How do I batch change waypoint icons

[WallyD]

In order to fix a problem with edited waypoint icons disappearing, imported gpx files now default to a question mark for the icon. When I had to restore my computer and reinstall Open CPN most of my waypoints came in as question marks without names visible on the chart. Two questions:
(1) is there a way to batch change all or a subset of your waypoint icons?
(2) how do you make the waypoint names visible for all waypoints as the default?

[HappySeagull]

Originally Posted by WallyD

In order to fix a problem with edited waypoint icons disappearing, imported gpx files now default to a question mark for the icon. When I had to restore my computer and reinstall Open CPN most of my waypoints came in as question marks without names visible on the chart. Two questions:
(1) is there a way to batch change all or a subset of your waypoint icons?
(2) how do you make the waypoint names visible for all waypoints as the default?

(1) I have done similar per your query with success. but don't feel like revisiting it to see if this is what I did right now...so, you can try this. It's where I would start unless you wait for a better answer....? If you made the original gpx's with opencpn it should be easy

You can use a text editor application to replace the existing icons in your .gpx. I use "Notepad++" It has a "search for all instances+replace all " function.
..assuming there are several of the same name, and you just want one of opencpns defaults, replace your lost icons in the gpx with the default
triangle or circle etc.
It would look like this in the gpx file.
<sym>triangle</>
...You would only need search for <sym> to find them and then replace all of the same icon as in search for <sym>mylosticon</>sym> and replace all with <sym>triangle</sym>. I include the whole line as a safe habit.
But if you can find your custom icons, put them in opencpn's UserIcons folder, then your old icons may reappear.

You might also have a look at the .ini file...I have an entry under the heading [Settings/Others]
DefaultWPIcon=triangle (or circle or mylosticon..)

If you are using another application to make gpx files and it's default icons, you should note the name of the icon it uses and make one of the same name for your UserIcons folder

(2) look at this section of the opencpn type gpx: (Other applications do not often have this)

<extensions>
<opencpn:guid>73ebffff-c65b-412f-820b-e95d19ad0000</opencpn:guid>
<opencpn:viz>1</opencpn:viz>
<opencpn:viz_name>1</opencpn:viz_name>
</extensions>

...again find and replace all instances of <opencpn:viz_name>0</opencpn:viz_name>
with
<opencpn:viz_name>1</opencpn:viz_name>

Hope it helps.

[WallyD]

Thank you Happy Seagull,

Your response was most helpful. Unfortunately, even when the gpx file is generated by OpenCPN I do not have a <opencpn:viz_name>1</opencpn:viz_name>
line with the waypoint. I see where the line should go and maybe I can figure out how to batch add it.

From my perspective having the waypoints imported without visible names is a bug and I will enter a task in Tracker.

Wally

[HappySeagull]

Wally, have a look at opencpn's navobj.xml and the numbered backups......these may help.

[HappySeagull]

Originally Posted by WallyD

Thank you Happy Seagull,

Your response was most helpful. Unfortunately, even when the gpx file is generated by OpenCPN I do not have a <opencpn:viz_name>1</opencpn:viz_name>
line with the waypoint. I see where the line should go and maybe I can figure out how to batch add it.

From my perspective having the waypoints imported without visible names is a bug and I will enter a task in Tracker.

Wally

I tested the most recent beta and these options are included as lines in an exported gpx (either a route or waypoint) if they were set before exporting...
They will not appear where no option was set.
Also, using and "saving" them in another navigation application often strips these tags.

[PjotrC]

Originally Posted by HappySeagull

these options are included as lines in an exported gpx (either a route or waypoint) if they were set before exporting...
They will not appear where no option was set.

If this is so, it will make life even harder for those who hand-edit GPX files. It was really much easier in previous generation of OCPN, when the properties were encoded as a simple string:

<wpt lat="54.786999" lon="14.169000">
<name>ARKONA_BECKEN Platf.</name>
<desc></desc>
<sym>platform</sym>
<type>WPT</type>
<prop>A,0,1,1,1</prop>
</wpt>

Maybe this looks not so pleasing to XML parsers but is much easier to edit on the human side... perhaps a compromise format could be found, taking into account the ease of batch editing GPX files? Besides assuming the right defaults on import, it is often an important factor, when converting foreign files.

[nohal]

Pjotr...
This is gone for years. And it was not GPX compliant at all.
If this stuff is really needed, we have to provide tools to do it, not use crappy solutions.

Pavel


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[PjotrC]

Pavel,

I know, I am not proposing just to revert to this format... but there must exist a way which is both GPX compliant and easier to work with ( a single number encoding the values? a string keyword with some meaningful letters?)

Yes, I often have to convert foreign GPX to feed into OCPN, and regular expressions seem to become more difficult to write

Thanks,

Piotr