TomTom GPS Logging

[solmanic]

OK, I am going CRAZY. There seem to be all sorts of little applications for converting TomTom Navigator Log files to various other formats (in particular Google Earth format). They all talk about .pgl files which is supposedly the TomTom Navigator Log File format.

Where the f@#$k are these on my device? Does anybody know if TomTom generates these automatically or do you have to turn on a hidden "logging" feature? I can see a "logging" folder in \Program Files\Navigator but it is always empty. I have just done a test trip around the block without turning the device off and still nothing.

I am running the latest version of TT Navigator 6 on a WM5 PDA (Dopod D810) with a fairly recent Australia map. I can't find any settings in the device that relate to creation of log files.

Is this something that relates to earlier versions of the program maybe?

[loanrangie]

I use TT6 on an Ipaq and i must say i havent seen any track logging features in it just the routeplanning etc, i'll have another look on the way to work in case i missed it as well.

[grumpybastard]

news to me also?

[ladas]

The garmin has track logging features, and as a features of this offers a facility to 'back track'

Quite a useful feature if you fancy just driving and exploring, and at the end of the day you want to follow the same route back.

I have never seen it on TomTom though,

[ladas]

On the garmin you had to switch the 'tracking' feature on

[solmanic]

Here are just a couple of links to small apps for converting "navigator log files" to other formats for plotting on maps etc.

http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/
http://rjdavies.users.btopenworld.com/html/logconverter.html

They both refer to the .pgl TomTom Navigator Log file???

The frustrating thing is when I do a Google search on "TT Navigator Log File" or anything like that, I just get heaps of links to these types of conversion programs, but NONE that actually explain what, where & how to get at this data. The logconverter application which I downloaded even has a full help file which references this log file, but still fails to clarify what where & how. To make things more confusing, it also includes an application called "makeov2" which it says is freely downloadable from TomTom's own website for creating POI files from the navigator log. Do you think I can find it or any reference to it on TomTom's site? Yeah right!

[loanrangie]

Went thru the TT options this morning and i couldnt find anything that relates to trak logging, maybe there is seprate program that will do this ?

[solmanic]

I have installed a program called GPS Gate which is a bit of a work-around. It lets multiple applications access the GPS through a virtual COM port. This also logs as you go along but it seems a bit touchy about when it cares to do this. Just did a test run to the shops and downloaded the log file which just shows a lot of squiggling around the home and nothing of the actual journey.

I can't tell if the program is logging all the time when it's on, or only when a GPS application (like TomTom) is running.

Anyway, it still doesn't answer the original question of WTF is a Tomtom navigation log file and where does it live??? Unfortunately using GPS Gate means I have to start it before Tomom and make sure TT is pointing to the virtual port, then shut them both down when I am finished - very retrograde.:confused:

[loanrangie]

I have installed a program called GPS Gate which is a bit of a work-around. It lets multiple applications access the GPS through a virtual COM port. This also logs as you go along but it seems a bit touchy about when it cares to do this. Just did a test run to the shops and downloaded the log file which just shows a lot of squiggling around the home and nothing of the actual journey.

I can't tell if the program is logging all the time when it's on, or only when a GPS application (like TomTom) is running.

Anyway, it still doesn't answer the original question of WTF is a Tomtom navigation log file and where does it live??? Unfortunately using GPS Gate means I have to start it before Tomom and make sure TT is pointing to the virtual port, then shut them both down when I am finished - very retrograde.:confused:

I tried gps gate but found it annoting so then started using port splitter, much easier and you dont have to keep re starting it. I also found the latest aus map for TT6 and on the way to work it actually didnt try to tell me to drive off an overpass so its definately the latest edition.

[solmanic]

Thanks, I'll try port splitter. I was only investigating logging because I have a mate running a trip to Cape York and he was wanting to log the details as he went. I'm sure GPS Gate will get him through, but it would be good to have something less complicated to use.

Still doesn't clarify why these other apps are referring to the Navigator Log File??!!??

[loanrangie]

If he uses Ozi Ex just get him to log in Ozi or there are other basic gps programs that can log as well.