Downloading GPX files - basic questions please
 

I'm still back in the dark ages and use things called maps, although I do have a basic Tom Tom in the car which is used simply for getting from A to B.

I have no GPS on my motorbike and I keep coming across articles giving download attachments for GPX files, the latest of which was Tim Cullis's excellent posting about Shetland and the Orkneys.
Thank you Tim, most appreciated.

So, has the time come for me to invest in a Garmin something or the other or is there any way I can download these GPX files to use them as a paper equivalent ?
Do I actually need a Garmin or is there something I could access via my current Tom Tom ?
I have tried to download the GPX files but my PC (Apple) does not recognise them.
I've also tried googling and searching on this site for an answer but drawn a blank so far.

Thanks very much.

I dont know you TomTom Navigation Unit, but maybe i can help you.

For viewing GPX Files, to plan routes on your Mac, to import Tracks and Waypoints i would suggest that you download Basecamp from Garmin:

http://www.garmin.com/de-DE/shop/downloads/basecamp

This way you can print your maps and use them, or use it on your mac for orientation.

Much better is here a Smartphone or Tablet with a built in GPS Device. There you can Import GPX Tracks from your Computer, from emails, from Websites - can use them for road and offroad navigation with offline satellite immagery and so on. Today I wrote an Message at HuBB who gives you an Idea about the power of such an solution: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...r-africa-77074

Surfy

Thanks very much Surfy.
That website was the German side of Garmin so I linked to the English Garmin site but struggled to find a download for basecamp there, although I have now found a link to an Apple App for basecamp so I'll try that and see how I get on.
Thanks for your help.

And the Apple App for base camp has sorted out my little problem and I can now download GPX files.

Excellent news, and thank you.