I recorded a path of a new road and I’ve got a gpx/kml/kmz file.
How can I load this path on my map before adding a new road?
Thanks,
Radu
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Hi @RaduD
You can easily import a KML by adding a new layer in My Map. Below the layer title, you see the Import option to add a CSV, KML, or Spreadsheet file.
Ciao @RaduD ,
when you say “I recorded a path…” you mean that your intention is to create a StreetView?
When I started last year I do had the same issue of creating gpx/kml/kmz to support my StreetView but with no success.
At the end I bought a GPS that sync data with the 360Camera and now I walked for >100Km in a National Park to create StreetView of the trekking available.
But I still have this issue.!
Unfortunately some track are in area where the GPS signal is not available. Now I have some track on a 360Camera but I can not publish! I tried to create GPX.
The real problem is that SteeetView need gps point every 5 seconds and I do not do how to create the gpx respecting this.
Did you solve it?
Thanks in advance
Marco
Amiran, I already did that. See the maps below
When I want to add a new road this is what I see:
So my question was how to display my-map with imported KML (first-screenshot) in the add-new-road map (second screenshot) to better define the missing road?
Thanks,
Radu
2 Likes
@MarcoDavoli , What I have done was to use a second/old phone as a GPS recording device. On my old android I did this by using Ultra GPS Logger app then I exported the KML file. In this app you can set “Trigger = Every 1 meter” which provides enough information for the KML file the you can export. Another important aspect is that the clocks on both phones have to be in sync (you have to “set time automatically” on both phones). When the GPS signal is missing the smartphones can use A-GPS which uses the cell towers from the mobile network to provide location.
Regards,
Radu
1 Like
Oh, I got the point @RaduD You want add those data on the public map.
This is not possible for users.
Such road addition by GPS data files is only available for official authorities through the Google Maps Content Partnership program.
@Amiran , I just want to temporarily see the KML as a layer on the add-new-road map to help me draw the new road I want to add. I don’t want anyone else to see my KML layer.
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It is not possible, too.
Thanks a lot @RaduD for this info.
Before buying the external GPS I was using the same system you explained; another mobile phone.
My problem is where there is NO GPS SIGNAL. I recorded 360Videos but I do not know how to edit the GPX. Easy to create but then I can’t find any suitable sw that allow me to set a trigger at 1 meter and fix the date - TIme.
If you have any ideas.
Thanks again
Take care
Marco
@MarcoDavoli Have you tried https://gpx.studio ?
in my particular situation the satellite images are outdated too. This is why I need the help of KML layer. What fo you suggest, how to proceed?
Thanks, Radu
@RaduD indeed!.
I tried some applications, also https://mygpsfiles.com/app/ but, at the end, my preferred is https://gpx.studio.
But still have the trigger and data/time issue.
Maybe I have to double check if I miss something rom gps.
Marco
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I see @RaduD
But still no way other than using an old-dated method: printing the path on paper and putting it on the monitor to draw the road based on it. I used a similar method to draw perfect roundabouts when the circle tool was discontinued in Map Maker days 
(PS: I just thought to use a transparent window by tools like PeekThrough, it has the same result)
And another way is waiting for the next satellite imagery update. These days Google updates it very often and I think no need to wait too long.
@Amiran Can you send me a link to a route you recently added?
I also thought to print the KML layer on transparency film, but another issue could be to match the zoom level for both maps (the printed one and the one on the screen). It could be much easier if google can add this feature to the add-new-road map.
I haven’t used such a method recently, That belongs to Map Maker and more than 7 years ago!
And yes, you should play a little bit with the zoom level to fit it perfectly.
Marco, I have noticed that you published recently a lot of roads on Google Maps. What is your best procedure to do it? How come you have so many roads? What is a road, actually? You have shorter roads or long ones? Is there an automatic procedure based on your 360 camera footage?
Thanks,
Radu
Ciao @RaduD ,
sorry but are you talking about StreetView or Add/Edit roads?
Are two different procedure. Will be happy to explain how I did both but for which one are you looking for help?
Let me know.
Take care
Marco
I thought you can make them both in the same time. You can explain them both. I think you can’t add Streetview bluelines if the roads are not defined first, right?
Thanks,
Radu
Got the point, @RaduD ,
that was exactly what I was thinking but StreetView and Roads (existing one or new one created by you) are two separate object.
To clarify look at this two pictures:
First picture: Here there are only two path available. In the second one you will see the StreetView I have created (some example: Cala Crucitta, Cala Napoletana, Poggio Rasu )
Like you did, in the beginning, I thought that a StreetView is linked to an existing road. I tried to create a road/pedestrian but was always rejected (and till today I have problems). At the end I understood that StreetView and Roads are different. So, how I create them?
