redneck rebels

Hi Friends, I have been reading up on custom map making and following this thread. I have the NG TOPO series for Fl, Al and Ga. I know that you cant use the ".tpo" files for conversion. But it will output a TIFF file of the map. I found a program to add the gps header info to a TIFF file which then makes this a "GeoTIFF". From here I should be able to pick up the directions and convert to a ".mp" file and then to a Garmin ".img" file. If I can get the TIFF outputted to an .mp file and converted I can then edit it with waypoints and so forth using Mapsource. I have a GPSMAP 60cx In fact I believe one could trace there own map using a vector program like adobe illustrator and convert to tiff, add gps header info then save as "geotiff". From there you should be able to pick up the rest of the steps and end up with your own custom map. Can anyone here advise on this theory. I have already posted in the general forum but realized I should be posting on this thread. Sorry for the double post. Thanks

Thanks for the reply. NG Topo! will output a standard TIFF file of the map. To make this a "geotiff" some lat/lon information needs to be in the header. Thats the only difference between a regular TIFF and a GeoTiff. I have the program to add the gps info the tiff header which then makes this a GeoTiff. The directions for making a custom topo map found on this forum mention at the beggining about downloading the raw data from the USGS site and then converting to a Geotiff. From there it goes to the other steps. Since I alredy have a GeoTiff of the topo I am thinking I should be able to continue with the steps. I was hoping someone here had tried starting with a TIFF file first. I believe that one could simple trace any map in a vector program and then convert to tiff and move on to making the custom map. The trick is to get the geotiff to convert to the ".mp" format so that this can be converted to a Garmin ".img" file which can then be loaded into the GPS. I may be posting this in the wrong place. Thanks

Hello, I have searched the forum thoroughly on custom topp maps. I have all the tools to make one however I have not attempted making one yet. I have the NG TOPO! Fl, Ga and Al series. I have a Garmin gpsmap 60cx. I understand you can not use the NG TOPO maps on the gps. My question is can you "convert" either the ".tpo" file or an exported TIFF file to the ".mp" format so that it could be loaded to the gps. I found "geotiff examiner" located here geotiff This will add geo information to the tiff header therefor making it a "geotiff" file. But from here I don't know what to do. Thanks

Hi, we are newbs...just got started. The GPS geek stuff is really cool. This is a link for how to make your own topo maps. I am giving it a shot at the moment. I am making an eglin reservation and a black water forest topo map. As I get out on the reservation I will be saving my track logs and add them to the maps over time. Thats the plan anyway...LOL If it works out I will post the map for others to use. How to make your own GPS topo map http://home.cinci.rr.com/creek/garmin.htm#2 AKA "Nail".....wife is "Hammer" Redneck Rebels