ACA GPS Terminology

[jfitch]

I've been playing with .gpx files downloaded from Adventure Cycling. Most of the waypoint abbreviations are pretty obvious, but I can't for the life of me figure out what "AS" means, as in "Florence AS." I'm sure this will be a "D'oh!" moment, once I've been enlightened.

Jim

[FredHiltz]

LOL, I know how this feels. AS = All Services, which you will also see in the service descriptions on the back of the maps.

In case you do not have it already, download the GPS Data User Guide from http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/gps.cfm for much more about the files.

Enjoy your guided tour!

Fred

[tonythomson]

I'm stuck on what .gpx means - sounds fun though!

[FredHiltz]

GPX is a public-domain XML schema for describing GPS data, so I'd guess the name is a juxtaposition of GPS and XML. In turn, XML stands for Extensible Markup Language, a popular language on the web and, increasingly, within computers because it lets users define their own language elements.

Sorry for the blast of geek-speak! If you are not a computernik, ask your neighborhood programmer. Most geeks have not the foggiest idea what a derailleur is, so we're even.

Fred

[jfitch]

D'OH!

Now that you point me at the user guide, I see it spelled out there immediately. A RTFM moment, as well. Thanks,

Jim

LOL, I know how this feels. AS = All Services, which you will also see in the service descriptions on the back of the maps.

In case you do not have it already, download the GPS Data User Guide from http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/gps.cfm for much more about the files.

Enjoy your guided tour!

Fred

[tonythomson]

Fred, thank you very informative, umm didn't understand a thing so decided to stick with old fashioned maps and my bike when I head out next spring - Orlando to Vancouver. LOL

Cheers guys
Tony

[FredHiltz]

... didn't understand a thing so decided to stick with old fashioned maps and my bike when I head out next spring - Orlando to Vancouver. LOL

You can safely leave the file formats to the geeks and just enjoy the results. <grin> But biking with a GPSR is best for people who like gadgets. It is an entertainment device on those long lonely stretches and it is even useful on occasion, but the old-fashioned maps are definitely the #1 navigation tool.

Enjoy your diagonal trip!

Fred