Once a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, GPSies.com now echoes with memories of trails mapped and adventures planned. This location, Steinstraße 19, was once the heart of a platform loved by hikers and cyclists. Let’s dive into the story of GPSies.com.
GPSies.com emerged in 2006. It quickly became a go-to website. People used it to find and download tracks for various outdoor activities. Walking, running, hiking and cycling routes were all available. The site offered a variety of formats for downloading tracks.
Users could search for tracks by category. They could view altitude profiles. GPSies.com also allowed users to upload and publish their own tracks. OpenStreetMap was among the map suppliers used by the site.
Beyond the website, GPSies.com provided access through mobile and desktop applications. Maverick, Locus and Simple OSM were examples of mobile apps. GpsPrune and GpsMaster were desktop options. These interfaces made GPSies.com accessible to a wide range of users.
In 2019, a significant change occurred. AllTrails acquired GPSies. This acquisition expanded AllTrails’ European trail network. It also solidified AllTrails’ global presence. Klaus Bechtold, CEO of GPSies, expressed delight in joining AllTrails. He aimed to bring more routes and services to a growing audience.
Following the acquisition, AllTrails translated its content into German, French and Spanish. This made it easier for trail-goers across the globe to access information. AllTrails CEO, Jade Van Doren, emphasized the benefits of spending time outdoors. She aimed to help people access nature more easily and safely.
However, the acquisition had some drawbacks for other platforms. MyTrails, for example, lost its integration with GPSies. AllTrails closed the APIs that MyTrails used to upload and download tracks. This meant MyTrails users could no longer directly access GPSies data.
GPSies.com represents a chapter in the evolution of digital trail mapping. Though no longer an independent entity, its legacy lives on within AllTrails. The spirit of GPSies.com continues to encourage outdoor exploration. It reminds us of the joy of discovering new paths. Think about the countless journeys started here, at GPSies.com.