Trail Mapping

April 23, 2004

Does anyone have any experience with mapping trails using their GPS? PSUPaul and I are working on a project to create maps for a county park. Supposedly there is 20 miles of trails in the park but no maps. We have access to Mapsend and National Geographics mapping software. Is there anything which is better suited to creating the maps we need? Personally I prefer to use open source software but would consider other programs. If you have done a project like this your advice would be greatly appreciated.

April 23, 2004

I've been working on a similar project except on private land. I am currently using USA Photo Maps for the work but the problem is that all of the tracks are one color. I don't like this but I am working with it for right now. I have Mapsource Topo and it allows easy manipulation of the tracks but the maps suck.

Here is what I did:

First, I went out and gathered data. I rode all of the sections of trails so that I would have tracks (ATVs make short work of it). When I would come to one section, I would turn off the GPS so it would start a new track. I would then turn it on (note the time!) and ride the section. Then I would save the track. This way I have a track for each specific trail.

After I had gathered my data, I put them onto mapsource and edited them. A few times I had to stop or had to backtrack so it left a lot of un-needed points on the track. Since Mapsource offers quick and easy editing of tracks, I used this program to get rid of these cluttering points. This made the tracks look MUCH cleaner. The GPS once randomly put a point about 500 feet off to one side. Why? I don't know but I was able to delete this one and improve the track.

Finally, I would put the tracks onto USA Photo Maps. Then I take a screen shot and go into the photo-editing program "Paint!" and adjust the size of the map, add text numbers, etc. By doing this, you turn the map into a "picture" which can be used by all computers.

I am sure there is a better way of doing this, but I am poor so I don't have access to better programs. I am sure there is a better way to do all of this but this (kinda) works.

Just so you know, here is what a map from National Geographic Topo! would look like. The detail seems to be a little bit on the lacking side, but it does compensate with coordinates, scale, and degree of declination already on the map. To add to that, it appears as though the map is ready to be printed on 8.5X11" paper which is convienent.

Hope this helps some!

Max T.

7.4k · April 23, 2004

I have done a fair amount of map creation for mountain biking (creating maps to accompany ride descriptions for web sites and printed guides), but my methods aren't all that sophisticated. My steps are very similar to LR Max's.

The first step is recording tracks for all of the trails. If possible, I try to get multiple recordings to ensure good coverage. I then lay all of those tracks down together on a DRG (digital raster graphic, which is essentially a scanned and calibrated USGS topo map) loaded up in OziExplorer. Ozi has about the best track editing features that I've found. I generally edit one of the existing tracks or create a new one that best fits the available data.

Next I export the map with overlaid tracks to an image file, which I open in Photoshop. Then I add text and shadowing, lighten the background map to make the trails stand out, etc. An example of a map that I created for one of my local mountain bike areas, and for one of my caches, is visible here.

April 23, 2004

I originally wrote GPS Visualizer a couple summers ago because I wanted to make a map of a disc golf course -- so I can vouch for its mapmaking ability! One advantage of using GPS Visualizer over some other programs is that the maps it creates are vector drawings, meaning they're fully editable in a graphics program like Illustrator.

Of course, no matter what program you use, I'd go over all the trails at least two or three times to make sure you've got good data.

2.2k · April 23, 2004

Simply recording your track on the GPS and then uploading it to NG Topo makes a nice map. Shown below is an example of one I did a few weeks ago. It is a piece of cake to do. RM

April 23, 2004

This website should explain how to accomplish your task using NGTOPO. The website this page comes from is Local Hikes. These are the instructions we use to file our hike reports. When you complete your project, you should consider submitting it to the website for everyone to view, utilize, and enjoy.

April 23, 2004

This website should explain how to accomplish your task using NGTOPO. The website this page comes from is Local Hikes. These are the instructions we use to file our hike reports. When you complete your project, you should consider submitting it to the website for everyone to view, utilize, and enjoy.

I am the other half of the project. And admittedly the less technology minded half. I am a member of Local Hikes and will post the trails on the site. I can use some new ones. Up until now I have just drawn the maps by the mapping tool, not used an upload from my GPS.

