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I'm trying to figure out how to project or set the coordinate system in ArcGIS so that it can stay consistant in GPSMapEdit.

I don't have any reference points in GPSMapedit to tell if my shapefiles are being imported correctly.

I wish GPSMapEdit would just convert all information, properly displayed, into whatever coordinate system Garmin requires.

Every year I check up on the state of Garmin custom map making to see where it stands. I haven't made much progress, mostly because I moved from where I was building trails to a new area with new trails to build.

I want to start planning for next year, but I still need a GPS.

Smartphones are getting more accurate, and the ability to move data from a computer to a smartphone is quick and easy.

What I want to do:
1) Layout and design a trail in ArcMap 10, using 2ft contours, slope models, and drainage/watershed profiles. Destribute map on Google Maps, as images on the club website, and use for parks planning meetings.
2) Be able to view the designed trail on a handleheld device, take into the field, and accurately flag the proposed trail. This includes being able to view property lines, points of interests, roads, streams, and proposed trails in vector format. I need to see layers and be able to turn them on or off!
3) Build trail, incorporating any changes into the GPS unit using a track feature.
4) Bring in tracking data to show area the "actual" new trail layout.
5) Revise public use maps.

In the past, making a layered map was very intensive and required multiple programs some of which cost a pretty penny. I never went that route.

ESRI makes an ArcMap Mobile that will display maps on a smartphone, but its a bit clunky at this point.

So, are there any new easy way of making custom layered maps from multiple shapefiles?

I come from ESRI land, using ArcGIS 9.1, 9.3 and 10.

Unfortunately, job changes have me out of the office, and I don't have money (or the computer) for ArcGIS.

But I can benefit the community by making maps, as there are lots of mountain bike groups in my area that need trail maps updated.

For this purpose, should I use an open source program like QGIS or gvSIG for editing shapefiles from DNRGarmin, or should I be alright just using MapSource?

Everything I convert my files using MapsetToolkit I get blank squares in MapSource.

I thought I did everything the same way when I was getting maps before...but apparently not.

Any idea whats going on?

I save my map in Polish format with 8 digits.

Go to export said file, again naming it 8 digits.

When I hit run on the CGSMapper.exe pop-up...it doesn't do anything. Blank screen.

It was working just fine on previous maps (didn't have them set as right coordinate system).

I'm trying desperately to switch over to a map I made in ArcGIS.

I'm viewing it in MapSource, so its working.

I try to load it to the GPS, and no matter what I do I can't get it shown. I've even tried removing the basemap, but for same reason it keeps coming back, and my file is no-where to be found.

I've tried access the SD card, removing the file that is on there, sending my map from MapSource to the SD Card (it appears as gmapsupp), then trying...and I still get the basemap!

What the heck? Is there some way to remove the basemap?

[Error E021: Grid definition for layers must be descending]

Going from ArcMap:

Load .shp into MapEdit
Shapefiles consist of two different types of trails (already polylines) and a shaded area for the borders of the park.

Add another level (already levels 1 and 2 which I assume are for the polygon and polylines)

Save as MP/TXT.

Export as Garmin IMG and I get this error:

Error E021: Grid definition for layers must be descending

[I can get a .GPX file into MapSource, but I can't seem to make any maps]

I'm a GIS technician for a local land trust. My job is part map maker, part trail designer.

I've informed my organization about the possibility of developing downloadable maps that the users of our properties could get from our website. These maps would contain property boundaries, trails, geocache locations, POIs, etc.

The problem is, I can't for the life of me get through this custom map making process. When I try, I don't hit just one problem, I seem to hit multiple problems.

I've got ArcGIS 9.3, cgpsmapper, GPSMapEdit, MapSource, GPSBabel, DNRGarmin, OziExplorer, and probably several other linked programs from the tutorials.

My main problem is this, I can get a .GPX file into MapSource, but I can't seem to make any maps. Everything I do ends up as tracks.

Could someone summarize the process for me?

Or maybe that's my problem. Maybe there are so many small little details that need to be changed that I'm messing up just one piece of a larger puzzle. I'm working on the clock and skimming the tutorials, which could be error-prone.

 I'm a graduating college student adept with the ESRI ArcDesktop suite. No problems with map editing and map creation within the program. ESRI sells their stuff at a premium though, and having access to ArcGIS only lasts as long as an internship or employment.

Luckily I scooped up a free hand-me-down for ArcGIS 9.1 from a college professor.

However, this application is going on 6 years old now and it might not even compare to many freeware GIS programs out there.

Should I even both installing it or just find the latest and greatest shareware for making custom vector maps for my Garmin?