How to Bike With a GPS
With the invention of the GPS (Global Positioning System), gone are the days of rummaging through your car's glove compartment to find a map just before missing your turn. Everyone from navigators to everyday drivers have benefited from GPS technology, and today, even a cyclist can enjoy the benefits of a GPS, with the aid of software, a USB cable or adapter, and your computer.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Computer or laptop
- GPS device
- GPS software
- USB connection cable or adapter (for Macs)
- Data cable (if your GPS unit lacks this)
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase GPS software and a "serial to USB connection" cable online or at a computer or electronic store. If you own a Mac, you'll also need an adapter. Should your GPS unit lack a data cable, this can also be purchased at a computer or electronic store.
-
2
Hook-up the "serial to USB connection" or adapter. Most GPS software programs will recognize the new connection once the USB cable or adapter is connected.
-
-
3
Exchange data. Open the GPX file to upload to your GPS unit. Once the data are downloaded from the unit, convert the data to a GPX format, allowing sharing capabilities. Back-up track and way-point data onto your GPS.
-
4
Transfer track data and way-point data, as required by your system. Select "track menu" from main menu and select "save." Clear the trip data and select "clear track log."
-
5
A map of the saved track will now be ready to view (including the length of the track). Select "track back" to retrace the trail map.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When shopping for GPS software, look for outdoor navigation software, such as National Geographic Topo series, TopoFusion, Terrabrowser and TopGrafix. Other programs are free, however, these are recommended for their reliability and security. The National Geographic Topo series is also compatible with Macs.
The data conversion/exchange process can seem complex. GPX files are in an XML-based universal GPS data format. GPS Babel or the online GPSVisualizer are frequently recommended.
The "trackback" button allows you to retrace your bike track, exactly how it was laid out. You can choose to track it forward or backward. This feature also advises of upcoming turns and the distance remaining on your ride, including the mileage and estimated time to your destination. Most GPS units are capable of only storing up to 10 tracks; transfer past tracks to your home computer to free up space for future tracking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit repérage gps image by Gilles Paire from Fotolia.com
