Gathering a Tracklog
Before you start
- Clear the active tracklog on your GPS.
- Clear trip information. This step is optional, but makes it easy to tell how long you've been on the trail.
On the Trail
- Wear the GPS in a place where it can see the sky. Attached to a shoulder strap is a good place.
- If you leave the trail (for geocaching or pit-stops), return to the trail near the same spot before you continue. Doing so will allow you to remove the side trip without leaving a gap in the trail.
- Enjoy the trail! Your GPS will automatically record the path you take.
After you are done
- Save the tracklog on your GPS. If you want, you can record several trails at a time. Just save each trail and clear the active track before the next trail.
- Connect your GPS up to a computer, and use software to download the tracklog. While ActiveTrails can import many formats, you will get the best results with a GPX file. EasyGPS is an easy (and free) program to use that will save tracklogs into a GPX format.
- Save each trail in it's own file. This will make the import process easier. You can do this by 'cutting' your trail and 'pasting' it into a new file.
- Submit your trail to ActiveTrails by Logging in and using the Contribute link on the My Account page. You will need a free ActiveTrails account to contribute a trail.