Author Archives: Dan Foster

Determining the correct coordinate format for X,Y data

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Dan Foster

Sometimes you’re given a set of X,Y or Easting,Northing data in an unknown coordinate format. Here are some tricks to make it easier to determine the correct coordinate format using ExpertGPS.

Posted in Converting CSV, Coordinate Conversion, Mapping Tips and Tricks, State Plane Coordinates | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Adding Elevation to Trails with ExpertGPS

Posted on July 7, 2009 by Dan Foster

Paul R. needs a way to add elevation data to cycling routes he’s drawing in Google Maps. ExpertGPS now has a cool new tool to allow him to add elevation data to any route or trail.

Posted in Google Earth, Mapping Tips and Tricks, Mapping your Data | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

How to Transfer GPS Data to and from an Excel Spreadsheet

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Jordan Z. asks: “The description says that Excel data can be uploaded to a GPS. Does that go the other way too? I’m mostly interested in buying a GPS and being able to export waypoints to my computer for use … Continue reading →

Posted in Converting CSV, Converting Data Formats | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Convert a GIS Trail Network to GPX for GPS Download

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Robert G. asks: “I have a client who is interested in providing their trail network for users to download to their handheld GPS receivers. After searching extensively, I have not been able to find a solution to what I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Cartography, Converting Data Formats, Converting GPX, Converting SHP | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

ExpertGPS Review: Historical Railroad Mapping

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Mike G. uses ExpertGPS to research abandoned railroads. ExpertGPS lets him mark rights of way on historical topo maps, and then scour modern aerial photos for matching features.”

Posted in ExpertGPS Uses, Historical Maps and Genealogy, Scanned Maps | Tagged , , | Comments Off

How to Convert Garmin MapSource GDB to ESRI SHP

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Drew asks: “Will your software convert from Garmin Mapsource GDB to ESRI SHP? I have a file with multiple routes in one GDB file and I need to convert them all at one time to a shapefile line dataset. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Converting Data Formats, Converting SHP, GIS | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Creating GPS hiking maps from a scanned trail map

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Jim asks: “I would like to hike trails in various park locations throughout the US ( mostly Tampa area, FL). I can find the addresses online and usually a general map of the trails. Many of these trails are miles … Continue reading →

Posted in Mapping Tips and Tricks, Scanned Maps | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Mapping Lowrance GPS Fishing Waypoints in Google Earth

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

Brian H. asks: “How do I add Lowrance gps way point numbers( like 34.06.182 / 81.23.465 and convert to get into google earth pro for fishing way points?”

Posted in Coordinate Conversion, Fishing & Boating, Google Earth | Tagged , , | Comments Off

How to add a new coordinate format or datum to ExpertGPS

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

ExpertGPS author Dan Foster shows how to add a new coordinate format (like lat/lon, UTM, MGRS, or state plane coordinates) to ExpertGPS, so you can enter coordinates in this format, or convert it to another format.

Posted in Coordinate Conversion | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Why does ExpertGPS connect the end of my drawn shape back to the beginning?

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Dan Foster

An ExpertGPS user asks: “Why, when I draw a stream, does ExpertGPS connect the end of my drawn shape back to the beginning?” ExpertGPS author Dan Foster explains how the Track and Shape Type you select matters when drawing on … Continue reading →

Posted in Cartography, Customizing your Map, Mapping Tips and Tricks | Tagged , | Comments Off