Route lacks details when created from tracks???

Former Member over 12 years ago

I've tried creating a couple routes from tracks that I downloaded from Garmin Connect. One track has 2099 Indexes and provides very good detail of the trails hiked. When I select and highlight the complete track and then select...File->New->"Direct Track From Selected Route" and then set the number of points to match the number of indexes, the route is a pretty good mirror of the track but not an exact copy. I would have thought that the route would "match" up perfectly...as if it was a complete "trace" of the track.

Can anyone provide some detail on the best way to create routes from track so they are as close as possible to each other? This is my first time using a handheld gps and associated software.

Thanks,
glenn

0 BTLAAKE over 12 years ago

Tracks are how you actually got from one point to another. Routes are how you plan to get from one point to another and therefore are less detailed. Think of a time before GPS when you navigated by map and compass.

You probably don’t need to do what you’re doing. I think that most (newer) Garmin outdoor devices will allow you to navigate track as well as a route. Check you manual.

You started out correctly to get the best initial detailed conversion of a track to a route. To complete that task you will need to edit the route. Make sure you have the Map Drawing toolbar open. The tool that looks like a pencil will allow you to add points, the one next to it will allow you move a point and the next one allows you to erase points. This toolbar will only be active when you have a waypoint (only move active), track or route selected in the lower left pane.

The pencil adds a point. When you move cursor close enough to a selected route or track, a segment will be highlighted. A left mouse click creates a rubber band connecting your cursor to the endpoints of the segment. Move the cursor to where you want to add a point and do another left mouse click to affix the new point. A right mouse click will deactivate the rubber band and allow you to choose another segment. Pressing the esc key does the same thing.

The move tool allows you move a single point. When you move the cursor close to a selected route or track, two segments (3 points) will be highlighted. The middle point can be moved by holding the left mouse button down and dragging it to a new location and releasing the mouse button.

The eraser tool allows you remove a single point or multiple adjacent points. When you move the cursor close to a selected track or route, an “X” will appear on a point. A left mouse click will erase that point. If you hold down the left mouse button and drag the cursor along the track/route you will see multiple X’s appear. When you release the left mouse button, they will all be erased. It is not necessary to follow the track/route to select points, just move the cursor to the last point you want erased and all the points in between will be selected.

When you convert a track to a route, all the points will likely be alerting points (i.e. your unit will beep at/near each point). I believe these can be converted to non-alerting points through the route property window. Perhaps a more knowledgeable person can comment on this.