GIS Kit Conversion to Basecamp?

[worldrimwalker36]

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

[Boyd]

.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.

[worldrimwalker36]

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

[Boyd]

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.

[worldrimwalker36]

Boyd,

Thanks for the input.  I will look into all the info you provided.  It is nice to get good feedback.