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Converting path/track to route on Garmin Converting path/track to route on Garmin
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




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  #1  
Old 22 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
Converting path/track to route on Garmin
Hi

I've been using Google Earth to record paths (tracks) and then converting them to Garmin files for use on my 60C. Does anyone know of a way I can convert these paths to Garmin routes instead? Or, is there a way to convert tracks to routes on the Garmin?

Thanks
Brett
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  #2  
Old 22 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dubai , UAE
Posts: 14
Google/Garmin/Google??
Garmin to Google ok.....Google to Garmin can't do! I have used Google Plus to checkout tracks around the UAE, and once I have the track/ Route I save the screen and then use Ozi Explorer to get the Way points or route points. It is a "round about" way but it works. and then you can upload from Ozi to your Garmin (btw I use the 60Cs as well on my XR650r) Also remember that the Google map is not very accurate in its "Google" form , anything from 500 m + out depending on your zoom. I have enough "self measured" Way points in the desert around the UAE to "calibrate" the Ozi Explorer quite accurately.
If you want to share a few s in Dubai and swap some info give me a shout( PM me) there are a few of us here!
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  #3  
Old 23 Oct 2006
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Location: Cairo
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Google to Garmin - can do
If you save a Google "path" as a .kml file and use a conversion program, such as gpsbabel, to convert it into .mps format it is possible to upload the path directly to your gps as a "track". The track is based on coordinates, and not points on an image, and so is very accurate. I'm guessing there must be a simple way to convert the track points into route points... At the moment the only way I can see it can be done is by going over the track in mapsource with the route tool. As my tracks are thousands of kms long I don't really want to do this. I can't image it's too difficult to convert. Just waiting for the right gps techie type to come along and give me what is surely a simple solution.

Ramadan's over, and the weather seems to have turned...definitely looks like season. I agree it's about time we got the UAE crowd together for a few s. Weekend after next might be a good time. I'll put up a post and send out a message to the UAE mob. Any ideas for a venue?

cheers
Brett
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  #4  
Old 23 Oct 2006
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Location: Dubai , UAE
Posts: 14
OK... rephrase you can't do a direct upload from Google! ... but your method sounds quite slick, I must try it! What is the accuracy you experience from the Google upload when you actually drive it? I would interested to know. I have been plotting a "kayaking" route around Musandam for January using a nautical map and when I take the actual co-ordinates from the paper map and input into Google there seems to be quite a large error.
We ride the desrt quite a lot around Dubai, have to admit I haven't done the Abu Dhabi bits yet.... have done a 3 day trip around Liwa with bikes..... awesome... huge dunes! I am incapacitated at the moment..fell off the bike and did my wrist! As soon as I am able ...definitely lets get a crew together.
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  #5  
Old 23 Oct 2006
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Location: Cairo
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Very accurate. I have tested tracks I have laid down from detailed maps of the city and bigger highway maps. 10-20 metres out at worst. I must admit I was quite surprised it worked so well. You must pay the $20 to get Goggle Earth Plus to be able to draw the paths. If you want to do it let me know and I'll spell out the steps.
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  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2006
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Location: Dubai , UAE
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Brett please do, I have Google Earth Plus but not GPSbabel to convert the .kml files. Let me know the steps and give it a bash. Thanks. I think this could be usefull for a lot of readers that are searching for maps etc.
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  #7  
Old 28 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Larne, N.Ireland
Posts: 68
Cool
I'm not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for but two good programs you will find on the internet are GPStrackmaker and Mapdekode - using trackmaker allows you to create your own maps from your own tracklogs.
Next you use Mapdekode to convert to Garmins Mapsource file format so you can download your own maps of your own area into your GPS unit.
All the instructions are there for download - I've tried it and it works ok although it's a little complicated to follow.
Have a look at them and see what you think.

Regards
Ralph
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  #8  
Old 15 Nov 2006
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Location: Santiago, Chile
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With Google Earth Plus (US$20), you can create paths and save it as a .kml file. Then use a conversion program to convert it to .gpx file. I use kml2gpx converter, is freeware and you can download from this site:
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthrea.../101188/page/0
Then with mapsource you open the .gpx file as a track and then using the route tool you can create your route and transfer it to your GPS
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  #9  
Old 26 Nov 2006
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Location: Sydney,Australia
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There is a utility to convert Garmin tracklogs to Garmin routes on the Yahoo group for GPSmap 76Cx

Remember that a tracklog can have up to 10,000 points but a route only up to 250(?)
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Burnie M
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