direction (GPX -> Reverse Track Points). The last point of the previous track should connect to the first point of the next track.
4.1) Delete unnecessary points at the beginning or end of a track by zooming in on the map and selecting the first point that you don’t want by clicking it on the map (it will now be highlighted in the Track Points list on the bottom right). Now scroll up or down in the Track points list and hold down Shift while clicking on the last point that you don’t want. This will select all of the points between those two points, and now you can click the “-“ button to remove all of them.
4.2) Add points to extend a track by using Shift+Click on the map. You can also create a new track in the Track list using the “+” button and then Shift+Click to add any points you want. This is useful for connecting trails together using a route you create on your own. Make sure to Number your new track so that it’s in the proper order with the tracks you imported earlier.
5) Combine all of the Tracks into a single Track by selecting all of the tracks and then using the Combine Tracks tool (GPX -> Combine Tracks…).
6) Combine all of the Track Segments into a single Track Segment by selecting all of the track segments and then using the Combine Track Segments tool (GPX -> Combine Track Segments…).
7) Rename the single remaining Track into a name the Garmin Edge 800 GPS will accept (maximum 15 characters).
8) Save the GPX file with the same name as the Track.
9) Copy the GPX file to the “GarminNewFiles” folder.
10) Turn on the GPS and check that the GPX track loaded into the “Courses” menu of the GPS.
11) Enjoy the ride!
Hopefully this helps someone else interested in doing the same!
My original review from March of 2015:
GPX Editor is the best tool I have found for doing detailed manipulation of GPX files. I often grab numerous track files from Trailforks and other sites when riding my bike in new locations (usually on vacation somewhere). Cobbling these files together is arduous without a tool that can easily add points, delete points, and ultimately merge tracks together into a single track to upload to my Garmin 800 for use as a “Course” while out riding. The developer has been responsive to my requests for new features to make my workflow easier, and for that I am grateful! This app is priced lower than some of its competitors, but definitely punches above it’s weight class.
Mountain_Bike_Rider_w/Garmin about GPX Editor
