How To Make A Trail Map Using Google Earth

[Louisdut]

I used this link How To Make A Trail Map Using Google Earth

Once you have your path/track saved to your PC it will be in either KML-KMZ format so your need a KML-KMZ to GPX converter (should be lots free on the net)

Once converted to GPX format you can open in MapSource and send to your GPS which in the case of my Zumo then turns it into a route (its only a line on the map and not routable)

I'm sure there are lots of other ways to do this but it works for me this way

Louis

ps I'm a carpenter by trade so most days this is my computer



So sorry not the best person to be giving advice but was asked in another thread so hope this helps

[Louisdut]

Example “Morocco” this is what I use Google Earth for

Path created in Google Earth



You can plan which path you want to take



This is the track in MapSource



Then send to your GPS

Louis

Ps I use Trailwise & Memory Map for the UK unpaved roads & Google Earth for foreign travel on unpaved roads

[Alun]

Thanks for that Louis, and for anyone who's not sure what Mapsourse is....

MapSource is included with the purchase of a Garmin map on DVD or CD. With MapSource, you can:

* Back up important trip data separately from your Garmin device.
* Plan routes from the convenience of your computer instead of on your device.
* Create, view, and edit waypoints, routes, and tracks.
* Plan extensive or complicated routes, in which you travel to several locations in an order you specify.
* Transfer waypoints, routes and tracks between your computer and your device.
* Transfer selected map from your computer to your device.
* Find items, addresses and points of interest included in the map data.
* View your maps in detail on your computer screen.


Note: MapSource is computer software (Windows® only). It does not contain actual maps.
Link for more info

[Louisdut]

KML to .gpx converter

So, thanks go to Louis. With his help I discovered that the converter I was using to go from KML to .gpx wasn't working correctly. Now, using a new converter obtained here it all works great.

[davsato]

now we are getting somewhere!
ok, a couple of points,
louisdut thanks for that converter, i will be playing with that. once the track is put on mapsource cant you just put waypoints all along it, and use those to make it routable?

alun, mapsource is free to download from the garmin website and elsewhere, you dont need to buy a satnag to obtain it although i dont know how much use it would be without maps, or if it works with other brands maps and hardware.

[Alun]

alun, mapsource is free to download from the garmin website and elsewhere, you dont need to buy a satnag to obtain it although i dont know how much use it would be without maps, or if it works with other brands maps and hardware.

Interesting you say it's free, that quote was taken directly off the Garmin website. Would be good if peeps could add to this thread answering

'without maps, or if it works with other brands maps and hardware' bit

[davsato]

alun, mapsource is free to download from the garmin website and elsewhere, you dont need to buy a satnag to obtain it although i dont know how much use it would be without maps, or if it works with other brands maps and hardware.

Interesting you say it's free, that quote was taken directly off the Garmin website. Would be good if peeps could add to this thread answering

'without maps, or if it works with other brands maps and hardware' bit

well alun now you made me look and bugger me sideways, the tight gits have now taken the full download off the website, you can only update an existing mapsource program. fret not, i found this;
http://freegeographytools.com/2007/garm ... e-for-free
will be interesting to see if it works..........