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What is required to use a GPS Map?
There are two ways to use a GPS Map:
- View using mapping software such as Google
Earth (free)
or TOPO!.
- OPTIONAL: Load into your handheld GPS unit to take with you
on the river.
Google Earth
 The
following is required to view a GPS Map using Google
Earth or some other
mapping software:
| 1. |
Personal Computer - Although GPS Maps
are compatible with both Mac and PC computers, make sure
you get mapping software that is compatible with your computer.
Google Earth runs on both Mac and PC platforms. |
| 2. |
Mapping Software - Many different mapping
programs are available. Included in your GPS Map is
a KML
file that can be viewed using Google Earth (free).
Also included is a
GPX
file. GPX is a universal GPS file format that is compatible with
most mapping software apps. |
Handheld GPS Unit
 The
following is required to load a GPS Map into your handheld
GPS:
| 1. |
Personal Computer - Most computer
software used to transfer GPS coordinates from a computer
into a handheld GPS require a windows compatible PC. Some
applications, like GPS
Babel (free) , run on both Mac and PC operating systems. |
| 2. |
Handheld GPS - Many different handheld
GPS units are available on the market today. See our list
of major GPS manufacturers.. |
| 3. |
Interface Cable - Available from your
handheld GPS's manufacturer, most interface cables are either
USB or serial. |
| 4. |
Software Application - Almost all the
GPS manufacturers offer software for transferring GPS coordinates,
routes and tracks to and from a handheld GPS. Some is free
and some is not. We recommend GPS
Babel, a free application that runs on both Mac and PC. |
| 5. |
GPS Coordinate File - When you purchase
a river GPS Map you receive both a GPX
file and a KML
file. The GPX file is for uploading into a handheld GPS or
viewing with map software. The KML file is for viewing with
Google Earth specifically. |
| |
NOTE: See you GPS manufacturer's instructions for a list
of specific requirements. |
|