File formats - Explanatory Notes :

For OziExplorer users:  The zipped folder for each walk area contains an OziExplorer MAP file (*.map) plus the associated base map image file for the walk area (.jpg/.bmp/.png), plus attached waypoint, track (or route) and other files for the walk in OxiExplorer file formats (.wpt,.plt,.rte).

The MAP file is a text file containing all the information needed for OziExplorer to display the calibrated (georeferenced) walk map; including the map labels, and the attached waypoints and tracks.  Download all the contents of the zipped folder into a folder on your system, then simply load the .map file into OziExplorer and the walk map should fully and correctly display. You can then easily modify the waypoints etc if you wish to plan new routes.

For others: The image file included in the zipped folder for each walk area is a topographic 'base' map for that walk area. This may be a useful additional map if too much map information is obscured by the track/s and waypoints plotted on the WalkGPS Walk Map.

NOTE:   The map images, files, and other information provided on WalkGPS is for your own personal use only and must not be used for any commercial or for-profit purposes. (Also see Disclaimer.)

  PCX5 files

For waypoints in a (zipped) plain text file in Garmin PCX5 format, WGS84 datum, and decimal Degrees suitable for import to GPS Mapping Software or for direct serial upload  to a GPS unit (after unzipping and loading into a freeware program such as 'g7towin'.

Note: "If using 'g7towin' to upload by cable from your PC to your GPS unit, ensure the 'g7towin' 'Configuration' is set to the correct COM port for your unit and Degrees are set to DD.ddddd, etc; then select "Ozi/PCX5 Wpt files(*.wpt)" to open file in 'g7towin'. Then go to "GPS" tab and select "Upload to GPS".  

For OziExplorer users (after first loading and calibrating a map): To open the saved, unzipped file, select the "Garmin" menu button on the OziExplorer toolbar, then select "PCX5 support",  then "Get waypoints from GRM file". If you have a problem uploading the data, please feel free to contact me directly at WalkGPS rather than your users' forum!

For waypoints and 'tracks' in GPS eXchange format ('GPX') suitable for import to GPS Mapping Software (including Garmin's Basecamp) or for upload to a GPS unit.

Saving the file: After right clicking on the "GPX"  icon to select "Save target as..." Windows Explorer may prompt to save as an "XML Document" (as GPX files use an 'XML' data format).

Not all GPS software will recognise the XML file as a GPX file. To avoid any problem, when saving the target file simply add the extension .gpx to the File name and change the final type from "XML Documents" to the "All Files" option. Then "Save" to your PC.

For OziExplorer users (after first loading and calibrating a map): To open the saved file, select the "Load" menu button on the OziExplorer toolbar, then Select "Import GPX File (Wps and Tracks)".

For MacOSX users:  LoadMyTracks freeware enables communication (including waypoints, routes and tracks) with a range of Garmin, Magellan and other units and allows conversion between GPX and GoogleEarth formats.

  Google Earth  

   files

For waypoints and 'tracks' in Google Earth's KMZ (=KML-zipped) format suitable for opening in Google Earth and also for direct import into GPS Mapping Software.

For OziExplorer users: KMZ files opened in Google Earth can also be saved as KML files and opened in  OziExplorer by selecting the "Load" menu button on the toolbar, then Select "Import Google Earth (kml) File".