LOC2WPT - EasyGPS to Mapsource Waypoint Conversion

Updated to Version 3.6 (now converts Speed Camera Database & NetStumbler data to Mapsource file)

If you wish to transfer the waypoints you downloaded from www.geocaching.com to Garmin Mapsource on the PC, you could transfer the waypoints to the GPS (using EasyGPS or ExpertGPS) and then transfer them from the GPS to the PC.

The disadvantage of this is that some waypoint data (description & URL) gets lost in the process.

This program allows you to convert the waypoint file (either .loc or .gpx) directly to a Mapsource file (.gdb for Mapsource v6.1+ or .mps for older versions of Mapsource).

You can also convert the Speed Camera Database (found at www.PocketGPSWorld.co.uk) to Garmin Mapsource.  (Download the .CSV file from the 'Other' section)

Version 3.6+ allows you to convert NetStumbler data to Mapsource. (In NetStumbler, go to 'File', 'Export', and choose 'Text...'. It will save as a .txt file.)

Download the free program (loc2wpt.exe - v3.66) (Installer) - updated 18th August 2007. (Filesize 469 kb)

Revision History:
v3.66- Added an option to choose to send the descriptions (comments) to the output file. v3.65- Further improved compatibility of GPX files. v3.64- Improved compatibility of GPX files. Fixed problem opening file in Mapsource. Added support for 4th field in CSV file for comments. v3.63- Improved CSV file processing. Added icon for 'MONITRON' speed camera. v3.62- Added simple check for validation of NetStumbler Files. Now ignores NetStumbler records with no GPS coordinates. v3.6 - Added functionality to convert NetStumbler Files (In NetStumbler, use Export > Text... ). v3.5 - Added functionality to convert Speed Camera Database. v3.32- Fixed bug which occured when user pressed Cancel on File input/output dialog boxes. v3.31- Fixed bug. When user tried to create both gdb and mps file in the same session, the 2nd one was incorrect. Fixed minor display bug. v3.3 - Added a button to open the newly created file in Mapsource.  Increased speed of gdb/mps file creation. v3.2 - Enabled multiple file selection.  Fixed another regional setting bug. v3.1 - Added an option to view the coordinates in decimal format.  Fixed a regional setting bug. v3.0 - Now outputs to .mps and .gdb (no more importing .wpt files into Mapsource). v2.0 - Now displays coords.  Fixed bug caused when Regional setting has a comma as a decimal point. v1.81 - Bug fix: 'Cache type' icon was not displaying if input file was *.gpx. v1.8 - Cosmetic change: Add an icon to each line showing the cache type. v1.7 - Bug Fix: Problem with a file containing hundreds of waypoints.  (Thanks to Johan for bringing that one to my attention) v1.6 - Bug Fix: Rounding error happened in certain circumstances.  (Thanks to John A for pointing that one out)

If you already have it installed, or you already have the two OCX files (MSFLXGRD.OCX & COMDLG32.OCX) in your system folder, here you can download just the executable: loc2wpt.exe (v3.66) (228 kb)

How to use:

Download the waypoint file from www.geocaching.com (you need to register before you can download from there) or the Speed Camera Database from www.PocketGPSWorld.co.uk or export a text file from NetStumbler.

Run this program.

Click the button to 'Select file(s)' (hold CTRL or SHIFT when you click, to select multiple files).

If it cannot read a .gpx or .loc file, open it in EasyGPS and save it as a .gpx file (using File>'Save as'), then try again.

A list will appear displaying all the waypoints in the file.
You may add other waypoints to the list by clicking 'Add File(s)'.

Choose the output file format (either .gdb, .mps or .wpt).

Click the button to 'Create a New Waypoint file'. This will create the file.

If you want to add the list of waypoints to an existing gdb/mps/wpt file, click the button 'Add to Existing Waypoint file'.
If there are any duplicate waypoint names, they will not be added.

Simply open your newly created .gdb or .mps file in Garmin Mapsource.

Thats it! All the waypoints (and descriptions) are there.

Waypoint names beginning with 'GC' (GeoCache) will have a symbol.
Waypoint names beginning with 'GATSO','MOBILE','MONITRON','TRUVELO','SPECS' or 'TEMP' will have a symbol.
Waypoint names beginning with 'REDLIGHT' will have a symbol.
Unsecured wireless networks will have a symbol.   Secured wireless networks will have a symbol.

Note: If your GPS does not display these symbols, you may need to update the GPS software from the Garmin website.

If you have any comments, problems or requests, feel free to email me, Marco Dipol :

Click here for IMG2GPS.  A program to upload your maps to your Garmin GPS.

Click here for details how to convert a mobile-phone car charger to an Emap/Etrex car power supply.