Here are my hikes PSUPAUL

April 23, 2004

All righty then….30+, I think I may have told Noah about the flood. Sorry, I thought it would be helpful. Not trying to insult anyone. :rolleyes:

April 23, 2004

An example of a map that I created for one of my local mountain bike areas, and for one of my caches, is visible here.

Talk about reverse engineering! :rolleyes:

When I did Moun10Bike Maze, I loaded that file into OZI and referenced the parking symbols from the coordinates given on the cache page. Then I put waypoints on each intersection and added the cache waypoints along with the other caches in the park, loaded it all into my Merigreen, and printed out the map. Shoulda just begged the ozi map file off of you (Including the final cache location, of course ).

April 23, 2004

A couple software tips...

After I had gathered my data, I put them onto mapsource and edited them. A few times I had to stop or had to backtrack so it left a lot of un-needed points on the track. Since Mapsource offers quick and easy editing of tracks, I used this program to get rid of these cluttering points. This made the tracks look MUCH cleaner. The GPS once randomly put a point about 500 feet off to one side. Why? I don't know but I was able to delete this one and improve the track.

Mapsource is good for editing track data. Note that you can sort by number of points by clicking on the column header, then select the first item, shift-click on the last to be deleted and get rid of the noise all at once.

Finally, I would put the tracks onto USA Photo Maps. Then I take a screen shot and go into the photo-editing program "Paint!" and adjust the size of the map, add text numbers, etc. By doing this, you turn the map into a "picture" which can be used by all computers.

Most versions of Windows [if that's what you use] support active window capture with the print screen and alt-print screen keys. You can paste the result in almost any graphics program with an edit/paste function. Perhaps this is how you did it with Paint!, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

1.4k · April 23, 2004

I will second the localhikes.com suggestion. Become a reporter for localhikes.com. They will give you all the software, show you how, and even post your hikes on a national web site for all to share.

Seems like a match made in heaven!

April 23, 2004

All righty then….30+, I think I may have told Noah about the flood. Sorry, I thought it would be helpful. Not trying to insult anyone.

No insult taken at all. Sorry if I came off that way. I am glad you reminded me of the opportunity to post them there and get some kudos for the ones I did!

April 23, 2004

All righty then….30+, I think I may have told Noah about the flood. Sorry, I thought it would be helpful. Not trying to insult anyone.

No insult taken at all. Sorry if I came off that way. I am glad you reminded me of the opportunity to post them there and get some kudos for the ones I did!

I did not take it that way; I was just poking fun at myself.

April 24, 2004

I will second the localhikes.com suggestion. Become a reporter for localhikes.com. They will give you all the software, show you how, and even post your hikes on a national web site for all to share.

Unfortunately localhikes.com has their fill of reporters. You will be placed on a waiting list.

April 24, 2004

I originally wrote GPS Visualizer a couple summers ago because I wanted to make a map of a disc golf course -- so I can vouch for its mapmaking ability! One advantage of using GPS Visualizer over some other programs is that the maps it creates are vector drawings, meaning they're fully editable in a graphics program like Illustrator.

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. It just so happens that there is a disc golf course in this park and I am sure there is no map. I may asking for some advise on that and any hints about playing would be helpfull also I just bought my first couple of discs the other day might go give it a try this weekend.

The NGTopo maps are nice but I'am wondering for this park to have them printed on brochures wouldn't it be expensive because of the amount of colors and shading? Maybe we could make Hi-Res images which could be available for download on the website which could be printed.

I like the GPSvisualizer maps but have a question I can't seem to open them in Illustrator I have a old version not sure which one because I am not on the computer right now. Is there a plugin needed for Illustrator? Do you know is there a way to open the file in Macromedia Freehand? I have a newer version of that.

I also have all the USGS topo maps on disc so the OZIexplorer option is also a possibility.

Edited April 24, 2004 by IMLost

1.4k · April 24, 2004

I will second the localhikes.com suggestion. Become a reporter for localhikes.com. They will give you all the software, show you how, and even post your hikes on a national web site for all to share.

