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GPS City Q&A » Outdoor GPS » Questions on data management from a beginner?

Outdoor GPS (5 replies)

Item

Original Question

Questions on data management from a beginner?

› Garmin Foretrex 401

Author

Reply

Irv
Boston, MA

Original question asked on Dec 17, 2011, 12:51pm

As someone fairly new to a GPS aid for hiking, I find the instruction manual of the Foretrex 401 to be almost useless, and the Garmin web site provides scant help. So here are some, perhaps simplistic, questions:

1) what is the difference between a "track" and a "route" ?

2) I have tried to record a track, then load to my computer (using GPSBabelFE) and convert to a .kml file for Google Earth viewing. Before I start my hike I erase prior tracks. Then I zero the computer settings and go off on my hike. When I get back can't find any way to end the track, so I "save" the track, wherein it asks for start and end points. I give it a name. However, when I later upload to my computer, I can only see the name of a track I saved two weeks ago. The new track has been added to the old track, even though I thought I had erased all prior tracks.

3) Is there some way to have each track associated with a unique name? and not linked all together?

4) If I define a "waypoint" by long/lat coordinates, can I record a track from some other starting point to that waypoint? Can I watch my progress to that waypoint? How do I tell the 401 to do that?

5) If I am going on a multi-day trek, can I link several tracks as one long rou

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #1 on Dec 19, 2011, 8:44am

1. In short a Track is where you have been and a route is where you want to go.

2. You will need to contact GPSBabel for support using their software. It sounds like you are looking at the active track and not the individual tracks. Be sure to clear the active track once you have saved all the individual ones.

3. Yes when you save your tracks individually, be sure to erase your active track.

4. You are thinking of a route. You can watch you progress though the map screen or the trip computer. You can change the data fields on the Trip Computer to show you data like ETA, and distance to next. On the Map screen you can watch you progress as you get closer the the point the route like will get shorter.

5. You can create multiple legs in a long route. You just use more than one waypoint when creating your route.

Irv
Boston

Reply #2 on Dec 22, 2011, 5:29am

Thanks, Jordan. This helps, but I could use some follow-up:

2. Other than GPSBabel, what other methods can I use to load a track into my computer for viewing? Is there some way I can use Garmin's own tools and web site? Is there any other software that people use, other than Google Earth?

3. That seems to be part of my problem: I can't figure out how to erase my active track. (or, I thought I was doing that, but it did not seem to work)

4. Ah, OK. Sounds like I can establish a route by entering a waypoint that becomes my destination? Then what do I get the map screen to show me the route rather than the track?

5. Great. thanks.

Roxie
GPS City

Reply #3 on Dec 22, 2011, 2:58pm

For data management you can also use Garmin's free Basecamp software, downloadable from their website. This will allow you to manipulate your existing tracks, waypoints and routes, as well as create new waypoints, tracks and routes.

To erase the active track you will need to save it first, then delete it from the track manager.

Routing on the Foretrex is quite basic, once you enter the destination waypoint, and create the route, the display will show an arrow cursor pointing in the direction you should travel.

Matt
Kandahar, Afghanistan

Reply #4 on Apr 4, 2012, 10:08am

I am having similar issues with transfering data between the 401 and my laptop. I registered my device on myGarmin downloaded the program Garmin connect from the garmin website, and when I connect my device, it doesn't show any info. I'll have to hook it up tonight to see exactly what it says, simply cause I haven't had it connected in a while

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #5 on Apr 4, 2012, 12:09pm

All you need to do is download the free program Garmin Basecamp from Garmins site. That program will allow you to manage you data. just go to Garmin.com -> Support -> Software -> Mapping Programs

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