Google Earth Elevation Data to Basecamp?

Former Member over 11 years ago

Hello,

I've recently created some routes on Google Earth and converted it to gdp and sent it to Basecamp. However, on Basecamp when clicked to see the elevation profile of the tracks, every point had 0 m. I'm currently using Garmin etrek 20, and I was wondering if there's a way to transfer the elevation profile from Google Earth to Basecamp so I can upload it to the gps.

Also, I noticed that the Placemarks on Google Earth do not show the elevation, always 0 m. So when I have it in Basecamp as a waypoint, it's also 0 m. Is there a way to fix this problem or find alternatives? Thanks a lot. :D

James

0 SUSSAMB over 11 years ago

You'll need a map in Basecamp and your Etrex that contains elevation detail. Not sure where you are but in the UK you can get a free map from www.talkytoaster.co.uk

0 JaVaWa over 11 years ago

There is a difference between routes and tracks. Tracks can contain elevation data that will be shown by BaseCamp; routes do not. Assuming that it were tracks and not routes, apparently Google Earth doesn't put the elevation in the track...
You can add elevation to tracks and waypoints with JaVaWa RTWtool; depending on where you are you may have to download the elevation information yourself (the program will assist you).
Note that the source of the elevation info isn't very detailed; it has a resolution of 90 meters (or 30 meters in the US and Switzerland)

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

You'll need a map in Basecamp and your Etrex that contains elevation detail.

"Real" Garmin topo maps contain DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data. This is what provides shaded 3d terrain for Basecamp and compatible GPS devices. There are no third party tools to make this kind of map unfortunately, only Garmin and their licensed partners can do it. So you are not going to find any free maps that contain DEM data.

I am not familiar with UK maps, but unless TalkyToaster is one of Garmin's official partners I doubt their maps will contain DEM. Note that this is not the same thing as contour lines on the map. It's a special type of data embedded in the map that can only be created with Garmin's in-house software.

-Boyd

0 SUSSAMB over 11 years ago

Well I have no idea how the talkytoaster maps work (that's your area of expertise) but I do know when I select them in Basecamp or my Etrex I get an elevation plot, but not when I have CN EU selected (I then get the message 'The selected map does not contain elevation data), so I can only assume the detail is coming from the (free OSM) talkytoaster mapping :confused:

0 Triplepots over 11 years ago

I can also confirm that the maps from Talkytoaster (Openstreetmap) hold and show elevation data in the route (if I've done it correctly I should have attached a pic!), although comparing route to actual track elevation shows a fair discrepancy.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

This is the "old" way to creating elevation profiles I believe. It users contour lines and is therefore limited to when you cross a contour line. Maps containing DEM data have elevation readings for each point in the map, like the pixels that make up a computer image. This is much more accurate than contour lines; in fact contour lines are derived from sampling DEM data at regular intervals.

In Basecamp, switch to 3d view. If the map appears like a flat plane vanishing into the distance, it does not contain DEM data. But if the map looks like real terrain with mountains that rise above the valleys then it contains DEM.

-Boyd

0 Triplepots over 11 years ago

Ostroff01 - thanks for that info - just checked it and you are (of course!) correct. Now that I've pushed that nugget of info in one side of my brain I'm worried what has been pushed the other side!

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Glad I could help. In case you've never seen it yourself, this is an example of Garmin's US Topo 24k in Basecamp 3d view.

0 Triplepots over 11 years ago

Yeah - just an ever so slight difference!

0 SUSSAMB over 11 years ago

This is the "old" way to creating elevation profiles I believe. It users contour lines and is therefore limited to when you cross a contour line. Maps containing DEM data have elevation readings for each point in the map, like the pixels that make up a computer image. This is much more accurate than contour lines; in fact contour lines are derived from sampling DEM data at regular intervals.

In Basecamp, switch to 3d view. If the map appears like a flat plane vanishing into the distance, it does not contain DEM data. But if the map looks like real terrain with mountains that rise above the valleys then it contains DEM.

-Boyd

Well I did say that was your area of expertise :)

I just knew I was getting elevation data, had no idea whether it was old or new. Thanks for the explanation.