The Beeline app just got new GPX import modes! These modes offer a bit more flexibility to the user on how they’d like to ride an imported GPX file. However, the process of importing them is still the same. Watch the video here to find out how to import GPX files into the Beeline app:
What are GPX files and how does the Beeline app import them?
A GPX file is simply GPS data in a format that can be shared electronically. This is usually a GPS route that has been saved and shared online. You can download these GPX routes to your computer or phone and it will convert the file back into a GPS route. Magic!
You can import (or export) GPX files up to 4MB from the Beeline app.
A GPX file can contain any number of:
Route - represents a planned route - this is the most common content type for typical route imports
Track - represents a ridden route
Waypoints - points of interest
If a GPX file contains more than one of these content types, then they are processed in this order:
Track
Route
Waypoints
In the past, we have imported GPX files via Route or Compass modes:
Route Mode took the file contents, map-matched them against our known road network (which is driven by OpenStreetMap), and provided turn-by-turn navigation on the Beeline device/ app.
Compass Mode took the content of the file, plotted the waypoints, and allowed users to decide their route between them by providing a compass pointing to the next waypoint alongside an indication of the distance to that waypoint.
These modes offer riders the ability to ride routes planned by other providers with ease in the Beeline app, but they create limits to the ability to maintain the track and waypoints. As such, we’ve created 3 new import modes!
New GPX Import Modes within the Beeline app
Before starting, ensure your Beeline app is running the latest version since this feature’s release: 3.4.2295 or beyond for iOS users, or 4.2.5277 or beyond for Android users.
Note: These releases are currently in a staged rollout. If you have not received an opportunity to update your app quite yet, please hang tight - it will be released to you before long!
The Beeline app offers 3 GPX import modes: Turn-by-turn, Breadcrumb, and Waypoints only. These allow users to take more control over how their ride is imported into the Beeline app, removing the constraints that can lead to imported rides turning out slightly different than planned, not being able to be ridden whilst following the map UI offroad, and offering the freedom to edit waypoints in a Waypoint only mode.
Turn-by-turn mode is as simple as it sounds! It replaces the old “Route Mode” and offers users the traditional turn-by-turn navigation instructions, with indications of how far the next turn is along the way:
Breadcrumb mode is a GPX import mode that bypasses map matching within our app to known roads within our road network. When using this mode, the exact pre-defined route or track from a GPX file is plotted in the Beeline app and relayed to your device. It does not calculate or display the direction of your next turn—you simply follow the map’s polyline with a distance to the next turn as such:
Waypoints only mode will be available only when the GPX file has waypoints plotted throughout. This option will take only the waypoints, plot them on the map, and allow the Beeline app to then plan the route between each of these waypoints. This may or may not match the route planned on the GPX file as all routing providers have slightly different logic for how they plan routes. This mode also allows users to edit waypoints if you choose. Your device or Beeline app will still show full turn-by-turn instructions when using this mode then choosing one of the route options to navigate.
Note: Whilst some providers may list waypoints throughout routes, unless the GPX file is configured with these as the content type, the import may not technically have those marked as such. If you are not seeing the “Waypoints only” import option, this is likely the case.
Why / when should I use each mode?
This depends on your navigation needs. If you need turn-by-turn directions to your destination, you’ll want to use Turn-by-turn or Waypoints only mode to ensure you have the necessary prompts.
If that is not of concern, Breadcrumb mode is ideal for:
⛰Off-road or trail navigation
👯Following routes exactly as planned – If you’ve imported a GPX file from a previous ride or an external source, breadcrumb mode will help you follow the same path without map matching the route to known roads in the OpenStreetMaps network.
😌 Simpler navigation – When you prefer to follow a line on a map rather than getting audio or visual turn prompts.
🔎 If you’re hoping to use the same functions as the OG Compass Mode—we’d suggest using Breadcrumb mode! It behaves the same way but with improved performance and map visibility on Velo 2 and Moto 2.
Note: These modes are available from Beeline app version XXX for Android and XXX for iOS and beyond.
Happy riding!
Have questions? Get in touch with us here