XT2: Section 3 - Collections & GPX Files

3.06 - Using GPX files with Collections
Introduction
When using gpx files to send routes, tracks and waypoints to the Zumo XT2, they may be placed in Intenral Storage or on the SD Card.
The behaviour of the XT2 is very different - depending on which you choose.
These pages try to explain what those differences.

First some definitions that I will use on this page.
  • Internal Storage - is an area of memory where the Zumo keeps the files that it needs to work properly.
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  • Memory Card or SD Card - is a place where you can choose to place MP3 files (music), GPX files, extra maps. The XT2 does not need this area, and does not need to access it in order to operate. However, storing maps, music and GPX files there offer some advantages to the user, and the XT2 will read files from there if that option is used.
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Internal Storage and the SD Card can be accessed by connecting the Zumo to a computer and using a File Explorer. The Zumo XT2 appears as a device in the section relating to your computer.

  • Transfer Data - Garmin have used 'Transfer' to refer to placing data in gpx files in the Zumos Internal Storage, or onto the SD card. Basically moving the file from your computer onto the Zumo.
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  • Import Data - When you transfer routes, tracks and waypoints to the XT2, it cannot do anything with transferred data until it is imported into something that I will call 'Active Memory'. Once imported, the XT2 navigation software can access it and items will appear in the Collections menus.

    Garmin does not use the term 'Active Memory', but the menus do have the command to Import data once it has been transferred. The Zumo processes the data and stores the information in a place where it can have ready access to it. This is what I am calling 'Active Memory'
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  • Tread and Synch - If your XT2 is synchronised to the Tread / Explore database via the Tread app on your smartphone, then GPX files are not transferred or imported in the way that I described above. Instead, the data is synched and stored by the XT2 in places to which it has ready access. 'Synch' removes the need to 'Transfer and Import'. Do something on the Tread app, it ends up on the XT2 in what I have called Active Memory. The items just show up in the menus. Magic.


This behaviour is different depending upon whether you save data to Internal Storage or onto the SD Card. The next two pages describe what happens in each case.
Pic 1 - Gpx files on the computer folders
The XT2 allows you identify and select individual gpx files.
3.06 - Using GPX files with Collections
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.