Hands On with Geospatial Technology
Download data from Garmin GPS unit to AERIAL ArcMap
Navigation Tools 1C
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/DNRGa
rmin.html
**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 base-map. 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.
ASK
Do you want to create an aerial map, and add waypoint data onto this map?
Did you know that adding coordinate data onto an aerial map requires that
you add projections to the coordinates – want some help in accomplishing
that? Without projections, your waypoints won’t show up on your map!!
INVESTIGATE
The following steps in this lesson will help you to download data from your
GPS receiver onto your map, complete with accurate projections. Let’s try it.
CREATE
1. Create a folder on your hard drive C\MAPDATA for the data related to
your map project. Do not store this folder on your desktop or server – the
files are too large. It is important to create a permanent folder (not to be
moved or renamed) in which the data will remain, as when your maps are
saved they reference a pathway to the original data folder. If you move
the data folder, you lose the information on the map.
2. Connect cable to the GPS unit and to your computer. Turn on the GPS
unit (simulator mode is fine.)
3. Open the DNRGarmin program (free download can be found with google
search.) On menu at top, click on “GPS”, and then “Set port” tab and
check the type of connection your cable utilizes, such as USB, port 1, etc.)
4. Click on type of data you wish to download, such as waypoint, track or
route. Then click “Properties” and click on the tab marked “projection”.
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5. Set your unit’s projection information; it
should look like the window at the right so
that your data will coordinate with your map.
Set projection:
File-> Set Projection
Datum: NAD 83
Projection: UTM zone 16N
OK
6. Download data to a file: Click on type of data you wish to save such as
waypoint, track or route and in the drop-down menu click “download.”
Highlight the data (it will look blue) to save chosen waypoints or it will save
all.
7. Save the data as a .shp file so you can layer it onto your map:
File->Save To->File->your project folder->filename->
Tip: In the “Save as Type” window, use the dropdown tab to choose
“Arcview Shapefile(Projected)(.shp) as type of file or it will save as .txt
which won’t work.
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8. Open a blank ArcMap. Then open ArcCatalog by clicking on the yellow
file cabinet icon (next to the red toolbox)
9. In ArcCatalog, find the folder you are working in the Catalog tree window
on the left. If your folder is not visible you may need to “connect” it to
ArcCatalog using the “Connect to folder” icon.
10. In the pop-up window navigate to the folder where your DNR Garmin file
was saved and Click OK. Now your folder should be visible in the Catalog
tree window. Click on it and the contents should be visible in the right
hand window.
11. Right click on your file and select properties. Under the “XY Coordinate
System” tab you need to “Select” a predefined coordinate system.
Select:
Projected Coordinate Systems-> Add
Utm -> Add
Nad 1983 -> Add
NAD 1983 UTM Zone 16N.prj -> Add -> OK
And close this window. Your data projection file is now complete
12. Now go back to ArcMap, add a base map and add this data file. Your
layer of data should appear. You can customize it with colors or symbols
as you wish!
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!
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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@uiuc.edu
Date: March 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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