It seems to me that using a transparent trail map that is then translated/merged into a new copy of Arizona Topo is not the best nor easiest way to keep the system up to date. Trails are in a constant state of flux with new ones being added or modified and others being blocked off. Data errors should also be corrected as quickly as practical. The work involved in updating the current system necessitates that updates be limited. In addition, there is only one standard Garmin line type for trails (walkways/trails or sometimes unpaved roads is used), which leaves color coding for trail types as the only option. I have had difficulty finding a way to add color to the line types when converted to polylines.
I am currently looking at GPX2IMG which seems to allow color coding. It appears that I would have to handle each color (trail type) separately using "TYP files editor". That means many extra steps just for the colors. i have also tried using GPSMapEdit to make the transparency, but so far haven't been able to color code the polylines. Does any one know of a way of maintaining the color of the route/track when converted to polylines in GPSMapEdit?
Is there a different and better method or program for producing a transparency?
I suggest that the best solution is to use the one I have been using in Basecamp. Use Arizona Topo as the base map (without trails). Create a data base (or file folder) consisting of route/paths of individual trails with the number of point in each limited so that they could be transferred to most GPSr units from Basecamp. Basecamp can load individual, multiple, groups or all trails from the folder so that each user can load whatever he desires. The database can easily be updated and color coding is straight forward. As much information as desired can be included in the description for each trail and is easily available to all Basecamp users. This info could include the Agency, the allowed uses, the author, connecting trails, trail head, condition, etc. Grouping the trails by the 45 map segments of Arizona Topo would make it easier to find the desired trails in an area, allow downloading of topo and trail blocks as a unit, and also reduce the problem of conflicting trail names between areas. Users can easily change the color and line width in Basecamp for easier viewing and when loaded on the GPS unit, the trails are available for track back.
Although Basecamp is the preferred program to accomplish this, MapSource can also be used.
I am currently looking at GPX2IMG which seems to allow color coding. It appears that I would have to handle each color (trail type) separately using "TYP files editor". That means many extra steps just for the colors. i have also tried using GPSMapEdit to make the transparency, but so far haven't been able to color code the polylines. Does any one know of a way of maintaining the color of the route/track when converted to polylines in GPSMapEdit?
Is there a different and better method or program for producing a transparency?
I suggest that the best solution is to use the one I have been using in Basecamp. Use Arizona Topo as the base map (without trails). Create a data base (or file folder) consisting of route/paths of individual trails with the number of point in each limited so that they could be transferred to most GPSr units from Basecamp. Basecamp can load individual, multiple, groups or all trails from the folder so that each user can load whatever he desires. The database can easily be updated and color coding is straight forward. As much information as desired can be included in the description for each trail and is easily available to all Basecamp users. This info could include the Agency, the allowed uses, the author, connecting trails, trail head, condition, etc. Grouping the trails by the 45 map segments of Arizona Topo would make it easier to find the desired trails in an area, allow downloading of topo and trail blocks as a unit, and also reduce the problem of conflicting trail names between areas. Users can easily change the color and line width in Basecamp for easier viewing and when loaded on the GPS unit, the trails are available for track back.
Although Basecamp is the preferred program to accomplish this, MapSource can also be used.