Handy GPS - Custom Symbols

Last updated Sep 2016

Handy GPS now allows you to choose from a set of 24 pre-defined symbols when creating or editing a waypoint from the main page of the app.

Below the description field is a drop-down list where you can select a symbol name. e.g. "camp". When a waypoint has a custom symbol selected, this symbol will be used when showing the waypoint on the map.

The pre-defined symbols are as shown below:



You can also create your own 36x36 pixel png files with transparent backgrounds and copy them to the HandyGPS/Symbols folder. Once you do this, HandyGPS will automatically show them in the symbol drop-down list.

The best program to create symbols on Windows is probably Paint.NET. You may also find the object outline plugin useful. I have used this to add a white outline around the symbols so they stand out on satellite views.

KML Files

Symbols are exported to and imported from KML files using the IconStyle tag. If you want to view the KML with the symbols in Google Earth, you will need to copy both the KML file you want to view and the contents of the HandyGPS/Symbols folder to a folder on your PC and open the KML file from there. If you don't copy the symbols when using custom waypoint symbols, you will see cross icons in Google Earth instead.

GPX Files

The names of the symbols are exported to and imported from GPX files using the Sym tag. The ".png" file suffix for the symbol icons is not stored in the GPX files. The symbols will only appear correctly in other programs and on other GPS units if the symbol names are defined.

What if custom symbols don't work ?

If custom symbols don't appear on the map, you may still be using the old data model. To find out if this is the case, choose "About" from the main page menu and check if there an asterix (*) shown in the dialog that pops up. If there is, you are using the old data model which does not support storing the custom symbol names.

If you want to switch to the new data model, first export the data from the app to a KML or GPX file, then do a "delete all and reset". Then re-import your data from the file you exported.

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