MapTech Terrain Navigator

Joel Cusick Alaska Support Office GIS Team

<http://web/rgr/rgr2.htm> (Alaska NPS Intranet)

<http://165.83.48.21/rgr/rgr2.htm> (NPS-wide Intranet)

**Background**: Some park locations have been using MapTech Terrain
Navigator as a remote mapping application. The high quality maps, print
map functions, 3D View and compatibility with many GPS units make for a
well-rounded, simple, standalone Quick mapping product. This is a guide
on using a Garmin receiver with MapTech Terrain Navigator for best
results in Alaska.

\*\*The preferred mapping tool for your park's GIS needs still remains
ESRI's ArcView in conjunction with DNR Garmin Extension. Contact your
GIS coordinator at the Park for more information.

**Transferring Waypoints/Tracks from Map to Garmin.**

Use this technique to follow or navigate to points/tracks created in
MapTech Terrain Navigator
<http://www.maptech.com/land/terrainnavigator/index.cfm> with your
Garmin Receiver. Tested using the Garmin III+ receiver and Maptech
Terrain Navigator, version 5.03 with Wrangell-St. Elias Park Guide
(Version 1.0). You will need a Garmin-PC data cable attached to you
RS232 Serial Com Port.

1.  Open Program and under the File Preferences pull-down menu, select
    NAD83\* as the Datum. \*\*Note. Do not select the NAD27 Datum
    choice, since this will impart an additional 30 meters or so of
    error in your position when comparing this with the NAD27 Alaska
    datum\*\*.

2.  Use waypoint and track tool in map view to create the information
    that will be viewed in Garmin.

3.  Turn on Garmin. Ensure under Setup, that the Interface (scroll along
    tabs to right) is set to GARMIN format.

4.  You must match the datum selected in Terrain Navigator (NAD83), so
    select the Map Datum on the Garmin to NAD83 (Under Setup and
    Position Tab).

5.  Select the appropriate Garmin unit by selecting GPS Setup. Ensure
    you select the correct COM port.

6.  Activate the connection to the Garmin by selecting GPS Connect.

7.  Send to the GPS your Tracks and Waypoints by selecting GPS Computer
    to GPS (Send Markers or Send Tracks). Hold down the shift key to
    select multiple points. You have slots available for 500 waypoints.
    Tracks will be saved in your Active log. You have 1900 positions
    available for tracks which may not be adequate for mapping large
    expanses of territory.

8.  You should then see the waypoints and tracks on your Garmin unit
    under the Menu choice option.

**Export of Garmin Data to GIS:**

Problem: Viewing your GPS data in MapTech is fine, however archiving of
GPS data must be stored in a format for use in your Park's GIS. As of
March 2002, MapTech Navigat does not have allow shapefile export of your
Garmin data, only a MXF text format (comma delimited). If your GPS data
is valuable, you should adopt a file management system that at a minimum
stores your GPS data in this format. Your choices are:

1.  Export from MapTech as MXF format. You will then need to open this
    file up in Excel, add headers and export out as a DBF or Tab
    delimeted file for use in ArcView.

2.  Download the Garmin using DNR Garmin (freeware -
    [[http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.html]{.underline}](http://www.tapr.org/~kh2z/Waypoint/)
    ) Cheatsheets are available from the GIS WebPage.

3.  Purchase of the MapTech Terrain Navigator Pro (from \$295-\$1000)
    which does allow export of your GPS data as shapefile format.

**Entering Waypoints:**

Terrain Navigator uses the term Markers for Waypoints. When entering
information on particular waypoints keep these points in mind:

1.  The Short Name (only 6 characters long) will be the name of the
    waypoint you navigate to with the GOTO function. Keep in mind that
    waypoints on the Garmin are sorted in the by numeric then
    alphabetical order. If you have many waypoints, number the waypoints
    by 001, 002 to keep better track of them.

2.  Use the Comments field (26 characters long)to describe the point
    more fully. This will be carried over to the Garmin in the Comment
    box.

**Entering Tracks:**

Terrain Navigator allows for creation of lines (tracks). Keep these
hints in mind when generating Tracks for use on your Garmin receiver:

1.  The Garmin III+ allows for 1900 positions or 10 individual tracks.
    Every time you click on the Map in Terrain navigator, you produce a
    position. If you are creating a very straight road feature with only
    three turns, you have created one track comprised of 3 postions.
    Keep this in mind when uploading tracks to a Garmin.

2.  When tracks are uploaded to a Garmin, they are considered ACTIVE.
    Never SAVE Tracks on a Garmin after uploading them, since this will
    generalize your tracks (compress) into coarse, chunky lines.