This is far easier than most think it is. And actually less work than what you propose (if you have a notebook computer). Included on the installation disk of your Mapinfo program is GPS tracking utility by Blue Marble called Geotracker. I wouldn't, couldn't do my job without it.
You've got MI and Geotracker, all you need now is: Optional, laptop computer. With a laptop, you can digitize directly to chosen Mapinfo table, otherwise, you'll need to dowload the data and process when back at the office. If you don't have a laptop computer for real time digitizing with Geotracker, Christian Singer has a very nice application for uploading and downloading GPS data between the Garmin GPS and Mapinfo, called Garfile. Garfile will download the data and place it into a Mapinfo MIF/MID file ready for import. Portable GPS with data cable capability. I personally use the Garmin 12cx as it holds quite a number of waypoints or trackpoints (it's a few years old, newer ones may have larger capacity.) The datacable naturally. Consider one with a 12vdc lighter plug for alternate power. Optional but worth the extra $, is an external antenna, doesn't have to be fancy, I use an Antennex magnet mount. Make sure you purchase a GPS that can hook up to an ext. antenna, most all the Garmins can above the little Walmart disposable ones. Optional but nice, a Ram suction cup mount and cradle to hold your GPS in view. A must if you're not using an external antenna, you'll need the GPS near the dashboard and windshield to receive well. If you insist on having the GPS laying in the seat, you'll definetly need the external antenna. Have I stated "external antenna" enough. They're great, won't necessarily increase your accuracy but moreover, it stabilizes the accuracy. You're automobile becomes your digitizing puck, the earth your tablet! HTH David Reid GIS Manager Mapping & Addressing Dept. Colbert County 9-1-1 Colbert County Alabama -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Doug Wassmer Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 12:58 PM To: MI_list (E-mail) Subject: [MI-L] Need GPS Unit to produce Snail Trail that ccan be added to Existing MI Pro Street Layer Hi List: Here is my challenge. I need up-to-date, accurate street layers. Affordable Aerial Photos are always behind the growth curve, and commercially produced street layers have the same problem and often show non-existent roads I would like to be able to throw an inexpensive GPS unit on the seat of a truck and drive slowly thru new neighborhoods and record my route, adding a lat/lon point to a continuously recorded snail trail at a recording rate of at least 1point/second. Slow update rates likely will result in missed corners and chords instead of smooth arcs representing the curves in the roads. Once the neighborhood is driven, I would like to be able to download the data and produce a MapInfo TAB file, either from a Shape File download or a comma delimited ascii data download. Can anyone recommend moderately priced GPS unit that will allow me to do this. I know that there are sophisticated Avionics units that will do this, but they are out of by budget range. Thanks Doug Wassmer [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ MapInfo-L mailing list [email protected] http://www.directionsmag.com/mailman/listinfo/mapinfo-l -- Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.0/203 - Release Date: 12/15/2005 -- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.0/203 - Release Date: 12/15/2005 _______________________________________________ MapInfo-L mailing list [email protected] http://www.directionsmag.com/mailman/listinfo/mapinfo-l
