LOC File – What is .loc file and how to open it?

LOC File Format:

A LOC file is a text file that contains a list of GPS coordinates and corresponding timestamps. It is most commonly used in conjunction with GPS tracking devices, which record the user’s location at regular intervals and store the data in a LOC file. The file format is simple and straightforward, with each line containing a timestamp followed by the latitude and longitude coordinates.

Uses of LOC Files:

LOC files are primarily used for tracking the movement of a person or object over time. They can be uploaded to mapping software or online services to create a visual representation of the traveled path. This data can be valuable for a variety of purposes, such as navigation, route planning, and tracking the progress of a journey. Additionally, LOC files can be used to analyze movement patterns, such as identifying areas where a person or object has spent the most time or traveled the most frequently. They can also be used to investigate incidents or accidents by correlating location data with other information, such as witness accounts or traffic camera footage.

LOC File Format

The LOC file format is a proprietary file format used by some GPS devices to store location data. The format is not publicly documented, and as such, there are few software programs that can open LOC files. One such program is the GPSBabel utility, which is a free and open source program that can convert between a variety of GPS file formats, including LOC.

Opening LOC Files

To open a LOC file in GPSBabel, simply drag and drop the file onto the GPSBabel window. GPSBabel will automatically detect the file format and attempt to convert it to a more common format, such as GPX or KML. Once the file has been converted, you can open it in a variety of software programs, including Google Earth, Google Maps, and Garmin BaseCamp.

Additional Information

LOC files typically contain a list of latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as other information such as the date and time the location was recorded. Some LOC files may also contain additional information, such as the speed and altitude of the GPS device when the location was recorded.

LOC File Format and Structure

LOC files are ASCII text files that contain latitude and longitude coordinates for points on a map. The format of a LOC file is simple and easy to parse. Each line of a LOC file contains a latitude and longitude pair, separated by a comma. Latitude and longitude values are expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. For example, the following line represents a point located at 37 degrees, 17 minutes, and 42 seconds north latitude and 122 degrees, 24 minutes, and 33 seconds west longitude:


37,17,42,-122,24,33


In addition to latitude and longitude coordinates, LOC files can also contain other information, such as the name of the point, a description, and a timestamp. This information is optional and can be included on separate lines after the latitude and longitude pair. For example, the following LOC file line contains the name of the point, a description, and a timestamp:


37,17,42,-122,24,33,My Home,This is my home address,2023-02-13 14:30:00


LOC File Uses

LOC files are used by a variety of mapping and navigation applications. They can be used to create custom maps, mark points of interest, and track locations. LOC files can also be used to share locations with others. For example, you could send a LOC file to a friend to show them where you are located.

LOC files are a simple and convenient way to store and share location data. They are widely supported by mapping and navigation applications, making them a versatile tool for a variety of purposes.

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