IMPORKING GPS DATA INTO QGIS
There are dozens of different file formats for storing GPS data. The format that QGIS uses is
called GPX (GPS eXchange format), which is a standard interchange format that can contain
any number of waypoints, routes and tracks in the same file.
There are two ways to use data from GPS into QGIS, as follows:
Converting GPS data into GPX File Format
Since QGIS uses GPX files you need a way to convert GPS file formats from the device to
GPX. This can be done for many formats using the free program GPSBabel, which we
recommend for you to install for the purpose of the exercise.
1. Make sure to connect the device (GPS) into the PC or laptop. Launch GPSBabel
application.
2. In GPS Babel dialog window, set the following. (Refer to image below)
Click to mark the radio button besides Device
Format = Select Garmin serial/USB protocol
Click to mark check on the boxes provided for on the ff:
Waypoints Routes Tracks
Click File Name button.
3. In Output File Name dialog window, click the Browse Folders (as shown in the image
below), then locate the proper folder for your gpx files.
4. Key in the name of the gpx file. Leave the file type as default (GPX XML), then press
Save button. (See image below)
5. Click OK button in GPS Babel dialog window.
1
Downloading GPS data from a Device
1. Launch QGIS. From the menu bar, go to Vector > GPS > GPS Tools, respectively.
2. In GPS Tools dialog window, go to Download from GPS tab, then set the following.
(Refer to image below)
GPS device = Garmin serial
Port = usb:
Feature type = Waypoints
Layer name = downloaded_points
Click Save As... button
3. Make sure to locate the proper folder for your gpx files. Key in the name of the gpx file.
Leave the file type as default (GPS eXchange format), then press Save button.
(See image below)
4. Click OK button in GPS Tools dialog window.
2
Adding GPX Data Into QGIS Map Window
1. Launch QGIS. Make sure to change the file type into GPS eXchange Format
(as shown below).
2. Select the gpx file (Track_BATULAO 2 ALF.gpx), then click Open button.
3. Click Open button in Add vector layer dialog window.
4. Next, select to highlight the tracks and tracks points (as shown in the image below),
then click OK button.
3
See image below for the results.
By default, the coordinate reference system of the gpx file added into QGIS map window is
in WGS.
The next step is to convert the gpx layer into shapefile.
Change the CRS into Luzon 1911.
Reproject into UTM Zone 51N.
Apply what you have learnt in your previous exercise.
Good Luck!
