Navman F45 satnav, stupid file format not compatible with Google Earth

roywest

I have a Navman f45 which has a trip logging function, but it is completely useless as it doesn't save the standard KML file so that you can see your route on Google Earth.

Navman use a XML file which is useless. I have spent the best part of a day trying to get a conversion program for it and despite a thorough search, there is no way I can see to make their file work.

Why do companies like Navman insist on using weird incompatible file formats?

I really regret not having bought a proper satnav like a Tomtom.

If anybody knows a way to convert these files I'd appreciate it

davester

roywest wrote: »

I have a Navman f45 which has a trip logging function, but it is completely useless as it doesn't save the standard KML file so that you can see your route on Google Earth.

Navman use a XML file which is useless. I have spent the best part of a day trying to get a conversion program for it and despite a thorough search, there is no way I can see to make their file work.

Why do companies like Navman insist on using weird incompatible file formats?

I really regret not having bought a proper satnav like a Tomtom.

If anybody knows a way to convert these files I'd appreciate it

Same reason Apple makes you use their software or peripherals to use their stuff, or charge royalities to companies that make stuff compatable,,,, to make more money

GRM

The NavDesk software apparently supports uploading to Google Earth. Found this link via Google:
http://download.mio.com/ServicePack/Desktop/Navman/NavDesk_v6_20_0022_SP.exe

BikerEd

Did you try gpsbabel? I haven't found a GPS format yet that it won't convert.

thescouselander

davester wrote: »

Same reason Apple makes you use their software or peripherals to use their stuff, or charge royalities to companies that make stuff compatable,,,, to make more money

What has any of this got to do with Apple?

Apples2

thescouselander wrote: »

What has any of this got to do with Apple?

The poster used Apple as an analogy Duh!!!

thescouselander

Apples2 wrote: »

The poster used Apple as an analogy Duh!!!

Navman are hardly comparable to apple - I doubt Navman are using XML in order to make more money - more like that just hadn't considered compatibility with googlemaps.

corbyboy

KML is a proprietary format developed by Google (well, a company later acquired by Google). XML is an open standard that anybody can use.

Why would software from Navman save data in Google's format? That's like complaining that MS Paint won't save in Photoshop psp format.

The real question should be why doesn't Google Earth read basic XML files?

BikerEd

corbyboy wrote: »

KML is a proprietary format developed by Google (well, a company later acquired by Google). XML is an open standard that anybody can use.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

KML is an XML schema (i.e. an extension to XML) developed by Keyhole (who where later acquired by Google) but is owned/managed as a free, open standard by the Open Geospatial Consortium. It is anything but proprietary and is now supported by a number of GPS manufacturers and software vendors.

Bottom line, KML is an open standard that anybody can use.