GPS Waypoint Coding System
Every waypoint in the Sammiana GPS files carries a unique waypoint code in the format #I3-1234D – where the prefix identifies the trail section (I3, Z2, etc.) and the four-digit number is a sequential code that increases continuously along the route from start to finish.
This system makes precise location communication simple and unambiguous. Whether on the trail or planning from home, a single code identifies an exact point on the route. A hiker can report “I am at Z2-1840” and their position is immediately known. Trail conditions can be logged with precision – “Water source at Z2-0950 is dry” or “Snow crossing difficult above I2-2310” – without the need for coordinates or lengthy descriptions.
After the four-digit number there is a letter, and in some cases an additional number. These describe the nature of the waypoint when the icon is not visible in your navigation app:
- D – Junction
- P ( 1-3 ) – Stream ( 1 = very small, 2 = medium, 3 = very large stream ) . P1 streamlets may easily be dry during dry periods.
- V ( 1-3 ) – Drinking water source – spring or faucet (1 = unreliable, may be dry, 2 = medium, 3 = very reliable)
- K – Tent site. A number following K indicates a smaller site suitable for that number of tents only (e.g. K2 = suitable for 2 tents).
- R – The waypoint describes a broader area, not a specific spot.
When reading the GPS tracks, waypoint codes also give you a sense of progress and distance remaining on each section. The codes are embedded in all downloadable GPS files (KML and GPX) and are visible on compatible GPS devices and mapping applications. The code is located at the end of the Description field of each waypoint and is displayed automatically when you tap or select a waypoint in your navigation app.
How to use Google Maps
Click on the icon in the upper left corner before the name of the map to see the tracks and markers listed in a new sliding window that will open. In the new window, you can turn on/off certain parts of the section, or by clicking on certain markers, you can position yourself on it on the map and get more information about it (description and image).
If you click on the little star after the map name, the map will be added to your Google Maps. To be able to see the map in the future on any device where you are logged in with your Google account, open Google Maps on that device, go to Menu -> Your Places -> Maps and you will see the map in the list.
Icons and names for markers :
 | Junction – if there is no waymarking on the trail, it is recommended to look at the GPS signal and marker information to check which direction you should be heading. |
 | Forward – Continue straight regardless of which direction you are coming from and what side paths there are. |
 | Small stream – May be dry in summer or in the form of a larger stream in wet periods |
 | Stream – Hard to dry up and can be flooded in wet periods |
 | River – You probably won’t be able to cross it without stepping in water and it doesn’t dry up during dry periods |
 | A bridge over a stream or river |
 | A small spring or fountain with low yield and unreliable especially in dry periods |
 | A spring or fountain with a solid yield, however, it can still happen to be dry from August on |
 | A spring or fountain that does not dry up throughout the year |
 | Camping site. The number after the word “Camp” indicates the approximate number of tents that can be accommodated. If there is no number, it is more than 5 tents. If it is accompanied by the word “Options”, then it is a place that is not very suitable for setting up a tent, but you can find something in the area. |
 | Information about that exact location where the marker is located |
 | Information about the trail in that area (not about the specific point where the marker is located) |
 | Shelter – Natural or artificial shelter (suitable in case of a storm for example) |
 | Danger on the trail |
 | A point suitable for rest usually with a nice view |
 | Overnight or shelter building – Mountain lodges, cabins, motels and the like |
 _____ | Settlement/City – settlement, information about the settlement |
If there is “info” suffix on the name of the marker– Means that there is additional textual information about the marker
Example “Junction – info” means that there is additional information that you can read if you select the marker.
How to use GPS tracks from this site:
The tracks you can download are in KML and GPX formats and you can load them in any application that supports these formats.
A good app should show the trails along with the markers and all the necessary information about them – just like the Google maps used on this page. Unfortunately, most apps have trouble displaying waypoint icons, descriptions, and/or images of certain trail markers, so we’ll only recommend some applications:
- Google Maps
- Google Earth
- Locus Map – One of the few Android apps that shows GPS tracks along with waypoint icons and images. The app has many other options and it takes some time to learn all the options, but then you will have a powerful app with many features that can come in handy for various needs.
- E-Walk ( Android and iOS )
- Gaia GPS ( Android and iOS )
- Geo Tracker ( Android and iOS )