Custom Waypoint Prefix during import?

[kiwitonita]

As Garmin do not provide the ability in the GPS to have a custom prefix added to the waypoint name, is it possible to have the prefix added when importing the waypoints into a computer programme?

Ideally MapSource or BaseCamp would do that while importing. Thanks for any leads to programmes that will prefix during waypoint import - or make it easy to prefix a bulk lot of waypoint names immediately after import.

Every day around NZ there are pest control contractors making hundreds of waypoints a day using the sequential number waypoint feature and just pressing the "Mark" button to mark a waypoint with minimum waste of time.

However you can imagine the difficult post processing workload when several field workers return to the office to upload their waypoints to the computer as there are many duplicate waypoint names.

I've asked Garmin Support to consider an addition in the GPS Setup area with a separate "Custom Waypoint" menu which would include the ability to add an automated prefix to every waypoint.

For example, Ben would set up his GPS so each time he "Marked" a waypoint the GPS would record the names sequentially like this:

Ben 001
Ben 002
Ben 003 etc etc to say, by the end of the day, Ben 427

The GPS (depending on model) is capable of storing up to 2,000 waypoints (4 digits) and up to 14 to18 characters in the waypoint name so allowing a custom prefix of up to be up to 14 characters should be ample. It would also be easy for the Garmin programmers to add the ability to specify the number of leading zeros in the sequential number. For example:

GarminSupport 0001
GarminSupport 0002 etc etc
GarminSupport 1999

Another easy option on a custom waypoint menu would be to be able to set the starting number (eg, 0428) so they could carry on from where they left off yesterday even though all the waypoints have been uploaded and deleted from the GPS - the waypoint numbering would normally start from 001 again .

At present the only method the field workers have of prefixing each waypoint is to manually enter their name and then the sequential number - this is not at all practical as it is very time consuming, very prone to error and increases the wear on the buttons / screen in often trying environmental conditions.

[nzcoozer]

I have an application that can add a prefix to all waypoints in a GPX file, if that is any use.

The GSAK/GPSBabel geeks probably have some weird and wonderful way of doing it.

[peterthepig]

Your application sounds like just what I am after! Can you say what/where that is or how can I get hold of a copy? Cheers.

[kiwitonita]

I have an application that can add a prefix to all waypoints in a GPX file, if that is any use.

... of any use???? Sounds like the very thing every multi GPS user / bulk waypoint maker in the world wants!!!!

Pray tell us more please

[rediguana]

You only need a text editor.

1. Open a GPX file
2. Do a search for "<name>" and replace with "<name>Prefix "

Note that this may not work if you also have tracks and routes in the file. I'd need to check to see if <name> is only used for waypoints to be sure. Note that this will apply it to every waypoint in the file. This is of course not dependent upon the type of GPS either. With a little scripting fu you could easily near automate it in a python script.

[kiwitonita]

... With a little scripting fu you could easily near automate it in a python script.

Thanks Gav, I'm sure it can be easily done, both by Garmin in the GPS (preferably) and during import (by Garmin and 3rd party clever people) but I sort of tune out when I read scripting and python. The ideal, apart from in the GPS, is during import and not as yet another separate job with the file staying as a gpx file.

I'm waiting for the OK to ask on the GPS Babel discussion area as that has the ability to import from the GPS and convert directly to Google Earth - which another thing the Animal Health Board requires. If GPS Babel could add the custom prefix option that would be very helpful.

[nzcoozer]

My application is here:
http://www.nzm.net.nz/GPXPrefixer.zip

I just took some of the functionality from one of my other applications and put it into a standalone application.
It pretty much just does what rediguana said.

[kiwitonita]

Your bloods worth bottling!! Brilliant!! Many thanks

[kiwitonita]

Here's a comment from a very happy processor of field data:

This little program is absolutely spot on for my requirements, I am very pleased to say. I have completed my first run through with it and have to say it went without a hitch. This is exactly what I was looking for, no more and no less. It will save hours of work. You could pass my grateful thanks on.

Thanks again - Tony

[peterthepig]

Have just completed renaming waypoints in 5 separate gpx files, with between 400 and 600 waypoints in each file. Pretty well instantaneous, very straightforward and simple use use, no errors - like all good software should be, but this little chap is a real gem! Huge thanks definitely due to nzcoozer for making this available at such short notice. And thanks also to kwitonita for taking so much time and trouble to dig around and find this. Has saved me hours of work, as it will continue to do every week from now on. Great effort guys, brilliant result - many, many thanks!

[nzcoozer]

I'm glad that the program is useful.
I enjoy writing little utility programs like that, so let me know if there are any imrovements or other utilities required in the future.

But for now, I'd better get back to my latest project:

[tgsnoopy]

I enjoy writing little utility programs like that, so let me know if there are any imrovements or other utilities required in the future.

Thanks to you and all the people who go to the effort of writing the software and make it available. Good stuff!