Michael Tyler

This post describes how to create Google Maps from a GPS devise.

Your Etrex will output two lots of data available from the GPX files.

The two types of data allow you to create.

A Google Map of Waypoints

A Google Map of Tracks

There is a process you need to follow:-

Plug in your GPS unit.

Access Ozi Explorer.

Use the interface to import your waypoints..

A Google Map of Waypoints

1) Ozi Explorer
Get Waypoints from GPS

File > Save Maps to File > Export to GPX – Save to Desktop

2) GPS Visualizer
You’ve got a selection of options.

In order to get them into Google Maps, they have to be in a web accessible format. So choose Google Earth format.

Once your file is uploaded you should be given a link to download your file which looks something like this 1211203282-21568-82.37.19.123.kmz.

Click on it get it to your desktop.

3) Googlemaps
Go to Googlemaps.co.uk

Go to My Maps

On Create New Map > Import > KML File

A Google Map of Tracks

… lifted straight from previous blogs on the subject.

1) Ozi Explorer
From the interface > Get track from GPS

If you’ve done it correctly, you’ll get a tally in the toolbar.

Wait until this has finished.

File > Save Maps to File > Export to GPX – Save to Desktop

2) GPS Visualizer
Again, you’ve got a selection, choose Google Earth and your file will convert to a web-ready format.

From your link, 1211203282-21568-82.37.19.123.kmz, save to desktop.

3) Googlemaps
Go to Googlemaps.co.uk

Go to My Maps

On Create New Map > Import > KML File.

If the file is a large one Maps will split it up over a number of pages.

That’s it! Google plots your waypoints/tracks then zooms to center the map.
It’s as simple as giving your waypoints/tracks some names and you can share this map with the world.

Hardware

Garmin Etrex GPS

Garmin PC interface cable (RS232 serial port connector) – not applicable to Geko 101