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GPS City Q&A » Automotive GPS » How to plan routes using Google Maps?

Automotive GPS (3 replies)

Item

Original Question

How to plan routes using Google Maps?

› Garmin Nuvi 550

Author

Reply

Muriel
VA

Original question asked on Jul 14, 2012, 6:02am

I remember not too long ago somewhere on this Q&A portion of the website, a staff member showed us how to export a route from Google Maps into Google Earth, making it compatible with Base camp, and then importing it into Base camp so that we can then upload to the Nuvi 550. Can someone point to me where those directions are? I can't seem to find them. Thanks!

Roxie
GPS City

Reply #1 on Jul 16, 2012, 8:05am

Here is a link to our Buzz article explaining how to transfer from Google to your GPS, http://www.gpscity.com/buzz/2011/06/friday-feature-google-maps-and-gps.html

Muriel
VA

Reply #2 on Jul 16, 2012, 9:41am

Hmm...I read that page just now and it's not actually what I'm asking for. That article talks about how to import GPS tracks to Google Earth.

What I'm asking about is how do I use Google Maps to plan my trip, and then have that route be uploaded to my Nuvi 550. I remember reading on your website the steps to do this, but I haven't been able to find it.

Muriel
VA

Reply #3 on Jul 16, 2012, 9:49am

I found it! It was a reply that Jess made to a user. And, it's from Google Earth, not exactly Google Maps. I'd post the URL, but this website does not allow users to post URLs.

I've reproduced the instructions below so that they also exist on this page:
Hello Chuck,

If you are using an internet browser version of Google maps then you can only send waypoints to the GPS.

If you are using Google Earth. You can do it but it is not easy or supported. Here is a quick run down to get you going.

First create a route in "Google Earth" on a PC or MAC. Then save the route as a KML file. You then need to use a program called GPSBabel to convert the KML file to a GPX. Once in GPX format you can import into Garmin Basecamp.

In Garmin Basecamp the file is read as a Track and not a route. You will need to right click on the route (track) in the collection list. Select Convert Track to route. Now you can use Basecamp to transfer the route to the Zumo.

Cheers
Jordan
====================================
I do think though that I can export a Google Maps direction to Google Earth, then saving it as KML format and then importing that to Garmin Basecamp.

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