Choose deliberately
A link and a file solve different handoffs.
Publishes an unlisted route page with a GPX download until you stop sharing it.
Hands a copy of the route directly to a person or service you choose.
This avoids an ongoing beacen page, but the recipient controls the copy.
Public route page
A share link publishes a public snapshot.
The link is unlisted, so it is not presented as a Library route or placed in a public index by beacen. Anyone who receives the URL can still open it. There is no password check and the link does not expire on a timer.
- Review
Check the route before publishing.
Read the title, line, location and route facts as they will be shared.
- Publish
Create the link in beacen.
The app uploads a sanitised route snapshot and returns the public URL.
- Send
Choose the recipients.
Use the normal share options on your device, knowing that a recipient can forward the URL.
- Review
Keep track of active links.
Retain the local management state if you may need to stop sharing later.
Revoke the hosted copy
Stop Sharing disables the page and its download.
Use Stop Sharing from the route in beacen when the public page should no longer remain available. The hosted route page and its GPX download then stop working.
A direct GPX file has no equivalent hosted switch. Once a copy has been sent, the receiving person or service controls that copy.
Published route data
Share the route, not the rest of the Library.
- Share link can includeThe route name, route geography, distance and elevation metadata, plus imported waypoint information where present.
- Share link excludesFavourites, categories, import date, account information, navigation history, breadcrumbs and workout data.
- Direct GPX can includeRoute name and geography, plus imported waypoint names, comments, descriptions, elevations, timestamps, symbols and types where present.
- Check sensitive placesRoute geography can reveal a home, workplace or another private location. Inspect the start and finish before sharing.
Keep control of the link
The app needs its local management record to revoke a share.
When optional private sync is off, removing the app or losing its local data can remove the information needed to manage an existing public link. The old link may remain active and could become unrecoverable from the app.
Stop sharing links you no longer need before deleting app data or changing devices. The Privacy page explains this in full under Public route share links.
A public link is simple to send because it is simple to open.
Sources & scope
What this answer is based on.
- beacen Privacy: public route share links
- beacen Privacy: GPX file sharing
- beacen Guide: sharing questions
This entry describes sharing controlled by beacen. A service that receives a GPX file applies its own storage and privacy terms.