So, how do you think this would work? Custom Garmin course maps.

[DesertDog]

So, I've been playing around for a couple days with trying to figure out how to make my own custom Garmin topo maps.  I'm sure I'll figure out the whole process eventually, but for now I've figured how to shortcut a few steps and do some simpler workarounds to create some decent maps to load into MapSource and your Garmin GPS units.  I figure most people do use Garmin products anyway, so I wanted to put this beta project out there and see what you think.  

Thought this might be a good way to distribute course data - there can be a .gpx file for analysis and all, but you could simply load up the custom map(and even your preloaded sd card maps or partial state map) and use it during a race and not have to worry about all the issues with track files.  

Not sure how much everyone knows about mapping and what can be done.  One question is, for those that know,  would you rather use something like this or just simple overly/transparent maps where you would only see a blank route when viewed in MapSource, but would allow the route to simply overlay your normally used topo maps on your gps unit?

Like I said, just starting to play with this, so it will all get better.  There aren't any POIs on this map yet and there is something of a quirk with a few highway/road segments disappearing at couple zoom levels, but this is a Beta version.  

But, for those who would like to check it out, download the zip file at the link below and install the zipped exe file.  Uses the standard installer that everything on gpsfiledepot uses and makes it ready to view in MapSource and be loaded up to your gps unit.  After checking it out, you can unistall it by going to the Start Button, Settings, Control Panel, Programs and Features.  From there, just right-click and choose uninstall on the Apache200Map-Beta icon.

https://sites.google.com/site/dirtypursuits/trackfiles/ap200b_install.zip?attredirects=0&d=1

Have another example of the Cottonwood trails in Vegas that I'm working on too.  V0.10 is out there now, but I should have a much expanded v0.20 out there by about 5am Pacific.  Just need to work with some other local riders to get the real trail names loaded into individual trail segments.  Here's the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/dirtypursuits/trackfiles/nvcwd_install.zip?attredirects=0&d=1

[ScottM]

I've thought a bit about this (as you may have guessed) but I guess I prefer the simplicity of a single line to follow, perhaps with supplemental waypoints.

One thing is not everyone uses a Garmin, and some people's Garmins don't support basemaps.  A track is much more universal.

But to be honest I haven't delved much into the garmin .img format, and it could be a really nice way to present certain routes/races in a more comprehensive way...  just make sure to offer the track too and it should all be good.

[DesertDog]

I've thought a bit about this (as you may have guessed) but I guess I prefer the simplicity of a single line to follow, perhaps with supplemental waypoints.

One thing is not everyone uses a Garmin, and some people's Garmins don't support basemaps.  A track is much more universal.

But to be honest I haven't delved much into the garmin .img format, and it could be a really nice way to present certain routes/races in a more comprehensive way...  just make sure to offer the track too and it should all be good.

If you looked at the Cottonwood map I did, you saw a map with a whole trail network on it.  For the Apache map link I had, that only showed the route for the course, along with a few major road and the topo lines and water bodies.

For any courses done, they would be like the Apache map.  I also would like to make a simple track overlay file available too.  On that, it would just be the route and waypoints, which would draw overtop of the base topo map installed on the unit.  And it can be toggled on or off by going into the map setup menu.  This would all be in addition to providing the .gpx files for those that would rather use them.  Just thinking of different options to give folks, since I have been able to make sense of the custom mapping thing.

Also, if you look at the size of the custom Apache topo map, it is less than 2 meg in size.  Any Garmin unit should allow that to load up (minimum internal memory on any Garmin product I know of is 8 meg, even back to a simple Legend device - maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think anyone doing these type of ventures is using a device that won't allow additional maps to be loaded?).  Checking the size of the overlay map I created for last years course, that file is only about 200k in size.  Plus, as long as you do them all together, even the 'older' models like your Vista HCx or my 60CSx will allow multiple maps to be loaded and merged into a single image file.

Just a thought on some alternatives.  I'm planning on doing up some riding area trail maps in full topo and overly version anyway - and I've already converted the NED elevation data and downloaded the TIGER road files, plus some water data (as well as cleaning up my trail network .gpx files and creating .kml files for newer generation units and (i)phone users) and figure it's not hard to do for courses, so, why not?

Dave Harris:  If you're checking this thread; You have any POIs to add to the Dixie 200 course?  I've got a topo made of the Brian Head/Bryce Canyon/Markagunt/Paunsagunt/Sevier Plateau areas done and was going to make files for the 200, along with my general area ride maps.  Have anything extra I can add to it?

Here is a link to the entry on the Cottonwood map thread I put on the NV MTRB board, which shows the areas I am working on creating area Garmin trail maps:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=7803341#post7803341


Let's just get this BS weather to be gone and bring on some wonderful Spring riding temps!

[DaveH]

The Dixie 200 preliminary route is up on the Dixie site at http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?map=dixie200.kml&index=2.  It doesn't have waypoints yet, but everything you need is up there in one form or another...

http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html is the map of the 311, and http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?map=dixie-lite.kml&index=1 is the route for last year's 'lite' route.  A combination of those two routes show most of the waypoints for the 200.  The 200 is essentially the 311 route minus the Sevier/Tushar segments, or put another way, it is last year's lite route but includes all of the Paunsaugunt of the 311.  This http://2-epic.com/maps/311map.html?map=dixie-compared-2010.kml&index=4 shows the overlap of last year's events and shows how the 200 will flow.

You can grab all the files at http://2-epic.com/events/dixie311.html, and at the Lite link from that page.  I'll get it all setup soon...final route details on the 200 depend on snow conditions.  There are 2 sections that would make great additions if snow melts off fast enough.  Snowpack is 170% of normal so I'm not counting on it just yet.

On the mapping front, I'm about to release a smartphone app that will cause you to think long and hard about how to keep a smartphone charged up while riding long events

[mnmtb]

On the mapping front, I'm about to release a smartphone app that will cause you to think long and hard about how to keep a smartphone charged up while riding long events

I am about to replace my Touch Pro 2.  Any indication of which platform this app might be on?  Could alter my decision if it turns out to be good.

[DaveH]

I am about to replace my Touch Pro 2.  Any indication of which platform this app might be on?  Could alter my decision if it turns out to be good.

It's a web app supported by any recent iOS or Android platform.  I don't think it will work on Blackberry until they upgrade their browser (due soon I understand).