GPS track logger that will show track in Google Earth?

[twr7cx]

I know what I want to do, but I don't know what I need/want to do it.

Basically I have at the moment a Garmin Forerunner 405 watch ( https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=11039 ). It's GPS and so when I go for a run it records my route and then later it connects to the PC and transfers the data. I then open the Garmin program and it shows me various data on the route including the track mapped out on Google Earth.

I also have a Garmin Nuvi 265WT ( https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=13430 ), for road/city navigation, and Garmin eTrex ( https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=144&pID=8705 ), which came for free with it.
Now the Nuvi does keep a record on the map on the unit itself of where I have been (it draws a thin blue line), even if it doesn't know of a road or track there. But I haven't been able to get it to transfer this data onto the computer to view on Google Earth (or even Google Maps would be fine as it's got a pretty good satelite picture view now too), I suspect this may be beyond it's capabilities.

Does anyone know if there is a GPS device that would compine the functionality of the Nuvi (in that it shows your current position on a map) and the Forerunner (in that it records your track and can connect and transfer this information to the computer)? Ideally I would like something that shows topographic maps.

[twr7cx]

I may have found my answer. It would seem that Garmin has a larger service than just the Garmine Training Center that I use for my Forerunner. It's an online based system called Garmin Connect - Garmin Connect - Getting Started (http://connect.garmin.com/help/start)

On there it lists the compatible devices.

It has the following lsited for Outdoor/Automotive:
Dakota
Oregon
Colorado
Foretrex 301/401
Zumo

And the following as other Outdoor:
eTrex
GPSMAP 60
GPSMAP 76
Geko 201/301
Foretrex 101/201
Rino
Delome Earthmate
Magellan eXplorist

Time to start reading up on these models I guess...

[twr7cx]

I've narrowed it down, I think, to the following three model groups:
Colorado
Oregon
Dakota

From what I've read, the Dakota seems to be the goer, particularly 20 is recomended - ANATOLY IVANOV / PROSE / GARMIN DAKOTA VS GARMIN OREGON GPS COMPARISON REVIEW (http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00159/) and ANATOLY IVANOV / PROSE / GARMIN DAKOTA VS GARMIN OREGON GPS COMPARISON REVIEW (http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00159/)
Price wise, they all seem to be fairly similar.

Any recommendations or opinions please?

[austastar]

Hi,
You can export the file to OziExplorer as a GPX file and save it from Ozi to a KML file which google can open

example (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106791353751891448239.000490d239ea2b3658f31&ll=-42.657192,146.736145&spn=0.678684,1.641083&t=p&z=10)

Yes this is in Google maps but it can be opened in Google earth

cheers

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Hi,
You can export the file to OziExplorer as a GPX file and save it from Ozi to a KML file which google can open

example (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106791353751891448239.000490d239ea2b3658f31&ll=-42.657192,146.736145&spn=0.678684,1.641083&t=p&z=10)

Yes this is in Google maps but it can be opened in Google earth

cheers

What unit did you use to record the points and then save out to a GPX? Nuvi, etrex, something else?

[StephenF10]

Google Earth has a "GPS" menu item that lets you import waypoints, tracks and routes directly from a GPS receiver. It works for my Nuvi 1450T.

Stephen.

[Tombie]

Is this for planned use with a laptop and moving map?

If yes, then does your laptop have a CF or PCMCIA port?

Just get a CF GPS (and PCMCIA adapter is often included) and run OziExplorer.

I've ordered my mounting system and once here will finish setting mine up.

I have a lot of pics to post once done!!!

[woody]

would a smart phone running either android or an iphone fit the bill, my htc desire hd is running oziexplorer beta, google maps and sygic (TomTom clone) for mapping.
I bought it to have all my devices in a single handheld device.

[twr7cx]

would a smart phone running either android or an iphone fit the bill, my htc desire hd is running oziexplorer beta, google maps and sygic (TomTom clone) for mapping.
I bought it to have all my devices in a single handheld device.

I have an iPhone 4 and original iPad 3G (it has an Optus SIM card in it, but theres no credit on it - I now just use Bluetooth to connect it to my iPhone 4 using the Wireless Hot Spot feature). I'm happy to try anything, but I want something that's fairly easy to use and do what I want, rather than constantly having to play/edit/set/upgrade/update/download/upload/whatever the thing. I've always found the Garmin devices to work fairly each.

[twr7cx]

Is this for planned use with a laptop and moving map?

Nah, I was hoping for something smaller and simpler than a laptop based setup.
I just wanted to connect it to my Mac when I get home to review where I had been.