I've have a question I'm hoping somebody can help me with. It is regarding using the TopoFusion trail network feature in conjunction with Garmin GPS units.
The TopoFusion trail network feature is great - I can take several tracks in .gpx format from my Garmin, load them into TopoFusion, and get a single .gpx track file the represents all the tracks as a network. I can take that .gpx track file, convert to the Garmin .gdb format with gpsbabel, but I get multiple .gdb files. This is because the trail network .gpx file actually contains multiple tracks (each segment of the network is represented as a distinct track).
I'd prefer a .gdb file with one track, for easy display on the Garmin - I'm worried that as my networks get bigger I could have dozens of tracks that represent my network, and I might hit some limit on the Garmin regarding the number of tracks that can be displayed concurrently, or more likely, hit a performance problem with lots of tracks.
I've tried the gpsbabel merge feature, or converting the trail network to a list of waypoints, but these didn't work. Does anybody know how to get a single track out of TopoFusion's trail network feature?
I have the same gripe with my Magellan. When I upload a topofusion made trail network to it, it decides it should connect all the "open ends" of each track segment. Looks like hell
The one idea I keep thinking is to try to generate some basemap layers consisting of just these trail networks (like the topo basemaps) - I have not spent anytime trying to figure out how to do it w/magellans, but I know for Garmins there are a bunch of options out there.
Of course, this is all just a fleeting thought, might not work at all or be in the least bit practical. And your gps would have to be basemap compatible.
But, yeah, count me in for an option in topofusion that will smartly generate a contiguous track file from a network
I've have a question I'm hoping somebody can help me with. It is regarding using the TopoFusion trail network feature in conjunction with Garmin GPS units.
I'd prefer a .gdb file with one track, for easy display on the Garmin - I'm worried that as my networks get bigger I could have dozens of tracks that represent my network, and I might hit some limit on the Garmin regarding the number of tracks that can be displayed concurrently, or more likely, hit a performance problem with lots of tracks.
Does anybody know how to get a single track out of TopoFusion's trail network feature?
I just uploaded a ~4000 point network to my 60CS, but chose the "to Active Log" option. This uploads the network as one track, but with "not connected" flags between track points that aren't connected.
The result is that you don't get any funky connecting lines, and the network displays perfectly on the GPS.
You're only limited by the 10,000 total track log limit, plus this eats away memory for recording a new track -- shouldn't be a problem unless you are going for an epic ride.
If you upload a network using saved tracks, you will run out of them quickly. Each can be 500 points, but you only get 20 of them (typically), which doesn't lead to a very large network. I always use "to active log" instead.
Nathan's idea of creating a basemap to upload to the unit is a great one. Especially if you've got a finalized trail network this would be very, very handy. I don't think it is very hard to do, but haven't tried it myself.
Nathan -- unfortunately there's no "not connected" flag in Magellan's protocol spec, so you would need the full network traversal as one complete track option. The problem with this is that you're going to waste a lot of track points going out and back on many of the segments. It's kind of a cool Computer Science problem that would be fun to code up (minimal graph traversal), but I don't think it's very practical, and IMO it's a problem that should be dealt with on the GPS side (as Garmin has done). Going backwards on segments just so they don't connect to each other is a pretty nasty hack around what should be a simple problem.
Great advice, guys, thanks. (FYI I'm using a 60CSx).
I don't recall seeing a "to active log" option, but I'll look for it. The basemap idea sounds ideal, when I have the opportunity I'll research how to do this, and if I figure it out, I'll post back here.
Great advice, guys, thanks. (FYI I'm using a 60CSx).
I don't recall seeing a "to active log" option, but I'll look for it. The basemap idea sounds ideal, when I have the opportunity I'll research how to do this, and if I figure it out, I'll post back here.
Nathan -- unfortunately there's no "not connected" flag in Magellan's protocol spec, so you would need the full network traversal as one complete track option. The problem with this is that you're going to waste a lot of track points going out and back on many of the segments. It's kind of a cool Computer Science problem that would be fun to code up (minimal graph traversal), but I don't think it's very practical, and IMO it's a problem that should be dealt with on the GPS side (as Garmin has done). Going backwards on segments just so they don't connect to each other is a pretty nasty hack around what should be a simple problem.
HOser, reading this post, I just wanted you to understand that the "to active log", is in TopoFusion, under the the "GPS" tab -> "GPS transfer". There is no reason to use gpsbabel to convert the file to a gdb (which I assume your doing to then load it into MapSource and upload it into your GPS). SKIP ALL THAT ! Plug your Garmin GPS into your computer and load the tracks, DIRECTLY FROM TOPOFUSION, while the others hint at this, I just wanted you to hear it straight - (You may need to go into options and set the GPS to Garmin Serial or Garmin USB First) - No gpsbabel - No .gdb - No hassles - TopoFusion is compatible with Garmin Devices - Hope this helps - Good Luck
Out of curiousity, does anyone here know of any softwares that allow the creation of Magellan basemaps? I have only found 1 crazy page outlining stuff - which all seemed pretty nuts.
I just downloaded the demo version of Mapwel2007 and was playing with it for making MTB basemaps.
I was able to create one for a local trail and load it into my Garmin Vista Cx but it wouldn't overlay onto the existing basemap so that I could see the roads in relationship to the trail. I could toggle back and forth between the two maps, but ideally I'd like to have both showing. I figure this is either a problem with the demo version limiting the custom basemap or because I haven't loaded a Garmin basemap into the extended memory (microSD) or a problem with the software.
If any of you guys have access to the add-on basemaps for the Garmin and are willing to give the Mapwel demo a try I'd be really interested to hear if you have the same problems I've had.
Jim
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