Garmin eTrex

GARTrip - Limited shareware/commercial program
An excellent GPS tool which I use all of the time. Tool to enter waypoints, and to design routes, and to analyze track logs on the computer. I use it to upload, download and edit waypoints, work with scanned paper maps, print simple line maps for a route or track. It can import and export in all of the popular file formats including comma and tab separated lists. It has many advanced features as well. See my review for all of its features. There is an excellent demo which you can use. The demo is fully functional, however it is limited to the amount of waypoints and routes you can save.

GPS Utility - Limited shareware/commercial program
GPS Utility is an easy-to-use application that provides management and manipulation of GPS information. You can use it to transfer data to/from a GPS receiver and store the data in PC files in one of several text formats. The freeware version has limited capacity (50 waypoints, 250 trackpoints, 5 routes). The registered version can deal with files containing up to 5,000 waypoints or 15,000 trackpoints and provides a number of advanced facilities.

OZIExplorer - Limited shareware/commercial program
Another popular commercial GPS program which supports multi-point map calibration. You need to download the demo and the trial versions to see all of the features.

3DTracer - Limited shareware/commercial program
3DTracer a program that displays tracks recorded from GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver data in full three dimensions. Files can be IGC, GPX, NMEA0183, Simple Text, Cetus, OziExplorer, deLorme tracks. Stunning topography can be displayed with a single mouse click. Waypoint, routes, turnpoints and digital maps can be loaded to display local features. 3D models that follow physical principles lend an added sense of reality to the animation. More than a visualization tool, gradients, speed, headings, and unit conversions are calculated and instantly graphed. In addition, a simulated instruments replay events as they happened. It is perfect for analysis of competitions, complete with loadup of turnpoints and observation zones, self-evaluation of flights, demonstration of proper procedures, a learning tool, and it can be useful as a focal point for recounting events. Or, of course, it can be used just for the joy of seeing your flight in motion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Swift WX - Commercial program/free trial
Our software allows people to track and monitor severe weather while plotting their real-time GPS position over any weather map.

MapsGo - Free Program
MapsGo is the simple free raster GIS for the DesktopPC and PocketPC. You can also do the export to MapMap GIS for PalmPC. With MapsGo you can *move map, search and show the point database *edit and delete the point database (also on the PocketPC) *measure the distance and use the navigation window *use multiple point layers and draw the lines *use WGS84 decimal system *do export from ArcView, export and import txt and dbf, GPS export and import.

MyGPS - Free Program
MyGPS is a Freeware software for the creation and the management of longitude and latitude calibrated maps. The software can define points of interest obtaining their coordinates (waypoints), can create routes (routepoints), can visualize track paths (trackpoints). Using a serial link, points routes and tracks can be shared with "eTrex" GARMIN GPS devices. The program runs under Windows95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP

G7ToWin - Free Program UPDATED LINK
G7ToWin is a Windows 9X/Windows NT 4.0/Win2K program designed to transfer data between Garmin or Lowrance/Eagle GPS units and a PC. The program supports download (transfer from the GPS to the PC) of waypoints, track logs, routes, events (Lowrance/Eagle units only), and for those units which support it, downloading a copy of the current display as a Windows bitmap (eTrex Included). G7ToWin supports upload (transfer from the PC to the GPS) all of the above except for the display, display bitmaps cannot be sent to the GPS. Waypoints, routes, events, and track logs can be edited by G7ToWin and stored to various file types. Downloaded display bitmaps cannot be edited, however, they can be rotated. Display bitmaps may also be saved in a standard Windows .bmp file.

GpsTrack - Free Program
Is is a soft tracker like fugawi/oziexplorer. Both languages, French and English. Full working Garmin/etrex, Magellan, mlr.

Cetus GPS - Free Program
Cetus GPS is the professional Palm OS software for GIS surveyors, scientists, explorers and GPS enthusiasts. It contains a navigation assistant, advanced tracking features and a position logger for field data collection.

