diff --git a/wiki/markup_language.md b/wiki/markup_language.md index c1ab465..00977f0 100644 --- a/wiki/markup_language.md +++ b/wiki/markup_language.md @@ -43,6 +43,9 @@ weasyprint ### XML XML is a markup language often used together with [RSS Feeds](/wiki/rss.md). +Many other data formats are also based on XML. +For example [GPX](/wiki/navigation.md#gpx), a file format for saving routes, points of interests and +other navigation related things, is based on it. ### LaTeX diff --git a/wiki/navigation.md b/wiki/navigation.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d9edad2 --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/navigation.md @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +# Navigation + +Navigation is the process of determining and following a route between locations. +Modern navigation is commonly based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) together with digital +maps. + +## Maps + +Most navigation software is based on map data. +One of the most commonly used sources is [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) which +provides free and community-maintained map data. + +## Route Planning + +Routes and tracks can be planned on desktop systems before transferring them to mobile devices. + +* [QMapShack](/wiki/qmapshack.md) is a free and open-source desktop application for planning routes, + tracks and waypoints. + It supports offline maps, digital elevation models and routing engines. + Planned tours can be exported as [GPX](#gpx). + +## Mobile Navigation + +Many mobile navigation applications support importing [GPX data](#gpx) created with desktop software. + +- [Organic Maps](https://organicmaps.app/) is a free and open-source map navigation app which + features offline navigation. + Tracks, points of interest and other GPX data can be imported. + However, tracks can only be displayed and not followed. +- [OsmAnd](https://osmand.net/) is an open-source app that allows offline navigation using + [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) data. + Tracks, points of interest and other GPX data can be imported. + In contrast to Organic Maps tracks can be followed. + +## GPX + +GPX is an [XML-based](/wiki/markup_language.md#xml) file format used to exchange GPS data such as +tracks, routes and waypoints. +It is supported by most desktop and mobile navigation software. +The creation and export of `.gpx` files is usually done by [route planning](#route-planning). diff --git a/wiki/qmapshack.md b/wiki/qmapshack.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..89c7a70 --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/qmapshack.md @@ -0,0 +1,89 @@ +# QMapShack + +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) is a free and open-source desktop application for +planning and managing GPS data such as routes, tracks and waypoints. +It supports various map formats, digital elevation models (DEM) and routing engines. +QMapShack is especially suited for planning hiking and +cycling tours that can afterward be exported as GPX files and used on mobile devices. + +## Setup + +This section focuses on the setup of QMapShack consisting of the general installation and special +configuration. + +### Installation + +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) can either be installed from source as described +on the [official GitHub page](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) or through the +[package manager](/wiki/linux/package_manager.md) of many Linux distributions where it is often +packaged under the name `qmapshack`. + +### Configuration + +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) requires maps for route planning. +Additionally, it is recommended to configure digital elevation models and a routing engine. + +#### Maps + +Garmin-compatible [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) vector maps work well with +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack). +The maps provided by [Freizeitkarte](https://freizeitkarte-osm.de/) are recommended. +They can be found on their [website](https://download.freizeitkarte-osm.de/garmin/latest/). + +Download the desired archive, extract it into a directory and add the directory containing the +files – especially the `gmapsupp.img` file – as a map directory in QMapShack. +To do that select `Setup Map Paths` under `File`. + +#### Digital Elevation Models (DEM) + +Digital elevation models are used to display altitude information, elevation profiles and +ascent/descent statistics. +SRTM height data can be downloaded from +[Viewfinder Panoramas](https://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/) and their +[interactive map](https://viewfinderpanoramas.org/Coverage%20map%20viewfinderpanoramas_org1.htm). + +Extract all the downloaded `.zip` files into a common directory. +The directory will then contain many `.hgt` files. +Afterward create a virtual raster – in form of a `.vrt` file – using the `VRT Builder` included with +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) under `Tools`. +Finally, configure the DEM directory in QMapShack under `File` and `Setup DEM Paths`. + +#### Routing Engine + +[QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack) supports external routing engines. +[Routino](https://www.routino.org/) is a free routing engine based on +[OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) and especially useful since it works offline after +being setup. + +The routing database can be downloaded from [Geofabrik](https://download.geofabrik.de/). +Since the creation of the routing is pretty time and memory intensive, it is recommended to download +only needed regions. + +After downloading the desired region configure Routino in the routing settings of QMapShack and +create a database with `Create Routino Database` under `Tool`. + +## Usage + +This section addresses the usage of [QMapShack](https://github.com/Maproom/qmapshack). + +### Create a Project + +Projects are used to organize routes, tracks and waypoints. +Create a new project by selecting `File` under `New Project`. +Routes, tracks and waypoints can then be stored inside the project. + +### Create a Route + +A route can be created using the route tool. +If a [routing engine is configured](#routing-engine) only a few routing points are required as the +path is automatically calculated along the road or trail network. +Routes should generally be converted into tracks before exporting. +Tracks contain the complete geometry of the planned path and are therefore +displayed consistently by different navigation applications. + +### Export GPX Files + +Projects, routes and tracks can be exported as [GPX](/wiki/navigation.md#gpx). +Select the corresponding object and export it after right-clicking it as a `.gpx` file. +The resulting file can be imported into +[mobile navigation applications](/wiki/navigation.md#mobile-navigation).