GPS downloading

[OldSailor]

I recently purchased a new GPS unit, after having not used GPS for a few years. The unit is a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx with added 2G microSD card, and I have the City Navigator NT North America and the TOPO U.S. 2008, with most of the midwest downloaded to the GPS unit.

I have a few questions about GPS use. I've done a search of the GLFWDA forums and haven't found the answers, so I'll ask here.

(1) I understand that someone, maybe DNR or maybe individuals, has mapped routes with waypoints (e.g., of the ORV Routes near West Branch and Mio), and that these routes are contained in a file that can be downloaded from a web site or transfered from person to person via an E-mail attachment. Is this true?

(2) Assuming #1 is true, what is the filename extension of such files, and where do I obtain them?

(3) Also assuming #1 is true, if I obtain such a file on my computer, how do I download into my GPS unit so that I can use it?

(4) Once I have the route downloaded to my computer and/or GPS unit, can I modify the route (like adding, moving, or deleting waypoints)?

Thanks in advance for any help I can get on this issue.

--Bob

[Jarhead]

(1) I understand that someone, maybe DNR or maybe individuals, has mapped routes with waypoints (e.g., of the ORV Routes near West Branch and Mio), and that these routes are contained in a file that can be downloaded from a web site or transfered from person to person via an E-mail attachment. Is this true?

(2) Assuming #1 is true, what is the filename extension of such files, and where do I obtain them?

(3) Also assuming #1 is true, if I obtain such a file on my computer, how do I download into my GPS unit so that I can use it?

(4) Once I have the route downloaded to my computer and/or GPS unit, can I modify the route (like adding, moving, or deleting waypoints)?

Thanks in advance for any help I can get on this issue.

--Bob
(1)The NFS and the DNR are still working to commonize their mapping systems so they can be end-user friendly.

(2)Once they reach that level, it is their intent to make the Routes/Trails and such downloadable (they aren't there yet).

(3)The SoFO Crew will have the best trail/tracks for the West Branch/Ogemaw Hills Areas. Once, one of the crew shares the tracks with you, select and download the TOPO Maps that include the tracks to the SD Card.

(4)It is easy to modify the route (like adding, moving, or deleting waypoints) on the computer (Bigger Screen).

[OldSailor]

Thaznks for the info, Bob. I've already got all of the Michigan CN and TOPO maps loaded into the GPS unit. I'll check with my fellow club members and see what tracks/routes/waypoints I can squeeze out of them!