Using Google Earth and “.gdb” Files
I plan to upload “.gdb” files generated by my Garmin etrex Vista HCx as an aid to people trying to find the places I describe or photograph.
There are probably many ways to make use of these files, but I generally use them in two ways. To view and edit them in their native software, download Garmin MapSource software, which is available for free. You will then need maps to view the data against, and I explain how to find free, routable maps of the whole world in my Using A GPS in Kyrgyzstan post. If you have a compatible Garmin GPS, you can then upload maps, tracks and waypoints to your GPS.
My other usual use of these files is in Google Earth. Google Earth is a great tool for exploring the world virtually. It is also a great aid for exploring the physical world. You can open the .gdb files directly in Google Earth to see the tracks and waypoints displayed against the Google Earth imagery. You can zoom in and see all kinds of detail in the Google maps, depending on what they have on a particular area. You can also review an elevation profile, showing not only the elevation gain and loss over the route, but also the speeds at which different segments were traveled, maximum and minimum slopes, and the travel time (watch out for this one – we probably had a picnic sometime along the way – and I sometimes delete detours we made, either on purpose or by accident).
You can also edit the tracks and waypoints in Google Earth, and move the modified versions into your GPS. You have to save them as “.kml” files, and convert them to “.gpx” but this can be done using freeware. (I recommend GPSBabel.) You can then open the “.gpx” file in MapSource, or even upload directly to your GPS.
You can also create wholly new routes in Google Earth, tracing the roads marked there and then transfer those routes into your GPS. I have found that to be time-intensive work, but relatively simple to do and it provides quite accurate routes.
Posted: June 12th, 2011 under Google Earth, GPS, Mapping, Travel.
Tags: Google Earth, GPS, Mapping, Travel
Comments
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