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The KMZ file displayed on the satellite map above is optimized to provide a good overview but does not include any waypoints and shows only some of the optional routes. Therefore the files below should be downloaded and used if you actually plan to hike on the entire Greater Patagonian Trail. If you There are interested in one or a few sections only then see the section overview below where you can download the trail files for individual sectionssection and for the entire trial.

Different file formats are provide for reviewing the trail on a computer with Google Earth (KML/MKZKMZ) and for uploading the trails to a handheld GPS devise (GPX). All these file format contain the same geographic information - mainly tracks and waypoints - but the different file format have advantages and disadvantages when using these file formats them with different applications.

The KML and '''KMZ file ''' format is optimal for '''display and editing on a computer with Google Earth'''. In example tracks and waypoints can be organized in a folder structure what facilitates handling a large number of individual tracks and waypoints. There is no significant difference between a KML and a KMZ file. A KMZ file is simply a compressed KML file. Unfortunately a KML or KMZ file cannot be uploaded directly to a Garmin GPS but needs to be converted first into GPX file(in example with the free Garmin "Basecamp" software).

When The '''GPX file''' format is optimal for '''uploading the trail file(s) to a handheld GPS devise'''. This applies in particular to Garmin equipment. Also when using a handheld GPS devise it is of advantage to minimize the number of individual tracks. The Garmin devise that I use (GPSMap 62) is in example unable to display more then 200 individual track. Therefore numerous individual tracks that are in line need to be were joined to minimize the total number of individual tracks. This is currently not possible with a KML or KMZ file in Google Earth. But joining individual tracks can easily be done with a GPX file with the "Basecamp" software, that is provided free of charge by Garmin. Therefore different file format are provided belowGPX files.

Reviewing and editing the trail on a '''computer ''' in Google Earth: KML or '''KMZ'''Uploading the trail file(s) to a '''handheld GPS''': '''GMX'''

Greater Patagonian Trail with waypoints, The trail files for the hiking only options and alternatives: [[Media:i.e. "GPT01-18'''H'''.kmz| KML/" have a '''H''' like "Hiking" in the file name. These KMZ File files do not contain any of the packraft routes, neither the water parts itself nor the land hiking parts to the lakes and rivers from where you can continue only by packraft. This shall prevent that a hiker without a packraft takes by accident the wrong route and ends up on the shore of a lake or river from where he cannot continue on foot. So '''if you do not carry a packraft''' download the trail files for the '''Hiking and Packrafting]]Only Option'''.

The KMZ In contrast the trail files for the Hiking Options packraft options i.e. "GPT01-18'''H'''.kmz" have a '''H''' like "Hiking" in the file name. These KMZ files do not contain any of the packraft contains all routes, neither the water parts itself nor the land including all hiking parts to the lakes and rivers from where you can continue only by packraftroutes. There might be good reasons i.e. This shall prevent strong wind or bad weather that make a hiker without with a packraft takes by accident opting for the wrong route and ends up on the shore of hiking alternative to avoid in example a lake or river from where he cannot continue on footcrossing under unfavourable conditions. So '''if you do not carry a packraft ''' download the KMZ trail files for the hiking option'''Packraft Option''' because these trail files show you all options.

In contrast the KMZ files for the Packraft Options i.e. "GPT01-18.kmz" contains all routes including all hiking routes. There might be good reasons i.e. strong wind or bad weather that make a hiker with a For sections without any packraft opting for parts only one section trail file is published (without an H in the hiking alternative to avoid i.e. a lake crossing under unfavourable conditions. So if you carry a packraft download the KMZ files for the packraft optionfile name).

For sections without any packraft parts only one section KML/KMZ file is published.  Read also the [[#Comment to KML/KMZ File for HikingTrail Files|comment to the KML/KMZ filetrail files]] after downloading to understand the structure and nomenclature of this file.