Waypoint+ - Free Program
A free GPS program. Upload and download data directly from a Garmin GPS (this version supports the eTrex). Export waypoint, route and track data into text format. Allows storage of lat/long in Degrees, Degrees/Minutes, or Degrees/Minutes/Seconds.

Visual GPS - Free Program
VisualGPS incorporates many advanced features found in professional programs. Its sole purpose is to display graphically specific NMEA 0183 sentences and show the effects of selective availability (SA). You can view satellite locations and view NMEA sentences as they are received.

GPS Trackmaker - Free Program
Communication Program for GPS and Data Treatment. I haven't tried this program however it is free and comes recommended by a friend.

Track View for eTrex - Free Program
The TrackView utility is an Excel based application that reads track files and displays them in a 2-d altitude plot, similar to the etrex summit, and in a color 3-D chart.

PanTerra - Free Program

GPS Manager (GPSMan) - Free Program
GPS Manager (GPSMan) is a graphical manager of GPS data that makes possible the preparation, inspection and edition of GPS data in a friendly environment. GPSMan supports communication and real-time logging with both Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan receivers and accepts real-time logging information in NMEA 0183 from any GPS receiver. GPSMan can also be used in command mode (with no graphical interface)

MyGPS - Free Program
MyGPS is a Freeware software for the creation and the management of longitude and latitude calibrated maps.
The software can define points of interest obtaining their coordinates (waypoints), can create routes (routepoints), can visualize track paths (trackpoints). Using a serial link, points routes and tracks can be shared with "eTrex" GARMIN GPS devices. The program runs under Windows95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP.

Mapping

Names Files of Selected Countries - 66265 Australian Waypoints
NIMA is now able to provide complete files of geographic names information covering countries or geopolitical areas. The files are not in customary gazetteer format, but are in a special format amenable to input into geographic information systems, databases, and spreadsheets, giving end users powerful capabilities for data analysis, manipulation, and display. The files contain names for all types of features.

Global Map Data Australia 1M 2001
Global Map Data Australia 1M 2001 is a digital dataset covering the Australian landmass and island territories, at a 1:1 million scale. It consists of vector and raster layers of administrative boundaries, drainage, transportation, population centres, elevation, vegetation, land use and land cover.

GDA Conversion Program
Converts data to and from Geocentric Datum of Australia

ESRI Home Page

Differences between the various Australian Map Datums
Differences between Australian coordinate systems

eTrex Software Modifications

Mountain Bike Software Mod
The etrex Mountain Bike Flavor is an unofficial modification of the graphical symbols and screens inside the etrex firmware, that create a MTB oriented etrex GPS. This means that rather than the general-purpose symbol set that includes airborne, marine, hiking and urban symbols, you’ll have a set of symbols more oriented towards bikers. Some of the graphic screens are also changed to reflect the fact that you’re willing to ride rocks on a metal contraption.

Land Release
Features: - "eTrex Land Release" brings you a concretized set of land marks for outdoor and trekking usage. The set is based on standard marks used on hiking maps in central Europe. Some were left as are (old eTrex) but 18 new marks are presented. - Based on standard eTrex firmware version 2.09 / 2.05 - Some new logo and design art. - Patch for OziExplorer for working with new marks.

Personalised Menu Text
This page describes a modification to the etrex firmware that allows to change any text that appears on any screen of the etrex. Note: When I edited my eTrex, I noticed a rom fail message when I entered the service mode. I don't think this is an issue, I assume the eTrex just recognises that the software has been modifed.

MeMap
If you own a Garmin eMap GPS receiver, you can use this freeware program to provide it with an "owner screen" (like the HP 200LX has) that displays your contact information at power-on in case the unit gets lost or stolen. V1.03 has two small improvements and seems to work with the new eTrex

Australian Hiking and Bushwalking

Denis Evans' