Making new map from custom kmz maps and tracks

[oregon]

I have a bunch of tracks and waypoints on custom kmz maps.
Its all getting very messy and would like to write permanent tracks with markings on them.
Ideally tracks would be in different colors with arrows and track gradings.
Not sure on the best way to go about it.
I am prepared to play around with some map making software. Unsure on the costs and complexities of the process though.

I have also found this program
imgfromgpx form java gps tools
I think it creates a new track overlay over any map which i use.
This sounds like a great option also as i have some maps which overlap each other.

Appreciate any help.

[Boyd]

imgfromgpx may do what you want, it converts .gpx files to simple Garmin .img files (maps). There's another, similar program called gpx2img (I think).

Making a more complex map involves a learning curve, and can be done with free or commercial software. There are comprehensive tutorials here on the site. A simpler option is a program called MapWel: http://www.mapwel.net

It has a free demo but you must pay for the fully functional version. Its (arguably) the most user-friendly way to make Garmin maps and it can do everything, as opposed to other solutions that require multiple programs.

[jolly47roger]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean - but my MAPC2MAPC will open a 'Custom Map' KMZ (tiled raster images) as a single calibrated image. You can then paint GPX tracks onto the image in various styles/colours and save the result as another KMZ. It won't do arrows, though.

[oregon]

imgfromgpx may do what you want, it converts .gpx files to simple Garmin .img files (maps). There's another, similar program called gpx2img (I think).

Making a more complex map involves a learning curve, and can be done with free or commercial software. There are comprehensive tutorials here on the site. A simpler option is a program called MapWel

It has a free demo but you must pay for the fully functional version. Its (arguably) the most user-friendly way to make Garmin maps and it can do everything, as opposed to other solutions that require multiple programs.

Thanks for the help.
I should have mentioned i am running a mac. Do you have any other programs i can use?
I do have VMware but would prefer to run mac only.
I was actually thinking about trying basecamp in VWmare windows  as it is very unstable on the mac.
Can programs like mapwel create transparent overlays like the other 2 in your post?

[Boyd]

Unfortunately your options are very limited on the Mac. I have used Macs as my primary computers since 1985, and I'm a moderator at MacRumors.com. But when it's time to make maps.... I fire up the Windows PC.  "Back in the day", I used Virtual PC on my Mac to run Windows software, but that left a lot to be desired in terms of performance so I eventually got a dedicated system. With today's faster Macs, that might be less of a problem.

I believe that there are OpenStreetMap tools that are Java-based and work on Macs the same as Windows, but have never spent any time with those.

Making transparent overlays is trivial, it's just a matter of setting a map property and really has nothing to do with the way you make the map. It can easily be done with gmaptool or MapsetToolkit on Windows. But, IIRC, Mapwel also gives you that option.

[oregon]

I might give windows a shot then.
I am also finding that basecamp is very unstable on the Mac.
Are there any alternatives?

[Boyd]

Alternative for what? If you want to use Garmin-format maps (.img files) and manage Garmin products like Birdseye on the Mac, then no. If you just want to work with tracks, waypoints and routes, then any program that can read/write .gpx files should do it.