I finally sat down and tried to figure out how to make maps for upload into Garmin GPSr units using GPSMapEdit and cGPSMapper. I think I got the basics down and created an installable map of trails on Lake of the Woods.

The attached file "LOW Trail Map" will install the map into Mapsource where you can then select the LOW snowmobile trail map (along with any others) to upload to your Garmin GPSr unit. This map has a transparent background so any underlying maps will show through.

Attached picture shows approximately 800 miles of trail (in green) included on map.

Please let me know how it works/looks when uploaded to your GPSr.

Thanks.

LOW Trail Map

I uploaded your map to my eMap and it looks and works great! Good work.
I wish I had a colour Garmin unit. I bought a Magellan eXplortist XL and it looks great compared to the grey scale Garmin eMap.

Here is a link to the map I made of some Ontario trails. There is also files for MapSource (.gdb) and MapSend (.trk).

Reved100

I will load it into my map76c this weekend, how much of a pain in the ass was it to make it?

I got most of the info on how to use GPSMapEdit, cGPSMapper (both used for creating the map) and Inno (software installer) from a guy on this forum...his website is... http://gpssledmaps.com/ plus I searched and found additional info on the net. For me it was difficult initially, but the more I hammered away at it I finally started to figured it out....am still learning.

It's a bit of work but I think it was worth it. Start small and work your way up.

I have updated this map with the following:

location of US/Canada Customs for entering/leaving country by sled/auto at Baudette MN / Rainy River Ontario

Remote Customs Phones for entering/leaving country by sled/auto at the Northwest Angle MN

changed color of trail from black to red

LOW Trail Map

If you want to update this map in Mapsource you must first delete the old map by going to "ADD and Remove Programs" in Control Panel...then install this new one.

Since trail locations can and do change from time to time use
this map ONLY as a guide with current local paper trail maps.
Always check with locals for ice & trail conditions before riding.

Some of the trails on the lake are staked and groomed and some
aren't. Also some trails require trail passes. Check with locals
for more information before riding.

Is there a way to save the trails as routes, so they could be transposed over the existing street maps?
BTW, I've got a streetpilot III.

This trail map has a transparent background so any maps (base map) or detailed maps you upload with this one will show through. The idea of making a map out of tracks/routes is to get away from the very limited number tracks and routes (usually 20 or less) you can store/use on Garmin units. The 800 miles of trails I recorded at Lake of the Woods consisted of 25 tracks...over the storage limit....and if I do more trails there'll be even more tracks...much easier to make it a map.

screen shots from a Garmin 276c of the trails...

a closer view from the Young's Bay - Oak Island area



wide view of most of the lake

Thanx for the map Buddy.....

Will be very usefull...... :div20:

Good job on the map. For MN, Manitoba, and Ontario, you need separate trail passes. The NW Angle Edge Riders are now Grant In Aid trails so you at least need a MN trail pass. The details can be found on the MN DNR site. The fine for not having a trail pass is the cost of a 3 year pass, around 31 bucks. Ontario is a bit finicky about trail passes and stops in Kenora may be an issue. MB is the most lax in trail pass enforcement, unless they monitor this site and read this post. :-) Also, bring your cell phone for border crossings as the NEXUS phone at Bob's Corner doesn't work all the time.

Hi rws,

I live in Minnesota and rode Canada for the first time last year. We came up through Crane Lake and over to Atikokin then up to the Sioux for a 800 mile run. I have a Magellan Meridian Platinum that works really well on the trails and the Topo software for US and Canada.

Question, is there a way to take your Garmin information and convert it for use on my Magellan? I am interested in heading that way this year on a trip.

Thanks in advance

Ronski