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Check this out: http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+convert+arc+info+files+to+.kmz+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Do you have Global Mapper, but chance? 

to put them in google earth, I think you will ultimately have to create a .kmz file from the data.  I would expect that this is shape file data. If you want to use this in your GPS unit, and probably if you want to see all of the public land at once in GE, you will need to create a transparent map out of the shape file.  I am an amateur at this, so I'll defer to others here who know more than I. 

Use a text editor on the GM produced .mp file.  In the header section, change Transparent=N to Transparent=Y.
If you are going to do many of these, once you get everything the way you want (number of levels, etc.); make a template file of the header section and have GM use it when it creates the .mp file.

Thanks "maps",

Very interesting. Looking at the .mp is a good learning experience.  I assume that each group of data below the image def defines a polygon, and that each of the paired lat/long defines a line segment.  I see that the first and last coordinate are the same, completing the polygon.  Is there some convention for the starting point and direction (cw vs ccw) of travel around the polygon?

For the img file i am using globalmapper.

I don't think GlobalMapper can read or write .img files, can it? I think you mean that you create the .mp file in Globalmapper and the .img file with cgpsmapper, right?

You are right. I used G'Mapper to convert the area data to line data, but it was till a .shp.  Then I ran cgsmapper to create the .img.    So many apps... 

Thanks J,

img and mp files attached. I note that the img does have an 8 digi name.   For the img file i am using globalmapper. for the mp I am using cgpsmapper.exe with the dictionary header and scripts listed in the tutorial. I just followed the instructions, but I suppose I should be learning what I am doing, as opposed to just following the steps listed.

Let me know what you find out.

 

 Thanks J,

I'm kind of new to this, so I haven't yet come across any trail data.  I did just do some searching, and it seems that most of the data out there is from mountain bikers. There does not seem to be any for La.

That map you suggested is great. It has what I need, I think. It looks like the features are areas, rather than lines. Is that correct? And I should be able to see through the areas to the underlying elevation data on my topo, right?   Is there a way to look at two maps at once in Mapsource to see what it will look like?  I should get my Oregon 450 in a day or two.  

Of course, I would still like to know what is going wrong with my operation, if anyone can help me diagnose the problem. Again, since there are so many parameters involved, the best way to do that might be to send someone the original shape file, and some screen shots of the settings I am using.  It doesn't look like i can attach anything to PM's through the forums, however.

Yeah: "Convert Failed" is the message

[How To Create Garmin Topo Maps - Part 7 - Borders]

I am trying to make a map which shows ONLY LA state wildlife management area boundaries for use in conjunction with an existing La State Topo. My efforts are thwarted at the second-to-last step: Making the preview file in Mapset toolkit (v 1.77 Beta).   I get a "convert failed" message.

I have the shape file to start the process, and I followed the process for converting the area data into line data, using How To Create Garmin Topo Maps - Part 7 - Borders . I think I am getting through this part of the process OK, but it should be noted that instead of converting a single area to a line (a single state border in the tutorial), I am working with multiple areas as one file.  In any case, I am able to save the converted .shp.

I then move on to  How To Create Garmin Topo Maps - Part 8 - Combining Data, where I successfully build an .mp file.  One thing I am doing when I create the MP is I am selecting "all loaded data", instead of limiting to some Lat/long for the Export Bounds. I am also NOT using any gridding; just one data file. I am using the template and all of the suggested scripts. 

Next, I create the image file using How To Create Garmin Topo Maps - Part 9 - Compiling Data    Of course, there's not much to compile, as i am only using a single data source for the .img. This step seems to work fine.  Then I open Mapset toolkit (v 1.77 Beta), and the interface looks quite different than the one on the tutorial. (I don't see any place to download anything BUT the Beta at the Mapset Toolkit site).  And I do hit "START", not "compile".  That is when I get the convert failed error message. 

Obviously, there is more detail.  If someone want's to PM me with an email address, I could send some screen-shots of various settings.


Any thoughts


Much appreciation,

Steven 

Thanks Indrid. That's good info. I was just reading the product info at REI.com

BTW: They are having a sale on the Vista HCx: $169 starting tomorrow. Perhaps I will post a new thread on that.

Yes, I have used an 8GB in mine and never had a problem.

Indrid,

Thanks for your response. Just  to be clear:  The Vista says Max 4gb, but you are using an 8gb card, and that card is a microSDHC, not a standard microSD?  Are ALL microSD cards over 2GB HC's? Also, I understand the "HC" in the Vista HCx means H = High sensitivity receiver; C = Color and the x = onboard compass. Is this your understanding? In other words, the "HC" in the unit name has nothing to do with the "HC" in micro SDHC. Is this correct?

S~
 

I am looking to buy a Vista HCx, and I have been looking at memory.  I see the unit takes the micro sd cards up to 4 mb, but it seems that what is MOSTLY available for purchase online - at least in 4gb - is the microsdhc format.

according to this site: http://www.mobileburn.com/definition.jsp?term=microSDHC

MicroSDHC cards are a faster, higher capacity version of the microSD memory card standard. Any microSDHC compatible device can read both microSDHC and older microSD cards, but a microSD compatible device cannot read microSDHC cards.


Does anyone know if the Vista HCx can use the microsdhc cards?

Thanks!

Steven

Yes, SP3 is a recent change to Mapsource. You could try an earlier version if you don't want to deal with that. Perry has archived them here: http://www.gawisp.com/perry/mapsource/

The whole concept of how mapsource works almost universally confuses people. There are constant posts about it here from new users. It's not like most software where you open the files you want to use. Maps must be installed into the program and this is not trivial - it involves modifying the Windows registry. After installing you definitely want to just leave the .img files alone. This isn't made very clear unfortunately.

And Garmin is not going to help you with free maps like these. As far as they are concerned, we don't exist. Maybe not such a bad thing; at least they don't harass us for using their proprietary map format.  

Thanks for the info Boyd. Am I right to assume if I want to add data to a map (say, public area boundaries) that I will have to recompile?    No need for a detailed reply. I will read the tutorials )

Thanks to all who responded to my questions/issues.  After loading SP3, I can now run the newer version of Mapsource, and I can view the map I downloaded from this site. I am sure I will have more questions as time goes by, and I hope to be able to help others as well

Best regards,

Steven   

OK  - looks like I need Service Pack 3 for XP:

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209#Instruct

I'll update the thread when I have installed XP SP3

S~

OK, I think I found what i did wrong in extracting the topo map i downloaded: I MOVED it from C:\Program files\...  I have uninstalled it and reinstalled it. Now, after uninstalling and reinstalling Mapsource AGAIN, I am still getting the missing or corrupt windows component  message, and MS will not start.  Argh!