mardi 25 décembre 2012

Using the DNR Garmin Extension to Download Waypoints from a GPS Unit



The DNR Garmin is a GPS extension that works with ArcView, ArcMap (8.x, 9.x, 10.x), Landview or ArcExplorer. 
With this extension you can transfer your Garmin GPS waypoints, tracks or routes directly to one of the above programs above and save your data as Graphics or Shapefiles.
In our example we will show how to use DNRgarmin with ArcMap. Before launching the program you should plug your device into the PC.

Plug in the cable in the one of the USB Ports if you are using a “USB” cable or into the “Serial” port if you are using that type of cable.
Please note if you are using Windows XP a “USB” cable might not work properly. Our advice is to use the “Serial” port if you are working on XP.

Step 1

Launch the program by double clicking on the desktop icon.  

Step 1-1:
The program interface will appear like below :

DNR_1



Step1-2:
 The program will try to connect to your GPS device and Check if your device is properly connected to the port and follow the instructions in the message.
Step 2:

Configure your program by clicking on “GPSà Set Portà USB” (if you are using USB cable) or “Port 1” (if you are using Serial).
DNR_2

If your GPS is connected to the program you should see “Connected” in the bottom left corner of the program window.
The program is ready to retrieve your data.
Click on “Waypoint” and then “Download” to download your waypoints into the program.
Or click on “Track” => “Download” if you want to download your Tracks.

DNR_1


After the data is downloaded you will receive a message stating the number of records received.
Step 3:

Click on “>>> Data Table >>>” to see the properties of the downloaded data.
Now you are able to edit your data as needed.
After editing your data, save your data as a shapefile to use it in ArcMap.

DNR_Garmin


Please note: DNRgarmin does not create a projection file (*.prj). You will need to define the projection in ArcCatalog or ArcMap to have a projection associated with your shapefile.