GPS TrackMaker: A Complete Beginner’s GuideGPS TrackMaker is a versatile mapping and GPS data management program that helps hobbyists, hikers, cyclists, surveyors, and GIS beginners view, edit, and convert GPS tracks, waypoints, and routes. This guide walks you through what GPS TrackMaker does, how to install and set it up, core features and workflows, common file formats, practical tips for using it in the field, and troubleshooting advice to get the most from the software.
What is GPS TrackMaker?
GPS TrackMaker is a free (with paid add-ons) desktop application for viewing, editing, and converting GPS data. It supports a range of GPS receivers and file formats (including GPX, KML, CSV, and native device formats), lets you create and edit tracks and waypoints, and can overlay data on different map sources such as local maps or online tiles. While its interface looks dated compared with modern web apps, it remains powerful for offline workflows and batch conversions.
Who should use GPS TrackMaker?
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need to plan routes and analyze recorded tracks.
- Cyclists and runners wanting to view and edit route files before uploading to other services.
- GIS beginners who want a lightweight tool to inspect GPS outputs.
- Surveyors and field workers who need quick conversions between GPS file formats.
- Anyone needing an offline-capable GPS track editor with support for many device types.
Installing and setting up
- Download:
- Visit the official GPS TrackMaker website and download the Windows installer (the software is primarily Windows-based).
- Install:
- Run the installer and follow prompts. Accept defaults unless you have a specific needs (custom folder, portable install, etc.).
- First run:
- On first launch, the program may ask to set a working folder and default map folder. Choose a location with enough space if you plan to store local map tiles or many track files.
- Device connection:
- If you plan to import directly from a GPS device, connect it via USB (or use a serial/virtual COM port if your device uses that). Use the program’s device menu to detect and import data. Many devices appear as “Garmin”, “Magellan”, “eTrex”, or via generic NMEA/serial import.
- Map sources:
- Add online map sources or point to local raster maps. GPS TrackMaker supports a range of map tile sources (some require configuration). For offline use, store scanned maps or cached tiles in the map folder.
Core concepts: tracks, routes, and waypoints
- Waypoint: A single point of interest (POI) with coordinates and optional metadata (name, description, elevation).
- Track: A recorded sequence of GPS points (a breadcrumb trail showing where you traveled). Tracks are ideal for recording hikes, drives, or survey lines.
- Route: An ordered list of waypoints that define a planned path from A to B. Routes usually omit the detailed point-by-point breadcrumb and instead focus on key turn/decision points.
Importing and exporting GPS data
Supported formats include GPX, KML/KMZ, CSV, TXT, and many device-specific formats. Typical workflows:
- Import GPX/KML:
- File > Open or drag-and-drop GPX/KML files onto the map. Tracks and waypoints appear in the workspace and can be edited.
- Exporting:
- File > Save As or Export to convert between formats. Use GPX for interoperability with services like Strava or Garmin Connect; use KML for Google Earth; use CSV for spreadsheet analysis.
- Batch conversion:
- GPS TrackMaker can convert multiple files at once—useful for cleaning up large data dumps from a device.
Viewing and editing tracks
- Zoom and pan: Use mouse or toolbar controls to navigate the map.
- Track details: Click a track to see start/end times, distance, elevation profile (if elevation data present), and point count.
- Edit points: Add, remove, or move track points. This is helpful to correct GPS noise or to trim the start/end of recordings.
- Split/merge tracks: Break a long recording into separate segments or combine multiple files into a single track.
- Smooth/filter: Apply smoothing to remove jitter and reduce point count for cleaner visual display and smaller files.
Creating routes and waypoints
- Add waypoint: Click on the map or enter coordinates manually; add name, type, and description.
- Build route: Create a sequence of waypoints, reorder them, and save as a route file.
- Snap to roads or trails: Depending on map overlays available, you can visually place route points to follow existing paths; GPS TrackMaker may have tools or plugins to assist route snapping.
Map sources and background maps
- Online tiles: GPS TrackMaker can use online map tile services for basemaps. Check terms of use for each tile provider.
- Local raster maps: Load scanned maps (Geo-referenced JPG/TIF) to use in offline settings; great for printed topo maps or specialized area maps.
- Overlaying multiple maps: You can layer different map types (satellite, topo, vector) to analyze terrain and features under your tracks.
Useful features and tools
- Elevation profiles: If elevation data is present, view a graph of elevation vs distance to locate climbs and descents.
- Distance and area measurements: Draw lines/polygons on the map to measure distances and calculate area.
- Coordinate conversion: Convert coordinates between formats (WGS84 lat/lon, UTM, etc.).
- Track statistics: Total distance, moving time (if timestamped), max/min elevation, average speed (when timestamps are present).
- Import from devices: Connect and pull tracks/waypoints straight from many GPS receivers.
- Geotagging photos: Match photos with timestamps to attach geolocation and create photo waypoints.
Common workflows
- Preparing a hike:
- Import offline topo map for the area.
- Create a route with key waypoints (parking, junctions, summit).
- Export route as GPX to load onto your handheld GPS or phone app.
- Cleaning a recorded track:
- Import GPX from device.
- Trim start/end and remove spurious points.
- Smooth track and reduce point count.
- Export cleaned GPX for sharing or analysis.
- Converting many files:
- Use batch conversion tools to turn device logs into GPX/KML/CSV for storage or upload.
Tips for reliable results
- Keep device clocks synced (GPS time vs device time) to maintain correct timestamps for speed/segment calculations.
- When using online tiles, obey provider terms and download only necessary tiles for offline use.
- Make backups of raw GPS logs before editing—edits are destructive unless you save copies.
- If elevation seems noisy, consider replacing barometric elevation with GPS/DEM-based elevation corrections if available.
- For long routes, reduce point density where detail isn’t needed to keep file sizes manageable.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Device not detected:
- Ensure drivers are installed, try a different USB cable/port, check device mode (mass storage vs GPS).
- Incorrect coordinates:
- Verify coordinate system settings (WGS84 is standard). Check for data corruption or wrong format import.
- Map tiles not loading:
- Check internet connectivity and tile server URLs; verify the map provider didn’t change access rules.
- Slow performance with large files:
- Reduce visible point count by simplifying tracks, or split large files into segments. Increase program memory/workspace settings if available.
Alternatives and when to use them
GPS TrackMaker is strong for offline editing, device interoperability, and batch conversions. If you need modern cloud syncing, collaborative features, or smartphone-first UIs, consider alternatives such as Garmin BaseCamp, QGIS (for advanced GIS), GPXSee, or web/mobile apps (Strava, Komoot, Gaia) depending on your needs.
| Feature | GPS TrackMaker | Garmin BaseCamp | QGIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offline editing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Device import/export | Yes (many formats) | Yes (Garmin-focused) | Yes (via plugins) |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Moderate | Steep learning curve |
| Advanced GIS | Basic | Basic | Very advanced |
| Cost | Free with paid add-ons | Free | Free/Open-source |
Final notes
GPS TrackMaker remains a useful, pragmatic choice for users who want a desktop-focused, offline-capable GPS editor that handles many file formats and device types. It pairs well with dedicated GPS devices and is especially handy for cleaning, converting, and preparing track/route files before sharing or uploading to other services.
If you want, I can:
- Walk through a step-by-step example of importing a GPX file and cleaning it.
- Provide short how-to screenshots (described as steps) for specific tasks like geotagging photos or exporting to KML.
Leave a Reply