Dan Foster has been writing high-quality, easy-to-use GPS and mapping software since 1998. Dan is the author of PanTerra, EasyGPS, ExpertGPS, and GeoBuddy. In addition to writing geocaching software, Dan is a major contributor to the development of the GPS Exchange Format (GPX), the de-facto standard for GPS data exchange between consumer mapping products.
A Commitment to Geocaching and Open File Formats
May, 2000 - First "gps stash" posted on sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup
Summer, 2000 - Dan offers to host the dozen or so worldwide geocaches on topografix.com. Finds out Jeremy Irish is working on a Web site as well.
November, 2000 - Dan joins geocaching.com as geocacher #693.
Winter, 2001 - Dan and Jeremy Irish sketch out the geocaching.com XML .loc format, which allows geocachers to download geocache waypoints directly to EasyGPS.
June, 2001 - Geocaching.com offers geocache and waypoint downloads in .loc format, with a custom version of EasyGPS.
Summer, 2001 - Kjeld Jenson, Dave Wissenbach, and Dan Foster recognize the need for a common format for exchanging GPS data between programs, and start the "GPS XML" mailing list.
2002 - The "GPS XML" group decides to call their new format "GPX - the GPS Exchange format" and releases GPX 1.0. Dan hosts the documentation and GPX schema at topografix.com.
December, 2002 - Geocaching.com adds GPX Pocket Queries for use with EasyGPS and ExpertGPS.
August, 2004 - Dan is the principal author of GPX 1.1 - the latest version of the open GPS Exchange Format.
2005 - GPX is now the de-facto format for GPS data exchange in consumer products, with support from TopoGrafix, Garmin, Magellan, Google, and dozens of other vendors.
October, 2006 - Dan releases GeoBuddy, the first all-in-one mapping and data management program especially for geocachers.
2007 - Help write the next chapter - your comments and feedback on GeoBuddy will inspire the next generation of geocaching software.
Dan Foster
TopoGrafix
24 Kirkland Dr
Stow, MA 01775