How to Edit GPS Software
Most 2011 GPS devices are equipped with mapping systems that you can update with road updates, points of interest, waypoints and other features -- sometimes for free and other times for a fee. Many major companies control these updates with a PC-based syncing station that facilitates file backups and firmware upgrades as well as allow users to edit GPS data. Check with your manufacturer to inquire about syncing software that allows for editing. If your manufacturer doesn't offer it, a third-party freeware software editor could be your solution.
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Instructions
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Open a Web browser, and navigate to your manufacturer's online support department. Look for a link to "Map Upgrades," "Firmware Upgrades," "Downloads" or some such iteration. On the next page, provide your model number and be led to any available software or firmware upgrades for your device.
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Look on your model's download support page for a desktop syncing station that can check your device for needed firmware upgrades. Click to download the desktop software and choose "Save File" in the pop-up box. Save the file to your desktop.
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Double-click the installation file after it has downloaded. Choose "Run," and follow the prompts to install the desktop software on your computer. Reboot your system.
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Turn on your GPS unit and connect it to your computer via USB adapter, or slide an extra SD card into a corresponding slot on your GPS device. Back up important files on your GPS to your computer or SD card, according to your model's specifications.
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Double-click on your new syncing software or click the download link on your model's download site to load your device's latest firmware -- something needed if you're interested in using your manufacturer's or a third-party's latest editing software. Follow the syncing software's setup prompts to scan your device and install the latest firmware. Or, if downloading from the website, choose "Save File" from the pop-up box and save it to your desktop. Double-click the file once once it downloads, then choose "Run." Follow any remaining prompts, then reboot your device.
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Edit data on your GPS device with your desktop syncing program, using your manufacturer's specific instructions. If your manufacturer doesn't offer editing functions from your desktop software or from the Settings menu on the device, continue to the next step.
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Download third-party freeware that will let you edit your software to change waypoints, points of interest and other data (see Resources). Select "Click to Install" for EasyGPS editing software. Choose from among dozens of free software editors at the second link in the Resources section. Click on "Save File," and place the installation file on your computer. Double-click the fully downloaded file and select "Run." Follow the prompts to install the editor.
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Edit your GPS software according to the third-party or manufacturer software's instructions. Generally, double-click to open your editing or syncing software and select the tab controlling the functions of various GPS files such as "Waypoints" or "Points of Interest." Choose to edit various data in the pop-up boxes that follow: Change the description of a waypoint; add a comment about a point of interest or geocache spot; change its display symbol; edit the latitude, longitude or elevation that's registered for the location. EasyGPS also allows editors to add photos or pertinent links to the display.
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References
Resources
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