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GPS and Google Earth

Some GPS receivers can be connected to a PC to upload and download track and waypoint data. To determine if your GPS has this capability consult the owners manual or user guide. A serial cable or USB cable is required.


GPS tracks and waypoints can be viewed in Google Earth by saving them as GPX files. To create GPX files you can use a program like GPS Trackmaker to download you GPS data.

 ·  Open GPS Trackmaker.
 ·  Connect to the GPS and dowload the tracks and waypoints.
 ·  save the file as .GPX.
 ·  Open .GPX the file with Google Earth.


Google Earth cannot upload data to your GPS. GPS Trackmaker will allow you to upload saved placemarks to your GPS (most GPS units).

 ·  First create the locations to be used in Google Earth.
 ·  save you placemarkers as a KML file from Google Earth.
 ·  Open the KML file with GPS Trackmaker.
 ·  connect GPS TrackMaker to the GPS
 ·  upload the points to your GPS.


TopoFusion is another program that will allow you to download your GPS tracks.
TopoFusion includes PhotoFusion which will create Waypoints for your photos based on the timestamp.


Waypoints are point locations you save in the GPS to locate a feature. Some GPS units will allow you to set a symbol and name the waypoint.

GPS tracks are lines that follow your travel path in the GPS. Many GPS units will record a track. The line segments length will determine how closely the track represents you actual travel path. The track precision can usually be set in the GPS options.

The GPS coordinate system should be set to Latitude/Longitude, and the datum should be set to WGS84 to match Google Earth.

Google Earth™ is a trademark of Google Inc.