GPX files

Assuming the "Garmin" you bought is an automotive unit with City Navigator street maps, then the unit will give turn by turn directions when navigating to a destination. The BaseCamp program is free (for Mac and Windows). It will use the City Navigator maps stored on your device and can be used for route planning. It will generate a GPX file that can be transferred to many nuvi (and other) Garmin GPS devices. The GPX file will be stored on the nuvi as a trip or route that can be recalled and navigated.

You are putting the cart before the horse here. There are many ways to create GPX files, but some are incompatible with certain units, and some with ALL Garmin units. You need to get your unit first, then download the free BaseCamp software, learn how to use it, and create your trips, waypoints, and routes in that. It's possible you did in fact create a usable GPX, but you are setting yourself up for possible headaches, and will not have all the possibilities that BaseCamp affords you.

Many of us have been successful creating a route or track in GE, saving it as a KML file and importing it into Basecamp, and then to the unit. I've never heard of anyone just dumping a GPX file into the unit,
although I suppose it is possible.

You also must have the correct map loaded for what you are planning....if your map is not auto-routing you will not get turn by turn directions. Sounds like you need a little background:
garminbasecamp.wikispaces.com

Without knowing which Garmin model you are getting and which maps it will or won't come with, this is about all we can do for you at this point.

GPX files

Thanks for all your wisdom. As a newbie I appreciate it. My zumo 590LM arrived this afternoon. I imported one of my GPX files that I created using the software Tyre and it was accepted; however, I'll be glad to learn another mapping tool such as Basecamp.

If I may ask another question, do you know if the Garmin will follow the GPX file without exception? My zumo is for motorcycles. Prior to importing my GPX I configured the zumo settings for "curvy roads." This particular route I created; however, was primarily interstate. After I imported the GPX the curvy road setting took precedent over my primarily interstate route. My original 8 hour route turned into a 17 hours. Obviously, I learned from that and reconfigured from curvy roads to faster time. But here is my real question. I have GPX routes already created that include curvy roads. Because the Garmin is now configured for faster time will it override my curvy roads? In other words, is my GPX file not the master over my destiny, but instead does the Garmin's rules thwart my intention?

..... In other words, is my GPX file not the master over my destiny, but instead does the Garmin's rules thwart my intention?

Yes, unfortunately, and the internal rules appear to be different for every model!! This has been driving thousands of users nuts for the last 10 years. :mad:

You will just have to figure this out as you gain experience. One important thing is to set the activity profile and the avoidances the same in BC and on the Zumo.

The only way to make the GPX file absolutely foolproof is to use tracks exclusivity. Tracks cannot be changed by any Garmin GPS, but they also do not give you directions, time to next, or any other info. Just like following a red highlight on a map, except the GPS will show you exactly where you are on that track. It is not all that hard to create tracks on BC with the mouse, just time consuming. After struggling with poor to fair auto-routing for years, I generally use tracks in the dirt. My Nav V on the R1200GS, which is similar to the Zumo, does a pretty good job of routing when I just tell it the destination, at least on pavement. The Montana, on the other hand, does not do as well.....no problem for me, since I use tracks on the Montana riding the TW200, and routes on the Nav V riding the BMW.

I'd go over to the ADVRider Forum and search for your model Zumo to get some other folks experience. And NEVER, NEVER trust a map, any map, digital or paper with your life!!!!!! I routinely use GE to proof my route or track whenever I have the slightest question about a back country road or trail in new territory. You can also view a track or route from BC in GE, as long as GE is open first.....I use this feature a lot out in the West.

Thanks

Rocky_TFS,
Thanks for the thorough reply. That is very disappointing information, but I take heed to your superior advice.
Thanks,
Keith

Thanks for all your wisdom. As a newbie I appreciate it. My zumo 590LM arrived this afternoon. I imported one of my GPX files that I created using the software Tyre and it was accepted; however, I'll be glad to learn another mapping tool such as Basecamp.

If I may ask another question, do you know if the Garmin will follow the GPX file without exception? My zumo is for motorcycles. Prior to importing my GPX I configured the zumo settings for "curvy roads." This particular route I created; however, was primarily interstate. After I imported the GPX the curvy road setting took precedent over my primarily interstate route. My original 8 hour route turned into a 17 hours. Obviously, I learned from that and reconfigured from curvy roads to faster time. But here is my real question. I have GPX routes already created that include curvy roads. Because the Garmin is now configured for faster time will it override my curvy roads? In other words, is my GPX file not the master over my destiny, but instead does the Garmin's rules thwart my intention?

Whether the GPS will follow the route you created will depend on how you created the route. The gpx file basically just contains a bunch of points and the unit must calculate a route between the points. If you use enough points to push the route where you want to go then the gps will follow it, otherwise it may come up with a different route.

I recommend you use BaseCamp to plan your routes as it has features that will work with the Z590 no other program has. Some folks feel that BaseCamp has a steep learning curve but if you follow the New England Riders BaseCamp turorial or the videos Don Norton put together you can pick it up pretty quickly.

New England Riders Tutorial: http://www.newenglandriders.org/Learn_BaseCamp.htm

Don's Videos:
Lesson 1 - The Garmin BaseCamp Map and Menu
http://youtu.be/jDqVvHvd754

Lesson 2 - Data storage for Garmin BaseCamp
http://youtu.be/kpRaWRii7hE

Lesson 3 - Edit and OPTIONS
http://youtu.be/qwDSNPyVX-Q

Lesson 4 - Create My Collection, your database
http://youtu.be/stpwMUBQLNc

Lesson 5 - The Drawing Tools
http://youtu.be/ECNujneoot0

Lesson 6 - Backup Database, Google Earth
http://youtu.be/freaF_WciZk

Lesson 7 - Find, Search, Yelp, Icons and Data
http://youtu.be/ayGruPddSRE

Lesson 8 - Connecting your GPS and moving data
http://youtu.be/DZk5-wQbm84

Lesson 9 - EXTRAS on your GPS unit
http://youtu.be/fQmuT1tmVhM

Lesson 10 - Routing with NEW ROUTE tool only
http://youtu.be/1WkOq3_FurM

Lesson 11 - Routing with Waypoints your create
http://youtu.be/qB8N7nAGb_0

Lesson 12 - BaseCamp created route and then modify
http://youtu.be/pFTjsqucHSo

Lesson 13 - Auto Routing using your data
http://youtu.be/mu4r-ee1XSk

Lesson 14 - Adding a stopover and your time element
http://youtu.be/MJbI5STi7uo

Lesson 15 - Common routing errors and how to avoid them
http://youtu.be/uS93soMx0Mg

Lesson 16 - Shared Data Files Conversion to GPX format
http://youtu.be/pnQSKZJd5So

Lesson 17 - Garmin POI Loader moving data to your GPS unit
http://youtu.be/uGvgv8mVPPw

Lesson 18 - Garmin Custom Waypoint Symbols
http://youtu.be/AuMFEzGNv3Q

You should also visit www.zumoforums.com where you can get advice specific to your device.