Download data from Garmin GPS unit to AERIAL map
Navigation Tools 1C
Life Skills:
 Thinking: learning to learn, critical thinking
 Managing: planning/organizing
Standards/Objectives:
 How to use geographic tools and technologies to acquire, process and apply
information from a spatial perspective
Requirements:
 Computer with mapping software
 DNR Garmin* program for transferring data on a Garmin GPS receiver
 Garmin GPS receiver with waypoints or tracks and cable compatible with the
computer
 Aerial map**
 Accompanying activity lesson 1C, “Hands On Download data from Garmin GPS
Receiver to AERIAL map”
*A free download of DNR Garmin may be downloaded at:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.ht
ml
**University of Illinois Extension staff may contact ndbowman@illinois.edu or
curry@illinois.edu for an aerial map
Tips for getting started:
This activity builds on previous knowledge of how to download data to an AERIAL basemap. To show up on an aerial or topo map, data must be projected with appropriate
UTM projections. Note the map of UTM zones on the last page of this activity.
To successfully complete the
accompanying hands-on activity 1C, be
sure you have access to a computer
with mapping software installed and
internet capability to download the DNR
Garmin program. CAUTION: some
GPS receivers may have cables with
only serial (pin) ports. If your computer
is newer and only has a USB port you
may need to purchase a converter to
connect to the GPS cable – available at
Radio Shack as well as other vendors.
In previous activities, GPS receivers were used to record the positions of geographic
objects. That data may be helpful to a person geocaching, or engaged in other activities
in the field using that GPS, but sharing information stored inside a receiver is necessary
to making maps. To create a map of those locations (waypoints, tracks or routes)
requires GIS skills and use of technology tools to download the coordinate data onto
mapping software.
The DNR Garmin program directly transfers data between Garmin GPS receivers and
various GIS software programs. This activity calls for data download to an AERIAL map
which requires different projections than a TIGER map would. It is important to
remember that you must not only set the projection of waypoint coordinates, but also
the projections for the base map. The accompanying activity lesson, “Hands On
Download data from Garmin GPS Receiver to AERIAL map” gives you an easy way for
download data instantly. The handout gives specific instructions for creating a shapefile
(.shp) of data and for projections of the data and the base map.
The completed map may be saved as a .jpg (file->export map and save as a .jpg ) for
sending and sharing with ease.
ASK
After the youth leader provides an overview of GPS data, participants ask one or more
of the questions: why do I need to transfer the GPS data to a computer? What tools will
I need to create a computer map, and where can I find them? Do school computers or
Extension offices have mapping software which youth may use?
INVESTIGATE
Participants will explore how to access mapping software available them. AEJEE and
ArcMap are a few of many programs compatible with DNR Garmin. A Google search
will provide users with a free DNR Garmin download.
CREATE
Distribute Handout 1C, “Hands On Download data from Garmin GPS Receiver to
AERIAL map” for step-by-step directions on how to utilize the DNR Garmin program for
downloading waypoint data onto an AERIAL map, being sure to project UTM
coordinates for both imported data and base map.
DISCUSS
What did you like about this activity?
Was your download process successful?
Did the data show up on the map?
REFLECT
When would it be helpful to be able to create a map with waypoints?
What software is required, and where can it be accessed?
How can you apply the knowledge and skills learned in this activity in the future?
Technology/web applications: The finished map may be emailed as a .jpg or
displayed on a site.
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Extra activity suggestions: Youth may wish to customize a map with colors, lines, and
other symbology or in a layout view to create a professional looking map.
Related websites:
www.jdmcox.com/ and www.gpsinformation.net/waas/maps/usaphoto.html: (free)
USAPhotoMaps™ will automatically download aerial photos or topo maps from
Microsoft's Terraserver from a simple coordinate starting point, and then fill up the
screen with as much map info as you desire -or your computer can hold!
www.forestpal.com/USAPhotoMaps_Instructions.html: (free) USAPhotoMaps™
retrieves TerraServer aerial photos, topographic maps, and urban area map types. The
freeware program from JDMCox Software also displays elevation data, place names,
USGS landmarks, TIGER (US Census) roads, road names and your own GPS data. It is
one of the fastest tools available for navigating to any location in the United States and
collecting TerraServer image tiles for base maps. Assemble image tiles into single,
georeferenced base maps that can be opened by geospatial programs or drawing
programs. Use USAPhotoMaps to quickly get latitude, longitude or UTM coordinates for
any position. GPS waypoints, routes and tracks can be created and displayed as map
overlays and transferred to or from GPS units. The download is at the end of their
page.
Authors:
Dennis Bowman, crop system educator, University of Illinois Extension, Champaign
center, ndbowman@illinois.edu
Barb Roberts, youth development educator, University of Illinois Extension,
Lawrence/Richland Unit, robertsb@illinois.edu
Date: 3 12 2009
University of Illinois  U.S. Department of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you
need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the county
Extension office
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