Easy Garmin Mapsource Routing for N00bs (Tutorial)

[bitterjoe]

I am doing something wrong. Total n00b to autorouting, please bear with me. I am using a Legend CX with CN8. A couple of things going on that I cannot understand.

I create a route in CN8, very basic, a start and finish point. It autoroutes on the PC perfectly. I upload it to the gps and it appears as a straight line when I view it. Why? Shouldn't it look the same as what is displayed on the PC?

I create a route on the gps using two already established uploaded waypoints for the start and finish of the same route; it displays as a straight line.

I create a route on the gps by placing two points from the start and finish and click navigate and it creates the route perfectly... all the way from my current location.

Shouldn't I be able to see just that route, not it being routed from my current position? Kind of like how a track is displayed (which is what I have used up until now).

Any pointers will be much appreciated.

[tbirdsp]

When you select your route in your first two examples, are you actually hitting "navigate"?
Not sure about the eTrex Legend Cx, but the 60 and 76 will calculate the route every time you hit "navigate". Only the points transfer.

[bitterjoe]

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

When you select your route in your first two examples, are you actually hitting "navigate"?
Not sure about the eTrex Legend Cx, but the 60 and 76 will calculate the route every time you hit "navigate". Only the points transfer.

Well, it looks like I can get it to route by hitting navigate in all three scenarios, but the problem remains is that it always navigates from my current location. Can't I get it to just show me the single route that was autorouted without having it start from my current position?

I guess what I really want is an autoroute to display just like a track. Can that be done?

[Vstromdek]

Yep, you can view it only by just hitting the map option; but you can't route the route at that point, you must navigate to use it.

[bitterjoe]

Originally Posted by dekruyter

Yep, you can view it only by just hitting the map option; but you can't route the route at that point, you must navigate to use it.

I have found a workaround by converting the autoroutes to tracks using wingdb which will give me what I need.

I am still getting the same straight line and am curious if I have a setting wrong. I am including all the route calculation information when uploading the maps.

[tbirdsp]

Originally Posted by bitterjoe

Can't I get it to just show me the single route that was autorouted without having it start from my current position?

On a 60Cx - no- and sounds like your Legend is the same way. If you really want to view a route that doesn't start at your current location, you have to put it in "GPS off" mode and manually designate your route start waypoint as your new position.

[Misery Goat]

Originally Posted by nomiles

*Bump*

because I'm a n00b to using my GPS and need to figure this stuff out.

Thanks cmwoodys and others.

+1

thanks for the info.

[duckrider]

Thanks for posting this. I'm still near the bottom of the learning curve.

[Emoto]

This is a great thread. Thanks, cmwoodys!

I had no idea about the Google Earth thing. I just tried it, and it opens up Google Earth just fine, but my Mapsource route is not there. Browsed the MapSource help, but no joy there. Any idea what I am doing wrong?

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by cmwoodys

Are you getting anything in ge? straight line?

I seem to be getting a very thin turqoise straight line.

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by cmwoodys

Yeah, the thing about GE is that it doesn't perform any routing. You have to set via points in Mapsource first and then transfer them over to GE. Once waypoints and vias are in GE, it'll draw that turquoise line from one to the other. Not an ideal application but its all there is currently.

Download the gpx file I attached to the first post and try it out. Its a loop of Deal's gap and the Cherohala parkway so theres LOTS of via points.

Thanks!!

If I grab and "rubber band" one of my routes, will that cause MapSource to add the via points necessary for GE to do its thing?

How do I transfer waypoints and via points to GE? Is that done automagically when I go VIEW>VIEW IN GE in MapSource, or is there more to it?

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by cmwoodys

On Mapsource the route is shown pink. click on it and it turns yellow, click on it again and it will rubber band to wherever you click place it. Vias and waypoints will be auto transferred to GE.

Fantastic. Thank you very much! Can't wait to try it.

[munchmeister]

Ditto, man. And I like your original example. That may be my ride plan to get to the Beehive Beemers Red Rock Rally in June.

[Dessert Storm]

Excellent tutorial - many blood pressure points saved! Your time taken to post this is much appreciated.

[duckrider]

Thanks for the tips guys, this will go a long ways in shortening the learning curve.