Unfortunately localhikes.com has their fill of reporters. You will be placed on a waiting list.

That totally depends on your area!

If somebody from Southern NM wants in, I will gladly let then have it, I already have my fill in West Texas.

Seems strange, me handling two states. Guess not every area has too many yet!

4.5k · April 24, 2004

Some GPS's are better than others for keeping satellite reception under heavy tree cover. I've often walked for a quarter mile without reception with my etrex Vista, hence no track data. GPSr's that allow remote antenna that could be "worn" on your hat would be better.

If you're missing data, Mapsource will artificially fill-in the track it thinks you followed so it'll look like you didn't miss anything but the reslt could be off. Basically a straight line will be put in between actual reception points even if you walked in circles for that time.

The nice thing about NG Topo is you can create a route from the track with any number of selected waypoints. Those waypoints can then be exported for anyone to use in their brand of GPS or their mapping software. They can the create their own maps from your track waypoints.

Good luck

Alan

April 24, 2004

You can add a trail from your GPS track using Delorme Topo 5.0.

April 24, 2004

Ref. the second post in this topic, USAPhotoMaps now allows you to change the color of any track segment.

April 24, 2004

JDMC,

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll go and download the update as soon as I can. Being able to make the tracks different colors would make my job A LOT easier.

Max T.

1.2k · April 25, 2004

Simply recording your track on the GPS and then uploading it to NG Topo makes a nice map. Shown below is an example of one I did a few weeks ago. It is a piece of cake to do. RM

RM, can you tell me exactly how you did it?

I have breadcrumbs of a route in my GPS, part of which I want to export to a NG Topo map. But can I then delete the parts I don't want?

So far, I have only exported waypoints to NG Topo maps, and they appear like ugly blurry thick blue dots, and I haven't figured out how to change that, let alone how to manipulate tracks.

April 25, 2004

The NGTopo maps are nice but I'am wondering for this park to have them printed on brochures wouldn't it be expensive because of the amount of colors and shading?

Can you legally reprint these maps?

4.5k · April 25, 2004

Sunra: Breadcrumbs are synonymous for tracks. They are not routes. Routes are created by creating one waypoint after the other and placing then in a route where you go from the first to the last. Breadcrumbcs or tracks are created as you walk around .

It sounds like you have transfered routes or waypoints to NG Topo not tracks. Export the tracks into NG Topo then you can cut and manipulate the tracks to your liking. You can also edit tracks in Mapsource if you're using Garmin.

Alan

Edited April 25, 2004 by Alan2

1.2k · April 25, 2004

Sunra: Breadcrumbs are synonymous for tracks. They are not routes. Routes are created by creating one waypoint after the other and placing then in a route where you go from the first to the last. Breadcrumbcs or tracks are created as you walk around .

It sounds like you have transfered routes or waypoints to NG Topo not tracks. Export the tracks into NG Topo then you can cut and manipulate the tracks to your liking. You can also edit tracks in Mapsource if you're using Garmin.

Alan

Thanks for the correction. I said Routes, I meant tracks. My question remains the same, though...

1.2k · April 25, 2004

OK, I have followed the steps on the referenced page, and created this map:

The page, however, appears to say that you have to follow the breadcrumbs and draw the track free-hand. Is that what you did to get the continuous line?

5.3k · April 25, 2004

If I understand correctly what you are asking, right-click on the track and modify the style. You can choose from a number of colors and styles. You can do the same for the waypoints if you wish.

April 25, 2004

Can you legally reprint these maps?

That's a very good question. I checked and couldn't find any licensing information from the website. I was looking at a map that PSUPaul dropped off last night and it has a small copyright on the bottom it may be OK as long as that stays with the map. Would need to check the license that came with the software though. Honestly it looks like they are just using the USGS topos and added shading for to show the 3D effect.

4.5k · April 26, 2004

Here's the license that came with NG Topo; It looks like you can get a free license where" protected" but actually they are very lenient - they just want to protect the software and the systems you can use it on. Sorry for the volume but that's what its is.

Alan

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Trail Mapping

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