Why do the trails have such strange names?

• Some trails have name changes for different sections or jurisdictions
  
• Many trails are short, I connect them into a network of trails

Why don't I have separate data files for Magellan & Lowrance?

• These vendors do not have the widespread usage Garmin does.
  
• They don't provide for map overlays.
• You can use my GPSxl8r application to translate symbols from the Garmin symbols contained in the .gpx files I provide.

Why does my ride length differ from track length?

• Variations in atmospheric conditions, GPS orientation etc will cause minor variations.
  
• The recorded track may make side trips that you didn't follow the same way I did.
• Construction events may change path placements/lengths.

What maps do I use while GeoBiking?

• I use 2 or more GPS units while mapping trails, often with different maps.
• May use aerial imagery or USGS maps on DeLorme for a different view or historical info.
• Usually running HuntingGPSmap on Garmin, good topo.  Also run City Navigator if I want to locate food enroute.
• For planning it's usually Google Earth in combination with online info. Will often trace desired ride, convert to a track with GPSbabel and load onto Garmin for guidance in the field.
• If a new trail area has a maze of trails I want to cover, I usually print a copy and draw directional arrows on how I want to ride them to minimize backtracking or elevation gain/loss.

What is the purpose of the login button on the bottom of each page?

• Currently it is only used by me to configure one of the website features.
• If you try to create an account, it will give you an error message.
• If I add blog or forum features it will be worked on then.

How does one use a paper map with a GPS?

• Biggest issue is matching map datums
  
• Garmin has a very good discussion of this topic in this PDF File.

How much does GeoBiking cost?

• Site is free to users, ownership of pictures, documents, data etc remain mine
  
• No ads, tracking cookies etc.
• You may download trail information, map overlays etc and use for non-commercial applications
• Organizations & Government entities are free to reference the information and provide access to it as long as it acknowledges its source
• I make a lot of effort to provide correct, current data. But cannot be held responsible for your use of the information or it's accuracy
• A decent starting GPS (e.g. eTrex 20) is $200
• Many very usable "older" units (e.g 60CSx, 76CSx, eTrex(Legend HCx, Vista HCx) are still available and should cost less
• Some people use their smart phone with Google Earth or GPX app

• It cost me several hundred dollars this year (2012) to obtain new domain, hosting fees and joomla extensions
• Each year transportation costs are incurred to travel to trail areas to map additions changes etc (Truck isn't fuel friendly!) and usually requires a number of trips to map new areas
• GPSxl8r application development required obtaining Visual studio 2008 to use some of its built in xml capabilities
• Providing PDFs and GeoBiking presentation required MS Office 2010 purchase
• Thankfully I obtained my GPS units thru beta-testing activities & a Garmin spiff (still a lot of work)
• Countless hours of learning and building were incurred this year to move the website to a new platform
• A new trail typically requires 5 or more hours of postprocessing to add (+ additional overhead when I add groups of changes to website)
• Each trail added to a zone requires more time to process because of it's interaction with existing trails
• The existing trail network is a result of continuous work dating back to 2003