beacen.

Route import field answer 002

How to import and prepare a GPX route in beacen

Reading time
5 minutes
Reviewed
Scope
GPX files on phones

The short answer

Choose a route from the beacen Library or open a GPX file from Files, Mail, a message, a website, the share sheet or another route app. For a manual import, the file must end in .gpx and contain a route or track. After import, check the line, distance, climbing and direction before navigation.

Start with the source

A route can arrive without becoming a file-handling exercise.

The public beacen Library opens a route directly. A separate GPX can come from Files, Mail, a message, a website, the share sheet or another route app. Both routes end in the same place: a saved line that can be reviewed before use.

GPX is a data format, not a picture of a map. A file can hold waypoints, routes and tracks. beacen needs an ordered route or track to create a navigable line.

LibraryOpen the route

The public record supplies the route without a separate file import.

GPX fileUse the share flow

Send the original .gpx file to beacen from the app that holds it.

BatchBring more than one

Select one or more GPX files when the source supports multiple selection.

The import

Keep the original, then use the normal device flow.

  1. Check

    Confirm the filename and contents.

    The filename should end in .gpx. The file must contain a route or track, not only a collection of standalone waypoints.

  2. Open

    Send the file to beacen.

    Use Open With or Share in the app that currently holds the file, then choose beacen from the available destinations.

  3. Review

    Read the imported summary.

    Check the title, route line, distance and climbing. A successful import does not confirm that the route suits the day.

  4. Direct

    Choose Forward or Reverse.

    Set the direction before navigation. The source file remains unchanged.

If nothing arrives

Retry the source file, not a screenshot or renamed copy.

A file can carry a .gpx name and still be empty, incomplete or malformed. Return to the original download or export, save it again, then repeat the device share flow.

  • No beacen optionSave the file to your device first, then use its file browser or share sheet. Available actions vary by phone and source app.
  • No route or trackA waypoint-only GPX does not provide an ordered line for route navigation.
  • Already presentWhen beacen recognises the stored route, open the existing Library item instead of creating an unnecessary duplicate.
  • Still rejectedKeep the original file and send it to support@beacen.app with the device and source app you used.

Before leaving

An imported line still needs a human check.

Review the start, finish, distance, ascent and direction against the route you expected. Check the surrounding map while a connection is available. If the route will be used without coverage, complete the offline route checklist before departure.

Import proves that the file opened. It does not prove that the route is current, open or suitable.

Sources & scope

What this answer is based on.

A .gpx filename alone does not confirm compatibility. The file must contain usable route or track geometry, and vendor-specific extensions can require separate handling.

Continue from the file