StreetView:
- My equipment is composed as follows: the ‘Insta360 X3’ for shooting 360° videos in 4K or 7K and for 360° photos, a 1.5-meter and a 3-meter extension pole, and a remote control with GPS - though you can replace this with your phone.
- After capturing the footage, I use the Insta360 X3 software to convert it (and make minor edits if necessary) and extract GPS data from it.
- Once you are satisfied with your footage, you upload it to the StreetView portal (https://streetviewstudio.maps.google.com/), which will request both the video file and the GPS file. It will promptly notify you if there are any issues with either the video or GPS file. They will not be uploaded until you resolve these problems.
- PROBLEMS - look the picture
- Once you upload you will see the “Processing” message. How it will take to be online? I got some streetview online after 1 week and others after 1 month. Do not depend on the length.
- If everything went ok your video will be online and you’ll see, next to it, length of the track and how many view
- Some times you will get an Error, like in this case! The edit I did to the GPS file was not effective…
I have to re-edit it! - And I discovered a new message, is a Warning.
- In this case seems to be a policy violation !! (I’m not able to explain it. I got 4 message like this on more than 100Km of trekking path. I asked for clarification (you can do) but no replay. In any case the StreetView is available online.
- My biggest difficulties
- As already mentioned I have some 360° video ready but NO GPS data are available. I tried to create a GPX file but was not able. StreetView portal need a file with gps data every 5 seconds and, even with studio gpx, was not able. I’m keep studying! "If I figure out how to resolve the issue or if I find a good GPS editor, I’ll update you.
Please let me know if this information has been helpful to you or if you need any further details.
ROADS EDIT / CREATE
The starting point is maps: https://www.google.com/maps . It may seem like an easy process, but there can be instances where the roads you create get rejected by the system. Before you begin, allow me to suggest some interesting readings that have proven very helpful for many.
Please spend some time on this: Roads for Everyone - Helping others with the New Road Editor and Roads in Google Maps: 2000+ roads later written by @ErmesT or you can listen this posdcast from @JanVanHaver
You can start practicing right away, but reading these posts - and others - and listening to the podcast will help you from the very beginning.
I hope I have been of help to you.
Let me know
Take care
Ciao
Marco
2 Likes
Marco,
I found some info about the possible reason for loosing the gps signal:
GPS signals can be lost or disrupted for several reasons:
Obstructions: Tall buildings, mountains, tunnels, and dense forests can block or reflect GPS signals, leading to signal loss or inaccuracies. This is particularly common in urban environments with skyscrapers.
Atmospheric Conditions: Severe weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover can interfere with GPS signals. Additionally, ionospheric disturbances, such as solar flares, can affect signal accuracy.
Multipath Interference: When GPS signals bounce off surfaces before reaching your device’s receiver, it can cause multipath interference. This interference can result in signal distortion and lead to inaccuracies.
Signal Jamming: Deliberate jamming or interference with GPS signals is illegal but can occur in certain situations. This can be done for security or privacy reasons, such as in military operations or to prevent tracking.
Satellite Geometry: The accuracy of GPS depends on the geometry of the satellites in view. If there are too few satellites visible or if they are clustered closely together in the sky, it can reduce accuracy and may lead to signal loss.
Receiver Issues: GPS receivers can sometimes have hardware or software issues that lead to signal problems. For example, outdated firmware or a malfunctioning antenna can impact GPS performance.
Urban Canyons: In densely populated urban areas with tall buildings close together, the so-called “urban canyon” effect can occur, where the GPS signals are blocked or reflected by the buildings, making it challenging to maintain a strong signal lock.
Orbital Issues: Occasionally, GPS satellites themselves can experience issues with their orbits or functionality, which can affect signal availability and accuracy.
Lack of Sky View: In situations where you have limited visibility of the sky, such as deep valleys or heavily wooded areas, the GPS receiver may struggle to acquire and maintain a sufficient number of satellite signals.
Interference from Other Electronics: Nearby electronic devices or radio frequency interference can disrupt GPS signals. This interference can come from sources like mobile phones, radios, or electronic equipment.
To mitigate GPS signal loss, modern GPS receivers often employ technologies like Assisted GPS (A-GPS), which uses additional data from cellular networks to improve signal acquisition and accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. Additionally, using multiple satellite constellations (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) can improve signal availability and accuracy, as it increases the number of satellites visible at any given time.
I hope this info can help you find the reason for which you lost the gps signal.
Regards,
Radu