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walkmapper

Since around 2015, one of my favorite hobbies has been going for walks around my hometown of Portland, OR. In early 2020 I began developing the Python package walkmapper (GitHub repo) to help keep track of where I've been (and help me to locate areas that I hadn't walked through before).

The package works by analyzing .gpx files, a common file format used by GPS devices. The Asics Runkeeper app was used in development, as it allows you to record GPS locations on your smart phone and export them from your account in the browser. Open Street Map is a great resource for grabbing maps to use as backgrounds. Just select "Share" on the map sidebar, size your image with "Set custom dimensions", and download. Rename the photo using the methods described below, allowing the package to properly parse the latitudes and longitudes.