GPX/FIT file comparison

Bluefish, thought I'd continue the discussion here.

There does seem to be an element of elevation smoothing adding to this

Using Garmin Basecamp to compare the FIT and GPX

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iLikePotatoes over 3 years ago +2

GPX file is GPS plots, FIT file is GPS plots plus Garmin magic. If you have good GPS signal and Garmin magic is on your side - distances will be same or difference will be very small.

If GPS signal is…
Simone.01 over 3 years ago in reply to Dr Phil +2

Dr Phil said:
If GC sends the GPX file to Strava why then do I rarely see any difference in distance?
Ɛpsilon said:
Like you I’m not seeing it. I think strava gets a FIT file but I’d happily be corrected…
Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago +1

Fit file says

Gpx says

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0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago

I'll ne honest, the biggest advantage as well is the contour lines. Although the TopoActive maps installed are ok for road runners, very often in the middle of nowhere there's nothing on the TA maps!

You can download free contour maps (which will overlay on the Topo Active map) which help, but it's nice to have the extra view.

You can also go the whole hog, buy the Basecamp Satellite Imagery. Technicaly they're not supported on the Fenix, but they work (through Basecamp) and sometimes in greener areas they help immensely when you're navigating by sheep paths that NO one has ever listed lol

0 Szunyog007 over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

I have a Talkytoaster HD Topo Pro with DEM but seems to me the Thorns map more detailed so the contours are there.

The basic topo active it's not the best for hiking. Also I have another map but I can't remember where I downloaded exactly, it's like topo active I think without contour but more detailed but hard to say exactly on the small screen. I'm using that just around town or so.

0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago in reply to Szunyog007

What is nice is that you can also scale down the detail in the settings on the watch, as the Thorns map has so much detail it can sometimes be a little busy. But yeah, for trail running/hiking it's great...

0 Lost in the Wild over 3 years ago

Purchased both the Thorn map and the Topo V9 tonight (just curious on this one).

Neither will install to watch. Map Install says it’s completed. Nothing on watch.

To say I’m a little annoyed would be an understatement right now.
Will have to speak to customer support tomorrow.

0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago in reply to Lost in the Wild

I take it with Thorn you got the IMG file? I know topo light is installed via Express

0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

Quick test -

in the MAP activity - push up for options

Map Settings

Map

Configure Maps

Are they listed at all, and is there a green line next to them? If not press start on them to turn it green

0 Lost in the Wild over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

Already tried. Not listed.

Go back on MapInstall states not installed and offers to install. Something is going astray here.

Don’t want to just blame the Mac. It’s working perfectly well and updates the watch just fine but for some reason the map side is playing up.
Currently attempting to coax an old Windows laptop back to life.

May hard reset the watch. Presume my vitals will sync back once I reconnect to Connect.

0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago in reply to Lost in the Wild

Right for Topolight, you should have the install done via Garmin Express, under tools and content - Purchased. For the Thorn, if you have the IMG just simply copy the file to /Garmin

0 Szunyog007 over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

Yes I know that option but I like to leave it on high detail. Still haven't purchased yet too busy to do other things. Good to hear that.

If I remember right you have also the Talkytoaster as well so Thorns is better?

0 Ɛpsilon over 3 years ago in reply to Szunyog007

I think so. I've not used the TT for a while because in my local region, the Thorn is definitely more detailed.