Convert GPS Tracks into Excel Spreadsheets or CSV

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Dan Foster

Al writes: “I have a Garmin GPSMAP60CSX. I would like to create/convert the track files into spreadsheets. I can save the track file as a GPX, but I’m looking for the capability to convert that GPX file into a spreadsheet. I’m using a Mac system, but Windows options are also needed. This is to allow me to share tracking data in a usable form with friends. What program can do this?”

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Drawing GIS polygons with islands or holes

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Dan Foster

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 islands. When I export as a kml, the fill of the polygon is not complete. The strange part is when you zoom in, the lake polygon will fill; then if you zoom out, it empties.”

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Posted in Calculating Area, GIS, Mapping Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Video tutorial: Moving a GPS point on the map

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Dan Foster

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.

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Posted in Mapping Tips and Tricks, Video Tutorials | Tagged , , | Comments Off

10 Time-Saving Mapping Shortcuts I Can't Live Without

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Dan Foster

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.

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Posted in Mapping Tips and Tricks | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Mapping and Converting GPS Data in New Zealand Geodetic Datum 1949 and NZGD 2000

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Dan Foster

Nick H. needs to be able to enter GPS waypoints using New Zealand’s coordinate format and datum. Here’s how to configure ExpertGPS mapping software to input data in New Zealand Geodetic Datum 1949 or NZGD 2000, and convert it to other datums and formats.

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Help! My GPS doesn't support State Plane Coordinates

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Dan Foster

Monica has an aerial ortho photo of New Mexico, which uses the New Mexico state plane coordinate system, NAD 83 datum. Her GPS doesn’t support NM SPCS, NAD83, however. GPS expert Dan Foster shows how ExpertGPS can convert these state plane coordinates to latitude/longitude or UTM so you can keep using your GPS receiver.

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Mapping and Updating Golf Course Designs in the Field with a Garmin GPS

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Dan Foster

Jim S. needs to view his golf course designs and engineering documents out in the field, where he can collect way points and make notes using a GPS. GPS expert Dan Foster offers two solutions.

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Posted in GPS Data Collection, Mapping Property, Real Estate and Property Mgmt | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Converting CSV Data to KML and SHP using Excel and ExpertGPS

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Dan Foster

Arvind has a spreadsheet full of transportation routes in CSV format that he needs to be able to map. Unfortunately, the data isn’t in a standard format. Here’s how to use Excel and ExpertGPS to convert this data without any programming.

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

Downloading and Exporting Lowrance GPS Chartplotter Depth

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Dan Foster

Jani needs a way to export the depth data from his Lowrance LCX chartplotter. ExpertGPS will allow him to extract the depth data for each GPS track point that his chartplotter recorded, and export it to text, CSV, KML, or other file formats.

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Posted in Fishing & Boating, Lowrance | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mapping x,y sampling data to real-world GPS coordinates

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Dan Foster

Jessica writes: “I am doing a behavioral study on a species of bird that has communal display sites called leks. I have set up a 10 meter grid of stakes across a lek, which I use to get x and y coordinates for marked birds on the lek throughout the morning. I have GPS coordinates for each of the stakes and would like to translate the ‘fake’ coordinates of my grid into real lat and long coordinates. Can you recommend the best way to do that?

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Posted in Coordinate Conversion, Mapping your Data | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment