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Messages - PHeller

#1
I think one of the problem I'm running into is in the inability to access to ArcToolbox. This would allow me to change projections at a file level, rather than at a display level.

What I'm annoied with is that I could get this data from an online server like PASDA (Public Access Geospatial Database) and it would be fine...but I've got information I want to use that isn't public.
#2
Quote from: jbensman on November 17, 2011, 01:10:49 PM
If you just get outlines, its likely was imported as a polyline not a polygon.  You can right click on a polyline and convert to a polygon.

Nope, everything I see says polygon...but then I get a white background with outlines.
#3
I can't find a lat/long projection in ArcGIS.

Tons of WGS84, but not specific Lat/Long.

Im accustomed to ArcGIS just saying "oh, this is the coordinate system you want? ok, I'll convert your other files to match that".

GPSMapEdit just says "durp, wut u wunt?"

All of the guides for map editing just fly right through this step because they assume your pulling data from public data sources. I've got public data, but I'm already using it in WGS84 PA State Plane North.

Another issues i'm having is that I can't fill polygons with color. I just get outlines.
#4
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.
#5
Boyd, would the smaller eTrex even be able to display at high resolution? Or would it require it more so?
#6
The ability to turn on and off layers is pretty cool.

Because I experimented with GPSMapEdit only briefly, I never utilized the ability to display different features with different patterns or colors.

Sounds like your saying I need to download GPSMapEdit again and learn how to use that program.
#7
I've got all the imagery I could want. More modern than Google as well.
#8
Quote from: Seldom on November 16, 2011, 08:29:13 AM
Do you have access to property line data as a shapefile for your area?

Yes.

So it sounds like an ETrex 20 may be in order.

A coworker who does mapping showed me how he can display property boundaries in Google Maps "My Maps", but it looked like it was a bit buggy at times.
#9
Quote from: Seldom on November 16, 2011, 07:22:03 AM
The main limitation of raster maps on Garmins is that you can only have one "Garmin Custom Map on the GPSr at a time.  You can enable it or disable it, but if you have two maps that overlay each other you will only be able to see the top one (don't know how it decides what's on top) unless you remove the top map from the GPSr.

Ah, this is the problem I was seeing in the custom map option. If you were just a recreational user, say someone who is riding my trails, they won't want to add/remove maps and fiddle with which is on top or bottom. That's difficult enough in bed...

But, it may be perfectly ok for the design and layout phase on my end.

In my experience with basic vector importing on my 60Csx, because it was only black and white (er light green) I couldn't easily distinquish between layers. If I was distributing data to the public, or fellow trail builders, I'd want them to be able to see what trails are exsisting and what trails we need to build.
#10
I've tried learning all of this before and its a bit confusing.

So older units can support vector maps, well...I've used vector maps on my 60Csx. Using MNDNR Garmin I would take "proposed trail" shapefiles, load them onto the GPS, and roll. However, this got real confusing when I had property boundaries, roads, parking areas, and multiple stacked loops of proposed trails.

I couldn't, however, turn the layers on or off. Maybe I just didn't look around hard enough.

So in this respect, rasters would be nice. I could have property boundaries be a different color, proposed trails have different colors, and I wouldn't have to worry about deleting them from the GPS.

Downside? Older GPS users would be out of luck...
#11
Quote from: Seldom on November 15, 2011, 03:30:32 PM
When you say design and build trails, does this mean that your final product is a drawing, or do you need a chainsaw and shovel?
My goal is to provide a product for which a trail group can say "this will be the first trail we build, this will be the second trail we build, this is its relationship to the property boundaries and existing features" because municipalities LOVE this. (I work for local government).

Additionally, I'm also one of the club members out there building trail, riding, and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Quote
What kinds of GPSrs will your members have?  All the solutions you'll find on this site are limited to Garmins.
Most of them will have Garmins or Google Maps on a smartphone.
Quote
When you say revise public use maps does this mean that you are updating a data source maintained by a government or other public entity?
I want to be able to offer maps for us by clubs, cycling groups, and other non-profit organizations that can show the "master plan" maps, but easily be able to change those planning maps into "final maps". I can do this already with ArcGIS.
Quote
What format do you plan to distribute your data in, raster graphics or track logs?
I'd like the maps for handhelds to be raster maps. IE, its there when you turn the GPS on and it doesn't go away unless you want it to.
#12
No idea.

The maps on the handheld dont need 2ft contours, but I use them in trail planning.
#13
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?
#14
I'm in North Western, PA.
#15
cGPSmapper turns shapefiles into .mp files, correct?

If so, as long as I can get shapefiles I'm alright, which I'm pretty sure these open source GIS program can export.