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 Downloading waypoints to your handheld device
Downloading GPX/LOC/KML Files

If you're a GPS user and get tired of hand-entering coordinates into your GPS receiver, downloading coordinates is an enjoyable alternative. The Geocaching.com site has several features available to allow you to download geocaches and other waypoints for use with these various applications.

Additionally we have added the ability to download KML files for Google Earth for browsing caches and Travel Bugs.

With the exception of some lower-end GPS units, you can usually purchase an interface cable and download coordinates directly to your GPS unit. Even if you don't download to your GPS unit you can use GPX files to help manage the geocaches you have found or plan to look for in the future. And if you have a GPS-enabled phone, you can use it instead of a GPS unit - learn how

Step 1: Groundspeak License Agreement
Before you can read and agree to the license agreement, you need to first log in to the web site.

Step 2: Download an application that supports *.LOC, *.GPX, KML, or all 3 file formats

  • LOC - The original download format for the search results page on Geocaching.com
  • GPX (GPS eXchange Format) - Currently available for Pocket Queries, which is a Premium Member feature on the web site. The GPX file format has specific geocaching information that can be used by supporting applications.
  • KMLGoogle Earth is a desktop application that reads the KML file format. It also has drag and drop functionality for the GPX file format. 
Here is a list of desktop applications that support GPX and LOC file formats.
  • ClayJar Watcher (GPX) - Geocaching Specific - Freeware application that helps you manage your Pocket Query GPX files
  • EasyGPS (GPX/LOC) - A free application for managing both LOC and GPX file types Windows
  • GPX Spinner (GPX) - Geocaching Specific - Shareware application that can convert GPX files to iSilo and Plucker format. Windows
  • GPSBabel - A free console-based application for converting LOC and GPX to various other formats. Source code available Windows/Linux - Source Code provided Macintosh
  • Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK) (GPX/LOC) - All in one application that allows you to manage GPX/LOC files, upload to your GPS, and convert to various other formats. Uses GPSBabel as the back end.Windows
  • GPS Connect for Mac OS X (GPX) - Garmin Specific application that works with GPX Macintosh
  • MapSend Lite (GPX/LOC) is a free application from Magellan that now has built-in geocaching functionalityWindows

Also, there are applications that work on Palm or PocketPC based devices

  • GPXView (GPX) - Donateware application for managing GPX files on PocketPC 2002 or later
  • Cetus GPS (LOC) - Free PalmOS application that interfaces with your GPS through a serial port (or connected GPS). It can read waypoint files in LOC format.
  • iSilo - Document reader for Palm OS®, Pocket PC, Windows®, and Windows® CE Handheld devices. GPX Spinner can "spin" GPX files into this file format.
  • Plucker - Alternate web viewer that works with Palm OS® based handheld devices. GPX Spinner can "spin" GPX files into this file format.

And finally, the Geocache Navigator application works on a variety of GPS-enabled phones.

Step 3: Download waypoints
You're all set! From now on if you're logged in you'll be able to click to download waypoints from the search pages and the waypoint details on the web site. In addition as a Premium Member you can generate Pocket Queries of up to 500 geocaches to put on your GPS and/or Palm or PocketPC.

 

 

 

 
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Run on 5/11/2008 7:35:48 PM PST