SPOT XML & inReach MapShare Tools

We support a number of external trackers, but SPOT and Garmin inReach devices are by far the most popular. To load these devices to our platform, participants provide us with an external feed containing their tracking data. Their device pushes updates to this feed – which is typically unique to them – allowing us to import to our servers and publish on the map.

Although SPOT XML feeds and Garmin MapShare KML feeds work in slightly different ways, they effectively both rely on unique feeds providing the data, accompanied by unique device IDs – ESNs for SPOT trackers and IMEIs for inReach trackers – to identify the physical tracker.

For these feeds to work, they must be public, active and have the correct devices assigned. And of course, the participant must also have an active subscription from either SPOT or Garmin.

Unfortunately, it is all too common for a feed to be misconfigured and this is difficult to rectify when you are mid-event, often somewhere remote.

Therefore, we have launched validator tools for both SPOT XML Feeds and inReach MapShare KML Feeds, which can help participants test and debug issues before they submit their feeds to us. And, more importantly, before the event begins!

You can try out both tools below, as well as on their dedicated pages or on our Tracker Troubleshooting page.