Garmin Technical Info

How to get tracks from your GPS using Garmin Basecamp

Why do it?

  • View your tracks in Garmin BaseCamp on top of the California Trail Map.
  • View your tracks on top of the Google Earth satellite imagery.
  • Send your tracks to us to update the California Trail Map.
  • Use GPX2IMG to convert your tracks into a transparent map (see below).

How to do it:

  1. Connect your GPS receiver to your PC using a USB cable.
  2. Start Garmin BaseCamp.
  3. Select Transfer,Receive from Device...
  4. Your receiver model should be listed, if not select Find Device.
  5. Verify that Tracks is selected.
  6. Select Receive.
  7. Select OK.
  8. Select File \ Save.
  9. Type a file name of your choice.

Author's Notes

Reviewing your tracks is an excellent way to learn the terrain that you've explored. Seeing your tracks on top of the GPS map or Google Earth will allow you to better visualize your travels and remember reference points for future use.

Geeky GPS Links

Garmin Downloads
USB drivers, GPS firmware updates, software updates, mapping programs and other software.
MapInstall for Windows Used to install multiple GPS maps on your receiver.
MapInstall and MapManager for the Mac Required to install the map using a Mac.
Garmin BaseCamp Use to view the map on a PC or Mac.
MapSource Similar to BaseCamp but also can be used to load maps. Last updated Oct 2010.
USB Drivers Needed for older GPS receivers.
Web Updater Update the firmware of your GPS to the most recent version.
Garmin Communicator Browser Plugin

GPSBabel
Converts waypoints, tracks, and routes between popular GPS receivers and mapping programs.

GPS File Depot
Free California Topo Map and other GPS maps and information.

GPS Information
World's most popular GPS information resource. Lots and lots of great information.

GPX2IMG
Converts GPX files to a Garmin IMG file. Many Garmin receivers don't allow you to load tracks into the GPS. This utility converts tracks into a transparent map that can be loaded onto your GPS and displayed on top of the map of your choice.

JaVaWa IMGname
Allows you to change the names of the maps loaded on your Garmin GPS.

MAPupload
Free program for uploading of IMG map files into Garmin® GPS units.

SendMap20
Software for uploading maps to your GPS.

 

 

 

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