GPS Mapping Question

[number cruncher]

Here's what I want to do with my GPS to develop an accurate map of my deer hunting property (about 400 acres)- 1) mark waypoints of the corners of the property, 2) mark deer trails and other terrain features that intersect the boundaries (fence lines and fields), 3) mark trails, swamps and other features in the interior of the property.

I have a GPS and know how to mark waypoints - I just haven't come across software that enables me to transfer the waypoints onto a screen where I can use a draw feature to connect the dots.

Is anyone aware of GPS software that would help me achieve what I've described? I know a person could accomplish the same thing without a GPS by simply estimating the placement, size, and shape of such features but I thought it would be nice to do this more precisely.

Thanks

[Riverratpete]

I've taken my GPS coordinates before and plugged them into topozone.com and it marks on a topo map the spot, I suppose if you had a light table you could try and do an overlay onto satellite imagery also from the topo map. At alot of the sporting goods places they now have a "National Geographic" kiosk for doing the same thing.

[DTro]

You could try googleearth. I think the upgraded version (pay) has some cool gps features.

I have a 4 cd set of topo maps of the entire state. If I remember right it had many GPS features. I'll have to look again.

[hobbydog]

What type of GPS do you have? You can buy software that allows you to export not only waypoints but rout logs as well. I can export may garmin info into MapSource and if you buy the additional detail layer you can get some very nice maps. Also very user freindly.

[Hotspotter]

NC:

You're crossing over from the GPS world into Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

To answer your question, the most effective way I've been able to do this, is to use two separate freeware packages. As hobbydog explained, one to download/save the waypoints, and another to "map" or display them.

1. DNR Garmin extension - Go the MNDNR page and do a search. This software will download and manage the waypoints. Save them as shapefiles.

2. ArcExplorer - Go to ESRI HSOforum and download this program. You will be able to display the waypoints as shapefiles you just downloaded. You'll also be able to view aeiral photos, downloaded from the LMIC HSOforum.

For more data to work with, go to the DNR Data Deli, to download all types of Minnesota data.

Joel

[Studer]

NC,

If you go to www.terraserver-usa.com your can zoom in on you land and you will have to physically print out cut and tape the map together. Also with the map that you print out, you can print out all of the GPS coordinates right over the top of the map. I have found this to work very well. You can have it laminated and use a dry erase marker to mark stands that you have up, erase the ones you take down and mark trails as well. Maybe not exactly what you were looking for but somewthing i've found very helpful!! Good luck

[DTro]

Here's an idea.....you can do a "print screen" of your map with GPS marks. Copy and Paste to paint and voila draw lines and shapes and colors to your hearts content.

[YukonDew]

Number Cruncher:

I imagine your brand of GPS makes a difference. I have a Garmin GPSMap 60GPS and Map Source TOPO USA. I believe other Garmin GPS products would be the same - but I'm not certain. Mapsource TOPO USA cost me an extra $100.00, but they work so well together I feel it was $100 well spent. The big advantage is that routes, boundries, and waypoints can be transfered both directions between my GPS and PC.

I often mark multiple routes up on my PC and load them up into my GPS. If you know the UTM of four corners of your propery, it would only take seconds to create a "route" the encompasses your property. Any additional routes that mark trails or waypoints would be easy enough to add, especialy if you already have waypoints available to import from your GPS into Map Source.

Once you are done, exporting your file from PC to GPS takes anly a few seconds and you can carry everything from your PC map with you into the field. Since each project is saved as a file, you can import new data and make changes from your GPS to your PC when you get back -

Every fishing trip to a new lake, hiking trip and BWCA trip I've made is on my PC - when I go back to any of those area's I download my saved file into my GPS. Then I have my TOPO info and my previous data ready to go in a matter of minutes.

I hope my GPS never fails! I still always carry a compass, but I'm not sure I remember how to use that thing -

Thanks,