Specify to select a different folder when the exportation fails because the folder is not writable

[walking-the-talk]

I have been trying to export GPX / KML files on Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (Android 9) - more than one handset. Also on Sony xperia (Android 9)

On each handset when tapping export file the message 'unable to write the file' is displayed and only the name of the .gpx is written to the selected directory (i.e. and empty file size 0kb).

I am able to share to google drive and the file is as expected, and I can view with my preferred Track Viewer app on the handset - there is nothing wrong with the GPX file.

I have checked the permissions of the app and it only shows Location and not ability to write to internal storage / SD card (not sure if that is the problem?). I am trying to use the app to record a track, export it to the device, and then import it to another app (not a track viewer).

Hope this is something that can be fixed. I like the simplicity and privacy of this app. Thanks.

[GrazianoCapelli]

I think it could be due to the fact that you are using a folder that is not writable (like for example a root folder, or the Documents one). It is a limitation of some new Android systems, that in Android 8 and 9 is not well managed by the system selector (in the newest Androids those folders are not selectable).

In Android 8 and 9 the user can select those folders, and the system selector dialog returns the folder without errors to GPS Logger. When the app tries to export a file, the system allows it to create the new file but the app is unable to write any data into it and also to delete the empty file. We patched this wrong behaviour with a toast by warning the user that the exportation is failed (the 'unable to write the file' message) and resetting the local exportation folder setting.

Please try to select a different folder (for example you can create a sub-folder into Documents or into the root folder) and give us a feedback of the test.

Maybe we should add the indication "Try to select another folder" to the toast.

[walking-the-talk]

Thanks. Yes, that works.

I was trying to write the file to 'Download' thinking that would be accessible. I created a folder called GPS within the Download Folder and saved to that location. I notice now that the 'local exportation folder' now shows that as the default (it was reset to empty each time my exports failed but I couldn't explain the reason!)

Could respectfully suggest that you add this to the documentation (I have just found a note in the FAQs, but it may be more useful to include this in the 'getting started guide' - because I couldn't get started :-)

Could I respectfully suggest that you add this to the documentation under the section Exportation. Your suggestion to select a different folder would also be welcome.

Thanks for your help, and apologies for not finding the answer myself!

[GrazianoCapelli]

Thanks for your useful suggestions. I was thinking to change the toast as follows:

Unable to write the file.
Please select a different folder.

If you agree, I would like to reopen the issue in order to track the modification.

[walking-the-talk]

This looks logical and gives the user useful information to solve the problem, rather than just state it.

My suggestion would be a minor change:

Unable to write the file
Please create or select a different folder