While it is very useful to be able to share GPS data with other uses, especially for enthusiasts of geocaching, not all GPS devices speak the same language.

And Google Earth uses a completely different file format again. The solution is software like Prune that can convert between the different formats.

Prune is written in Java so, assuming that the Java Runtime Environment is installed on the computer, it will work with Windows, Mac or even Linux. The Java 3D files are required for the 3D view.

Importing files is very simple as Prune is able to recognise the different characters used to split up the fields and it is possible to manually specify which is which if required. Our test file was recognised without this being necessary.

A route is then displayed with brief information about each waypoint.

If the data file included altitude information and the Java3D software has been installed it is possible to view the route in 3D. There are no maps in either of the views but this is still useful.

The route can be edited to remove or change waypoints with errors and the distances between them can be viewed.

Prune can also read location data stored as EXIF information on digital photos.

The information can then be exported in several different formats including KML, which is used by Google Earth.