How do you use waypoints?
 

I have downloaded and installed the Open Source Maps for the region (thanks Walter), but I wondered if anyone can give me some advice on how to use the waypoint file.
The two problems I have is that I am a GPS novice and also the GPS I am using (Garmin Nuvi 550) came with no software, only the preloaded map. The GPS has a gpx file installed which I assume is for POIs (fuel, hotels, shopping, etc) for the Europe map. How does this differ from this gdb file? How do I get the gdb file onto the GPS and reference it to the open source map I have installed? Any help would be appreciated as I can't find any clear instructions on the web.

Thanks,

GPX and GDB files are two similar garmin formats. GDB is more recent and more compressed. GPX is a standard old format that is useful in exchanging data between devices as it is older and therefore more common. In reality AFAIK all current software and units read the more compact GDB format.

You will need some computer software to load the waypoints, view and edit them (delete ones you dont need) and then that software will load it onto your device via a USB cable connected to the computer running the software.

I would recommend you get both Garmin Basecamp (a more modern piece of software that I still find harder to use) and the older discontinued Mapsource software (which I still prefer to use - in particular, version 6.13.7). Here are links to them:

Basecamp (latest version)

Mapsource v6.13.7

Thats stage 1 ... once you have downloaded and installed that software, you will need advice on how you use the software, how to edit the waypoints, and how to transfer them to your GPS device - and I am happy to leave that to someone else :)

Maria ,,
First ,, load the way points on the gogle earth ,, get rid of the points you are not intereted in,, make a clean list that suits you,, otherwise too much data.
Stick your garmin sd chip into the pc ,, look for favorites or way point directory,, same as your osm map directory. You will also find imho ,, all nuvi series garmin are pos. Better off with a smart phone,, load your points, in many apps.

Some indepth reading,,,

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...eet-maps-64135

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...armin-et-63191

Keep it simple Maria
 

Just download Walter & other's collection as a GPX fileand B]Copy this gpx[/B] file into the gpx folder of your satnav.

The GPX folder MUST be a sub-folder to one called Garmin. That is all you have to do.

The file has not been categorised so avoid frustration by not asking your satnav to look for categories!

The icons will display automatically on your map as you approach them-
The distance at which they appear all depends on the settings you have chosen in your satnav.

Use the 'FIND' or 'GoTo' option then 'Waypoints' to find them.

Hi Bertrand,

Thanks for moving the post and for the advice. I will pass the info to Alistair as he deals with tech stuff ( while i deal with logistic! :mchappy: clear defined tasks here!)

I hope he has the file and can use an internet cafe somewhere to do the above. Seems simple enough.

Made it to Turkey ... Hope to be in Georgia by end of the week....

Cheers,