Messages

31

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Garmin Edge 1000 Explore

« on: June 16, 2016, 05:40:44 am »

Is there a way to show more than one region at once? at least with the OSM updates anyway?

I do not believe there is a way to load more than one map onto Basecamp, at least when I looked at it a couple of years ago. This is mainly because the file name must be a specific, therefore cannot be duplicated.

What is your preference for using Basecamp versus some of the online mapping tools such as Ride with GPS, Strava, or Garmin Connect?

Aside from fast, responsive, & friendly user interface, Ride with GPS allows for choosing among many available maps: Google, OSM, OSM bicycle, OSM outdoor, satellite, topo, etc.

Strava, on the other hand, allows you to choose routes base on heat maps that show most popular & used routes.

32

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Newbie GPS question from England... waypoints!

« on: June 02, 2016, 10:50:23 pm »

There are fewer than 2,000 points in the entire file for TransAm. They can all load onto your eTrex.

Regardless, consider using a smart phone or tablet when browsing for such service points. The interface is far simpler, more responsive, & easier to view.

33

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: High Resolution TransAmerica Trail Digital Data now available

« on: May 15, 2016, 09:19:35 pm »

I haven't looked at the gpx tracks but probably need to be broken into segments if using a Garmin type device IF a given gpx track has 10k or more points.

All GPX tracks should be fit for use immediately without any further manipulation. Please post questions to the forum with any trouble using them as is.

Per instruction of Garmin eTrex, Navigate Tracks section, step 6, "All of our tracks are under 10,000 points".

34

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: High Resolution TransAmerica Trail Digital Data now available

« on: May 15, 2016, 09:15:24 pm »

does this work for east and westbound?

Yes. There are two sets of tracks: one is east bound & the other is west bound.

What is the general behavior when you turn the device off for the night?

This varies by device. Some of them will remember the track from before turning off. Otherwise, you will need to again select the track to navigate.

When you turn it back on will it insist that you start from the beginning of the course or will it let you start anywhere on the course?

All devices will pick up right from your current location.

Some of them give you the choice to navigate to the start of track, but that is just an option for you to decline. For example, see Garmin Edge 1000 instructions, Navigate Tracks section, step 7.

35

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: TransAm using the TransAm gps

« on: May 03, 2016, 09:01:12 pm »

Yes, that is exactly the case. You will only need the eastward set of tracks.

For the service points, the Edge series store very limited number (200) service points. Consider using your mobile device instead (see details).

36

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: eTrex20x with or without TOPO for Great Divide

« on: May 03, 2016, 07:34:35 am »

What do you need the maps for?

Free OSM maps often include trails. Could they work for you? At least give them a try.

37

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Where is the Download Data??

« on: April 17, 2016, 06:44:40 pm »

Open link Tracks and Service Points (limited) for detailed instructions to:

• Download digital data,
• Upload data to your device,
• Navigate tracks,
• Edit tracks,
• Find services using our digital data, and
• Manage your device

38

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Google Maps & Mapquest Mobile

« on: March 28, 2016, 03:05:07 pm »

I agree that it is a much better idea to save the route in advance, when you know it will work for you.

In Google Maps, you have the option to export routes as KML. Store them directly in a Dropbox account to access them while on the road.

While at it, I recommend Ride with GPS as a far more flexible & powerful tool for mapping routes. It provides multiple map layers. You can export routes in GPX & KML.

Maps.me app for both iOS & Android works natively with KML files, & allows you to download maps for offline use.

39

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: Improved Digital Data now available for Adventure Cycling network

« on: March 11, 2016, 10:18:16 pm »

This is great news. I think it is quite impressive that now the entire route network is far more device friendly, mobile, & ready for consumption immediately without any further data manipulation.

Members can open the web page, download, & use the data while traveling any time.

Congratulations.

40

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: What GPS software do you use?

« on: February 17, 2016, 09:19:40 pm »

I find Ride with GPS the easiest, most intuitive, & most popular. The user interface is very clean. I also like the various map layers for charting routes.

I occasionally refer to Strava heat map. It shows most used routes in an area.

I use Garmin Connect which gives me the ability to transfer maps wirelessly onto the Edge 1000.

41

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Looking for the ideal GPS unit for a ton of waypoints & POIs

« on: February 15, 2016, 10:57:37 pm »

Why not use a mobile device for POIs?

The capacity of POIs is only one of the problems on GPS devices. Searching, browsing, & finding POIs on a small screen with low resolution using a micro joystick-like device or small arrow buttons is tedious at best, if not impossible.

Compare that with the big screen, high resolution, & easy navigation on mobile device. There are some recommended apps for your device. They hold unlimited number of POIs, at least as much memory as you have on the phone.

42

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: New Garmin Edge Touring

« on: February 15, 2016, 10:51:53 pm »

The battery is exhausted on a good day of touring.

That is about the same with recent models & new units. I always carry with me a spare battery on tours.

The routing operation is unreliable and difficult to alter (it's fundamentally useless).

Allowing the GPS device routing is guess work at best. I use Ride with GPS to chart the route & save to the unit as a track not as a route. Turn Recalculation off. Tracks never change.

I allow GPS to calculate the route rarely when I need to leave the main route for urgent need.

43

Classifieds / Free copy of Cycling in Québec

« on: December 05, 2015, 02:55:45 pm »

I have a new copy of Cycling in Québec, 7th Edition, 2014, The Official Guide to Explore the Route Verte.

I will send it free of charge & free shipping to one donor for 2016 Young Adult Scholarship. Send me a private message with your contact information.

44

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: recommendations for gps for bicycle touring

« on: November 30, 2015, 08:58:10 pm »

Take a look at prior discussions on this forum or summary information on Adventure Cycling pages.

45

Routes / Re: CT to Quebec City - recommended route?

« on: September 23, 2015, 10:31:54 pm »

Question for those familiar with Route Verte. Are all surfaces paved? I ride 700x23 tires.

Not all surfaces are paved. The web site does not show this information. Instead, you will find them in the route guide. It is well worth the price for detailed maps & service points. For example, route 4 from Waterloo to Bécancour is mostly not paved. Route 5 is mostly on roads with short sections of paved trails.