Create a map from a GPSr reading?

[Timberline Echoes]

Today someone asked me about purchasing a GPSr. His main reason for wanting it is to mark some trails on his property and then print a map of those trails. Is this possible to do using a GPSr? Can backtracking files be uploaded to a computer? If it is please don’t tell me how but what he would need to purchase to do it.

I think he secretly wants a GPSr so he can geocache but is using this first reason for talking his wife into the purchase.

Timberline Echoes

[greyhounder]

You can upload your tracklog to the mapping software, but I’ve never done it. I wouldn’t think it would be too hard.

This would require purchase of a GPS and software, however.

Bec

[Team Deejay]

The following packages will upload tracks or waypoints from a GPS, print maps, and retain the information:

Garmin Mapsource (requires at least one map package)
Delorme Street Atlas and Delorme Topo
USA Photomaps (Free, but takes a bit to learn and LOT of disk space)

Google Earth will take waypoints if you go through some file conversions, but if you have to ask this question, GE is probably not a good choice.

I am virtually certain that the Magellan map package (the name escapes me) will allow track uploads as well.

Someone else will have to comment on Microsoft Streets and Trips.

[Timberline Echoes]

Thanks for the info. I believe the Magellan program is called MapSend. We are on to it now. Thanks again.
Timberline Echoes

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

I have used Magellan’s MapSend for this before, and it works well. You MUST set the “Track Detail” to “Auto Detailed” to get a good map though.

[cheezehead]

I just got the Garmin MapSource program. It works great and does the trick. There is a free program called USA Photomaps that was made by a retired airline pilot JD Cox. He has a web site and the program is free.

It works of of Terra Server arial photos and Topo maps. You can also transfer routes to Google Earth, but I have not played with that program yet.

[Cheesehead Dave]

ExpertGPS will as well. You can also import scanned maps and overlay your imported tracks.

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