[pct-l] GPS and Software for Map-making

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good evening, JJ,



I’m very much a fan of Natl. Geo. TOPO! mapping software, and with that I
have a GPS receiver that will connect via a cord to the computer to
up/download track points and waypoints.  Almost any modern GPS receiver will
have that feature available.  I don’t use a fancy GPS; just a simple Garmin
Geko 201.  That will save all the track points I need for most local trail
segments.



Once I’ve uploaded the track points I often copy the list off the TOPO!
screen and paste it into Excel for convenience in editing.   Once I'm done
editing I copy and paste the data back into TOPO! for viewing.  Excel is
also a good place to store waypoints for further use.



Good luck.  Fiddling with GPS and TOPO! Is a great way to stay interested
during a long winter.



Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT -- 1965

 http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

 http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 2:29 PM, Jim BayGarden <jkeener at baygardeners.com>wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I am undertaking the map tracing for the Bay Area Ridge Trail. I
> looked for maps online, and finding none, decided to come up with some
> on my own. I'm new to this, and got in touch with Scott, who advised
> me to make good traces and use widely available mapping software. So
> that's what I shall do.
>
> GPS: which one is best for this job. And the software to store the
> data I collect. Which should I use? Any other advice appropriate?
>
> Newby questions, but then that's appropriate.
>
> Walk well,
> Jim Keener ( J J )
> http://baygardeners.com
>
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