'Mapping Tips and Tricks' Category

• Determining the correct coordinate format for X,Y data

  

  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.

  
  

  July 8th, 2009

• Adding Elevation to Trails with ExpertGPS

  

  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.

  
  

  July 7th, 2009

• Creating GPS hiking maps from a scanned trail map

  

  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 long, however, and marked with numbered posts along the way. None of this has GPS [...]

  
  

  May 29th, 2009

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

  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 the map.

  
  

  May 29th, 2009

• Drawing GIS polygons with islands or holes

  

  Stacy X. writes: “What is the best method to create a gpx or kml file of an area filled polygon that has islands (a lake shp file). When I export as a gpx, it creates a polyline where the end node of the lake outline connects to the end nodes of each of the [...]

  
  

  May 28th, 2009

• Video tutorial: Moving a GPS point on the map

  In this video tutorial, Dan Foster shows how to use the Move Selected tool to fix one of the points in a shape drawn on the aerial photo map in ExpertGPS.

  
  

  April 7th, 2009

• 10 Time-Saving Mapping Shortcuts I Can’t Live Without

  Here are 10 mapping shortcuts that will save you lots of time when working with maps and GPS data in ExpertGPS. I use these shortcut keys and tricks dozens of times a day to save time when viewing and editing my GPS data, and I guarantee you’ll be more productive once you know them.

  
  

  April 7th, 2009

• US National Grid (USNG) Map Overlays and Grid Lines

  

  Al S. needs to overlay 1KM grid over topo maps, and be able to read out and enter coordinates in US National Grid (USNG) format. Here’s how to work with USNG in ExpertGPS.

  
  

  March 4th, 2009

• How can I view Section, Township, Range coordinates on a GPS map?

  

  Terry F., a rural real estate appraiser in Montana, needs to be able to view a map with Section, Township, and Range coordinates. Dan Foster explains how ExpertGPS Pro can be used as a moving-map display in a vehicle.

  
  

  December 18th, 2008

• How can I view topo maps on my laptop without an Internet connection?

  

  Daniel W. is heading to Utah, and wants to be able to use his topo maps out in the middle of nowhere, far from an Internet or phone connection. Can ExpertGPS help?

  
  

  December 18th, 2008