Compatibility

What devices are supported?

LoadMyTracks supports a wide variety of devices, please see the Supported Devices Table

My device isn't supported, what can I do?

ClueTrust has purchased a large array of GPS devices for testing. Each time we do an implementation, it requires development and testing. Over time, we'll add more devices (and make sure that they're tested when we update the software), so if you have a particularly interesting device, please submit a feature request for us using the Bug Report page. Generally, devices that are highly specialized or not widely available are unlikely to get support, but it never hurts to ask.

I am having trouble with USB and 10.4.9

Many USB devices had problems with the 10.4.9 version of MacOS X. If you are having trouble talking to Sony, TomTom, or other devices using this version the OS, you should upgrade to 10.4.10. These problems are not unique to LoadMyTracks.

My device only takes a limited number of points in uploaded tracks. What can I do?

Some devices have a limited ability to upload track data. Often limited to 256 or 512 points. As of 049, LoadMyTracks has an experimental feature to minimize the number of points in the uploaded data. This is achieved by examining the slope of the line and eliminating data points that fall on the same line (useful for reducing lines along a straight road to a minimum number of points) and points that are basically in the same place (reducing "hovering" effects from standing still in the same place, but having the GPS read it as slight movement). The parameters used to decide whether a point should be eliminated are available from the Preferences window and control the percentage slope difference that is considered a turn and the degrees latitude or longitude that are considered movement. Your feedback is appreciated.

My Sony CS-1 doesn't work!

Unfortunately, due to changes in the OS for 10.4.9 and beyond there are incompatibilities, especially on the Intel-based Macintoshes. We're looking at a work-around for this, but haven't come up with one yet.

My DG-100 doesn't work!

The most common cause of problems with the DG-100 is lack of drivers. If you aren't certain that you have the latest Prolific USB Serial adaptor drivers, go to the Prolific website and download the latest OS X drivers from the Support page.

Data Formats

What data formats are output by LoadMyTracks?

LoadMyTracks knows how to output data in both KML and GPX formats. KML is the format defined by Google for use with Google Earth (actually, it was defined by Keyhole, but Google acquired them). The GPX format was defined by Topographix and was designed to be a data interchange format for GPS devices.

What's the difference between GPX and KML formats?

The GPX format is an XML data format designed for lossless storage and transfer of data for GPS devices. As such, it can contain a vast array of very detailed data (such as GPS signal strength, number of visible satelites, etc). The format is available publicly from Topographix and is extensible by using a special extension keyword in its XML. It is used by programs that can match GPS data to events (such as geocoding photos) and is the best choice when you need to move data between GPS devices or when you have needs other than presentation. The format has explicit formats for Routes, Waypoints, and Tracks as distinct data types.
The KML format is a presentation language which was designed for annotating a global map.

Why can't I load routes from Google Earth?

ClueTrust is working on this feature. The difficulty is that routes in KML are not defined using standardized data. Instead, they are just a list of points and text labels. We are working on a hueristic interpretation of this, but there are many variables because of the use of natural language descriptions in the localized languages (e.g. German, French, Italian, etc.).

Why can't I load tracks and waypoints from Google Earth?

That's a better question. If it weren't for the confusion with the Routes (as stated above), the waypoints and tracks are much easier to interpret. The problem right now is the need to change the user interface for selecting which kinds of data to interpret.

What format is best for my needs?

The easy answer is that GPX is going to contain the most information. Further, LoadMyTracks is capable of taking a GPX file and turning it into a suitable KML file if necessary. The reverse is not possible because the KML files do not contain all of the data that would be in the GPX file.

What additional information does LoadMyTracks put in the files?

In KML, we don't add anything, because the format is not extensible, and it would lead to compatibility problems with other programs. When using GPX, LoadMyTracks can also incorporate additional data as defined by Geocaching.com and some additional pieces that have been created by ClueTrust. The additional formats we've defined are designed to capture data that would otherwise be non-conformant (such as data points with no latitude and longitude) or additional data available only on some devices, such as Cadence, Laps, heart rate, and temperature. In the future, we hope these mechanisms are useful to other software companies doing diagnostic or interpretive data analysis.

What if I'm using my Timex Data Recorder or Garmin HRM without GPS coverage?

Fortunatly, we have a solution for that! Since early last year, we have been using a special dataPt element (described in our extensions) that allows us to put information such as heart rate, temperature, altitude, cadence, etc. into the GPX file when GPS coverage isn't available. As a matter of fact, when the GPS claims that it sees no satellites (even in the middle of a track), we put the additional data out using dataPt elements so that we don't face the choice of dropping data on the floor or faking it.

Usage

How do I turn off automatic updates?

As of version 049 of LoadMyTracks, there is now a Preference panel to turn off (or on) automatic updating. Just use the preferences.

General

How much does it cost?

LoadMyTracks, the application, is a copyrighted work by ClueTrust and has been released in a form that does not require payment by end users.

Do you use any code from GNU-licensed software?

No. LoadMyTracks was developed from scratch by ClueTrust in order to provide the best possible experience for Macintosh users. Although there are programs, such as GPSBabel available under the GNU-license that have been made to work on the Macintosh, we felt that to really support ease-of-use on the Macintosh, it was necessary to take advantage of the features of the native operating system.

Does ClueTrust license LoadMyTracks?

Yes. LoadMyTracks uses a plug-in architecture and the plug-ins are available for licensing from ClueTrust. Please contact us via email and we'll discuss what is necessary and determine if there is a way we can work together.