GPS Information.net Forum >

When downloading a track from my Garmin 60csx to Mapsource, I get not only my track with detail based on closely spaced trackpoints but also an underlying line which approximately follows the track, but with a series of straight lines with periodic sharp direction changes. The color and style of the jagged line distinguish it from the tracks. What is taking place? How do I prevent it? and how to I rid it from existing tracks? Is it anything to do with the route function? Any comments much appreciated.

There's a few things it could be. The "track with detail based on closely spaced trackpoints" is probably the Active Log. The "underlying line" is probably the road on the Mapsource map. The "series of straight lines with periodic sharp direction changes" is probably a Saved tracklog that has been filtered down to the 500 point maximum.

To confirm this, use the Pointer to click on one of the tracks (or suspected routes) and you will see it's name. To confirm if the line is a map feature, delete the track. You can also find out what they are by using the Tracks/Routes tabs in the left panel in Mapsource. Click on any item to see it highlighted.

Once identified, delete the one(s) you don't want in your GPS.

BTW, your 60SCx can be setup to record GPX-format tracklogs on the mSD card, that can be transferred to your PC for tracklog management. This is a better way than using the internal memory's Active Track and Saved Tracks.

Bob

Bob: Thanks for the reply. I wish I could upload an image of the map showing the problem. I know that the underlying line I mentioned is not a map feature and I doubt that it is a track log filtered down to the 500 pt capacity as there are simply not enough pts for that. Also, It is not something that can be detailed with a right click. My description was pretty poor as I had intended for the "jagged line" to be a description of the "underlying line". To hopefully clarify, the line is actually maroon in color, with a thin white line running up the center.

In addition to running under the track, it also appears as a straight line from my home, where I calibrate the unit (followed by turning it off) and the location where I turn the GPS back on to begin my track. This has occured when traveling a few miles from home and another time when flying from California to Colorado, leaving a straight maroon line from my home halfway across the country. Once the unit is turned back on at my destination, I get both the standard track, and the maroon line as described. The maroon line does not appear on the GPS screen, although the track does. It only appears on the computer screen in Mapsource.

My gut tells me it has something to do with the navigation function on the GPS, but I cannot find a setting that would account for this. I appreciate any ideas you might have. Steve

I've never seen anything like that. Perhaps you could e-mail me the Mapsource file and I'll take a look at it? I'm at bob AT morphew DOT ca

Bob

Bob: Turns out you were right in your first reply. I went back in and found the filtered tracks at the top of the active log under the Track Tap in MS. They stood out because of the identifying date in the left column and of course by the designated color for the track, which as I mentioned was maroon (actually dark red). By deleting those one at a time I was able to eliminate them from the map. Simple solution. Thanks very much for your help.

I'm trying to work out track log management so that I have a list of detailed tracks in saved files. I dont have much use for the less detailed filtered tracks. Are there any negatives to saving Active Logs?

Although the filtered tracks max out at 500 pts, up to 10,000 total for 20 tracks, the active logs contain many more track points. I have no idea what the limit is, or what determines the start of a new track, as it seems to happen from time to time with no manual input required. I do know that eventually, the track will begin to wrap, that is, pick up the oldest portion of the track in order to continue laying down new. If I knew the unit's track point capacity I could set either time or distance intervals in order to capture the entire route. I would appreciate any comments. Steve

Glad you sorted out that problem.

I don't bother with Active or Saved tracks in the internal memory. I do all my archiving, picture geocoding, map-making, etc from the GPX track files that can be stored on the mSD card. By default, tracks are not stored on the card - you need to go into Setup and switch the feature ON. The GPX files have the full details (time, speed, etc) and can exceed 10,000 points limit of the Active Track. They also are named yyymmdd.gpx so they are easier to manage that the Active Log.

I leave my Active Tracklog at 99% and set the Trackpoints to 10,000 (this setting only controls how many points are displayed on the screen) so I always have the latest tracks available on the GPS for TrackBack or for viewing.

The track recording (when activated) is continuous unless you lose satellite signal or you turn the GPS off. If your GPS is ON all day and gets continuous signals there will only be one track segment. Sometimes you want a separate segment for a specific trail so if you switch the GPS off and back on and the start and finish of the trail, it will be recorded as a separate segment.

I find I get best results when I set the track recording method to "Auto" and "Normal".

Keep experimenting - it'll all make sense in the end!

Bob

The track recording (when activated) is continuous unless you lose satellite signal or you turn the GPS off.


Link removed