XT2: Section 1 - Key Terms
1.01 - GPX Files, Tracks & Routes
GPX File
A file which contain instructions to enable a GPS device to draw data onto a map. It is human readable and consists of many 'tags' which are written like this:
< NAME > Railway Station < /NAME >
A properly presented GPX file can be placed in the Zumo's Internal Storage (in the GPX folder). The Zumo will be able to use it to draw routes, tracks, locations etc onto the screen. Most route creation programs can create GPX files which can be interpretted by the Zumos.
GPX files can also be placed in the Garmin/GPX folder on the SD card. The initial processing is slightly different in this case.
< NAME > Railway Station < /NAME >
A properly presented GPX file can be placed in the Zumo's Internal Storage (in the GPX folder). The Zumo will be able to use it to draw routes, tracks, locations etc onto the screen. Most route creation programs can create GPX files which can be interpretted by the Zumos.
GPX files can also be placed in the Garmin/GPX folder on the SD card. The initial processing is slightly different in this case.
Example - Simple Three Point Route
< rte >
< name>Example Route< /name >
< rtept lat="54.663" lon="- >< name >Start Point< /name >< /rtept >
< rtept lat="54.624" lon="-2.083" >< name >Middleton< /name >< /rtept >
< rtept lat="54.525" lon="-2.318" >< name >End Point< /name >< /rtept >
< /rte >
The latitude and longitude coordinates usually have up to 11 decimal places. I've chopped them off at 3 for this example.
< name>Example Route< /name >
< rtept lat="54.663" lon="- >< name >Start Point< /name >< /rtept >
< rtept lat="54.624" lon="-2.083" >< name >Middleton< /name >< /rtept >
< rtept lat="54.525" lon="-2.318" >< name >End Point< /name >< /rtept >
< /rte >
The latitude and longitude coordinates usually have up to 11 decimal places. I've chopped them off at 3 for this example.
Track
A Track can be one of two things:
- The term 'Track' can refer to a line drawn on a map to mark the roads on the map that you intend to ride. It is rather like getting out a hi-lighter pen and drawing your route on a paper map:- It doesn't give any instructions and it doesn't alter.
- 'Track' can also refer to the data that the Zumos collect as you ride. They are a historical record of the roads that you have ridden - a record of where you have been. Typically the track log files contain data for thousands of points - recorded (mostly) at a rate of one point every 1-2 seconds. Each point is a record of date, time, position, elevation, speed and direction. The Zumo and mapping programs join the dots with short straight lines which follow the twists and curves on a map very accurately.
The XT2 also records acceleration / deceleration. This information can be viewed on the XT2 screen maps in the form of colour coded track sections.
The information is maintained in the GPX folder on the Zumo's internal storage in a file called CurrentTrackLog.gpx. When this file becomes too large, some of the older track logs are moved to the Archive Subfolder. These files are numbered in order and they are kept for 6 months on the XT2. The most recent archive files continue to be modified from tracks in CurrentTrackLog.gpx in order to keep track records for one day together in the same archive.
Mapping programs can organise and display tracks on maps. Basecamp is excellent for this and offers a number of tools for working with tracks. I use a program called MemoryMaps for which I use the Ordnance Survey Maps of Great Britain at different scales. See image on the right.
Example - Map Showing Recorded Tracks
The map shows a record of various multi-day trips that we have taken during the last 10 year - Viewed on Ordnance Survey maps they show a remarkable degree of positional accuracy. With the right software - it is possible to isolate the track for a single day. On this map, the cursor is showing a readout of my progress in September 2017 on the A939 Lecht Ski Road.
Contains OS data © Crown copyright 2020
Contains OS data © Crown copyright 2020
Routes
Routes are the magenta coloured lines that are drawn on the Zumo's map screen. When riding, they issue instructions at junctions, display junction symbols and text at top of the screen and draw a white arrow indicating direction on the map.
At its easiest level, all you need for the Zumo to create a route, is use the Where To? facility on the main screen and use one of the many ways of locating a destination - including browsing a map. Then select 'Go ! ' No planning involved.
Often on long motorcycle tours, more reasearch is carried out to locate and select the best riding roads. For that the route needs to be planned in advance, saved and transferred to the XT2.
The route contains a series of route points listed in the order in which they must be visited, so that the route planning software can select roads that visits each point in sequence:
At its easiest level, all you need for the Zumo to create a route, is use the Where To? facility on the main screen and use one of the many ways of locating a destination - including browsing a map. Then select '
Often on long motorcycle tours, more reasearch is carried out to locate and select the best riding roads. For that the route needs to be planned in advance, saved and transferred to the XT2.
The route contains a series of route points listed in the order in which they must be visited, so that the route planning software can select roads that visits each point in sequence:
- All planned and saved routes need a Start Point and an End Point.
- Via Points can be added for 'must visit' places. These announce as you approach and arrive. When navigating, you must pass through these points, so accurate placing is essential.
- Shaping Points can be added to encourage the XT2 to use particular roads. They do not announce and are much more forgiving if you miss them - as long as you but rejoin the route afterward. So they are ideal for optional coffee stops, fuel etc.
- The Zumo calculates the route to pass through your route points. You may specify how it is to do this - eg Faster Roads, Shorter Distance, Different adventure levels, incorporate Michelin's Scenic roads - etc etc.
- The route may be passed to the XT2 as a GPX file from route planning software
- The route may be planned and prepared using the Tread App - in which case it is passed to the XT2 using BlueTooth Technology.
Example - Route and Track on XT2 Screen
The picture shows an XT2 with a view of a currently active route from Scarborough (off the right hand side of the image) to the A1(M) East of Northallerton (chequered flag). The route has to pass through three via points (the orange flags) and two shaping points (the small blue discs). The XT2 calculates which roads to take in order to build a route that passes through those points in the correct order.
There is also a black track displayed. This was created to mimic the exact line of the route. The magenta route sits on top of the track, but the track is displayed slightly wider - which is why the route has a black outline. The track never alters so if the XT2 recalculates the route, the track becomes very visible - and you have the choice - follow the XT2's new route or follow the Track to keep to your original plan.
There is also a black track displayed. This was created to mimic the exact line of the route. The magenta route sits on top of the track, but the track is displayed slightly wider - which is why the route has a black outline. The track never alters so if the XT2 recalculates the route, the track becomes very visible - and you have the choice - follow the XT2's new route or follow the Track to keep to your original plan.
1.01 - GPX Files, Tracks & Routes
The information on these pages has been acquired from personal experience of using and testing the behaviour of Basecamp and my Zumos XT and XT2. I have no links with Garmin except that I raise issues about my Zumos' behaviours from time to time. These pages are presented for interest only rather than instructions. The contents of these pages must not be shared, copied, transmitted, redistributed or re-published in any form without my permission. (C) JHeath 2025.