Breadcrumbs: Export & Share 3D GPS Adventures

The Synergy of GPS and Web Applications

One of the most compelling aspects of modern technological progress, particularly within the realm of the Internet, is the seamless incorporation of GPS technology into both web-based and mobile applications.

Here at MUO, we have previously explored several innovative mobile GPS applications.

This includes coverage of a personal geocaching experience, a detailed look at Google Maps Navigation, and an insightful article by Evan detailing how GPS can be utilized to find a misplaced phone.

Tracking and Sharing Adventures

When embarking on outdoor pursuits, such as mountain biking or hiking, or any expedition where route tracking and data sharing are desired, a multitude of options are available.

Solutions like GPS Mobile Tracker, previously reviewed by Evan, and Google Latitude provide effective tracking capabilities.

GPX Files and Beyond

A common feature among contemporary tracker applications is the ability to preserve complete routes as GPX files.

These files contain GPS "waypoints" which precisely delineate the course of your journey.

However, a question arises: what is the next step after accumulating these route recordings?

Wouldn't it be advantageous to transform this data into a comprehensive account of your experience, enriched with photographs and video footage?

Introducing Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs is designed to facilitate precisely this process.

It allows users to create a documented record of their adventures, seamlessly integrating GPS data with multimedia content.

This enables a more immersive and detailed recollection of each expedition.

Document and Relive Your Journeys with Breadcrumbs

The application, aptly named Breadcrumbs, allows users to record and share their travel experiences. It functions by taking a GPX file – a plot of waypoints outlining a route – and enriching it with media, commentary, and other details. This provides a comprehensive way to showcase not just where you’ve been, but also the experiences encountered along the way.

A free account, created with a valid email address, is required to begin. Upon registration, users can immediately import GPX files from mobile tracking applications or data directly from a Garmin GPS device.

The platform seamlessly integrates data layers with Google Earth imagery. To initiate the process of documenting and sharing your travels, simply select either the "GPX" or "Garmin" import button from the top menu. For demonstration purposes, a short walk down a driveway was recorded using the MyTrails app (available for Android and iPhone) with approximately 25 waypoints.

The resulting GPX file was then saved to a personal computer and imported into Breadcrumbs, yielding the initial route visualization shown below.

The import process guides users through a series of steps to describe the route and add relevant information for sharing. Making a route public generates a unique URL that can be shared with others, granting them access to all trip details directly on the Breadcrumbs website.

Any photos or videos captured during the trip should be uploaded during the import wizard. A key feature of Breadcrumbs is its ability to recognize the GPS coordinates embedded in geotagged media. If a camera is capable of geotagging, the application will automatically position the photos on the map corresponding to their capture location.

Upon completion, the route is displayed with start and end points, and associated media files are listed in the lower panel. Imported tracks are stored within the user's account, categorized as defined during the import process.

Information presented under "Track Details" is sourced both from user input during import and directly from the GPX or Garmin data, reflecting the level of detail captured by the original tracking application.

Users can view statistics such as total distance, speed, trip duration, and elevation. These details can be particularly insightful when reviewing data after a hiking or cycling trip. Furthermore, the "Chart" tab provides a graphical representation of elevation and speed changes throughout the journey.

Enhance your route with comments, added as sticky notes. Alternatively, markers can be placed to denote campsites, points of interest, or other significant locations.

For media lacking automatic geotagging, it can be manually dragged onto the map. Breadcrumbs will then assign GPS coordinates to the file. Zooming out slightly may be necessary to facilitate this attachment process.

To modify the tracked route, enter "edit" mode by clicking "Edit" and selecting "Edit Track" from the top menu. Waypoints can then be repositioned or deleted as needed.

Once editing and media additions are complete, the route is ready for sharing. Three share buttons provide options for distributing the adventure: a direct URL, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you utilize GPS applications that export GPX files, consider trying Breadcrumbs to document your travels. Share your experiences with us in the comments below, and let us know of any similar online track editing tools you may be aware of.