GPS Route Creation With Tyre
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:48 pm
I was asked about this so I thought I'd post a response for anyone who's interested.
I think more people would create routes if it wasn't so dang hard and Garmin's Basecamp makes it as hard as can be. The map is graphically confusing, the tools are a pain and if you're not careful the program can paint you into an corner. IMO, here's an easier way.
Download and install the freeware route making program "Tyre-Basic". I support the program with the paid verson but the freeware version gives you everything you need - you just have to put up with some ads in the right hand pane. http://www.tyretotravel.com/download-tyre/
Launch Tyre. It supports both TomTom and Garmin so you need to set some preferences for Garmin. From the top menu click "Tools/Preferences" then open the "Files" tab. Check the boxes for "Use Route Tracks", "Use Garmin Waypoints", and "Don't do anything". There are other preferences you might like but this is all you must have for now.
Create a Route: Tyre uses Google Maps so it works the same way. Zoom in with the mouse wheel to the route area. Make waypoints by right clicking on the roads you want to follow (choose "Immediate") and Tyre will calculate the route from waypoint to waypoint. That's all there is to it. If Tyre chooses a road you don't want between two waypoints then left click and drag the route line to the correct road. You can also left click and drag existing waypoints. Left click and release on waypoints to remove or rename. Tyre gets wordy with waypoint names so I usually shorten them. When you finish the route click "File/Save As", choose "Garmin Exchange (GPX)" file type and give it a name.
Verify the Route: This is optional but Garmin and Tyre (Google) use different algorithms so some roads between waypoints might not match. Import your GPX file into Basecamp then "Calculate" the route. If you see a gray line (Tyre route track) that isn't the same as the Garmin calculated road then go back into Tyre and add a waypoint on road(s) you want Garmin to follow. Save the new Tyre file then import into Basecamp to check your work. With experience you'll anticipate in advance where Tyre and Garmin tend to differ. Basically, Garmin (Basecamp) is effing crazy so it needs more waypoints to go where you want than Tyre.
All done! Your Garmin GPS can use either the Tyre GPX file or you can load/save by whatever method you prefer from Basecamp.
If you have a question, ask. I've assumed some familiarity with Basecamp which might not be the case.
Tyre's Party Trick: Tyre can create a GPS file from a Google Map. Launch Tyre then click "File/Import from website". Copy the Google Map URL then paste it into the top line of Tyre's "Import from website" box. Click the "Import" button on the lower left of the box. Another box will come up - click "Import" again. The Google Map will come up as an editable route you can save as a GPX.
Another Option: Many people like MS Streets and Trips for route creation. You have to buy it and still have the verification issue but it has its own maps so doesn't require a data connection like Tyre. MS S&T also does fancy stuff if you really get into it
I think more people would create routes if it wasn't so dang hard and Garmin's Basecamp makes it as hard as can be. The map is graphically confusing, the tools are a pain and if you're not careful the program can paint you into an corner. IMO, here's an easier way.
Download and install the freeware route making program "Tyre-Basic". I support the program with the paid verson but the freeware version gives you everything you need - you just have to put up with some ads in the right hand pane. http://www.tyretotravel.com/download-tyre/
Launch Tyre. It supports both TomTom and Garmin so you need to set some preferences for Garmin. From the top menu click "Tools/Preferences" then open the "Files" tab. Check the boxes for "Use Route Tracks", "Use Garmin Waypoints", and "Don't do anything". There are other preferences you might like but this is all you must have for now.
Create a Route: Tyre uses Google Maps so it works the same way. Zoom in with the mouse wheel to the route area. Make waypoints by right clicking on the roads you want to follow (choose "Immediate") and Tyre will calculate the route from waypoint to waypoint. That's all there is to it. If Tyre chooses a road you don't want between two waypoints then left click and drag the route line to the correct road. You can also left click and drag existing waypoints. Left click and release on waypoints to remove or rename. Tyre gets wordy with waypoint names so I usually shorten them. When you finish the route click "File/Save As", choose "Garmin Exchange (GPX)" file type and give it a name.
Verify the Route: This is optional but Garmin and Tyre (Google) use different algorithms so some roads between waypoints might not match. Import your GPX file into Basecamp then "Calculate" the route. If you see a gray line (Tyre route track) that isn't the same as the Garmin calculated road then go back into Tyre and add a waypoint on road(s) you want Garmin to follow. Save the new Tyre file then import into Basecamp to check your work. With experience you'll anticipate in advance where Tyre and Garmin tend to differ. Basically, Garmin (Basecamp) is effing crazy so it needs more waypoints to go where you want than Tyre.
All done! Your Garmin GPS can use either the Tyre GPX file or you can load/save by whatever method you prefer from Basecamp.
If you have a question, ask. I've assumed some familiarity with Basecamp which might not be the case.
Tyre's Party Trick: Tyre can create a GPS file from a Google Map. Launch Tyre then click "File/Import from website". Copy the Google Map URL then paste it into the top line of Tyre's "Import from website" box. Click the "Import" button on the lower left of the box. Another box will come up - click "Import" again. The Google Map will come up as an editable route you can save as a GPX.
Another Option: Many people like MS Streets and Trips for route creation. You have to buy it and still have the verification issue but it has its own maps so doesn't require a data connection like Tyre. MS S&T also does fancy stuff if you really get into it