[OSM-newbies] Converting GPS tracks to ways

[Andy Robinson (blackadder)]

James Ewen wrote:
>Sent: 24 March 2008 3:07 PM
>To: newbies at openstreetmap.org
>Subject: [OSM-newbies] Converting GPS tracks to ways
>
>I'm having a hard time figuring out the secrets behind converting a
>GPS track to a way.
>
>From what I read, it should be pretty simple.
>
>1) I wander about with the GPS.
>2) Pull the data from the GPS and save it as a GPX file.
>3) Upload the GPX file to the database.
>4) Click the edit link next to the uploaded file.
>5) Click the TRACK button to convert track to locked ways for editing.
>6) Edit the way, and submit to the database.
>
>
>I can get through to step 5, and then get stuck. When I click the edit
>button from step 4, I get taken to the way editing page, but the GPS
>track never shows up. How many hours should I wait for the GPS track
>to show up? Is there some other step that needs to happen between
>clicking on edit in step 4, and pressing the TRACK button in step 5?
>
>I can hit G in the edit page, and the GPS track shows up, so it's not
>a problem with the GPX file, or import into the database. I usually
>simply trace the GPS track by hand to get it into the database, but
>the instructions sure make it sound like this process should be
>automatic, converting the track into a way.

The process is not automatic. If it was we would have all our ways
consisting of too many (or two few) nodes. Generally speaking its always
necessary to draw your nodes and create ways over the top of the uploaded
GPX track.

There is a tool in JOSM that allows you to convert a sparse point GPX track
to a way but that is to be used sparingly and generally its only of use for
long distance routes across mapping wilderness.

Cheers

Andy

>
>James
>
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