I am using the GIS Kit app on an ipad to create some custom map data e.g.: trails, restricted areas, structures, etc. The product is great on the ipad. When I import the data to Baescamp it appears as tracks and not the original product that I created. The problem is I would like to download the data to Basecamp and to to my Garmin units.
I suspect that is has something to do with proper file format. GIS Kit only allows the export of .gpx and .kml files. Please advise on a way to convert/transfer the data to Bascamp properly. I am utilizing a mac. Thank you.
Worldrimwalker36
.gpx files can only hold lines and points. Basecamp will see these as tracks and waypoints. .kml files can contain lines, points and polygons. I have never used them in Basecamp, but I suspect the same thing will happen.
What exactly are you trying to do? Do you want to create a map? That is rather complicated, especially on the Mac. But you could have a look at imgfromgpx: http://www.javawa.nl/imgfromgpx_en.html
I have not used it, but it will run on the Mac and can convert a .gpx file to an .img file (which is Garmin's proprietary map format). I don't think it allows as much control as some of the advanced software that mapmakers use on Windows, but it may do what you need.
Thank you for the reply. My intent is to add additional information to existing in the form of overlays. I am trying the GIS Kit on the ipad. It performs the functions that I want. But I am having a problem importing the files into Basecamp in the same state as they were exported. For example, a building in the GPS Kit turns up as a track line in Basecamp, just as you stated.
I intend to setup parallels for mac and give mapwell a try. I am new to this and would like to see if there is a better way than what I am trying.
Thanks again.
Worldrimwalker36
Heh, that was going to be my next suggestion. :) Mapwell is the most user friendly software I've found for making Garmin compatible maps. It does have some quirks though, and I believe you will need the pro version if you want to install the map in Basecamp.
We have discussed before... the issue is that it binds a .typ file to each .img file and this is not what Basecamp wants. See "How to use IMG file from Mapwel with Mapset Toolkit" here: http://www.mapwel.net/manual/5000troublesht.htm You must purchase the advanced version of mapwel or you won't be able to export .img files IIRC (that is the version I have).
Then you will also want to see this tutorial for MSTK: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-.img-files-into-mapsource-with-mapsettoolkit/
I suspect that you will lose any display style you created for your map on the iPad and will have to re-do that all in mapwel, within the limits of what Garmin's format supports.
[edit]Was just looking at the GIS Kit site: http://garafa.com/wordpress/all-apps/gis-pro
Looks like the Pro version can export shapefiles. Can't say for sure since I have never used it, but these may be a better option for working with Mapwel. For one thing, they would allow polygons which cannot be used in .gpx files. I think they would also be more likely to retain your original styles.
Boyd,
Thanks for the input. I will look into all the info you provided. It is nice to get good feedback.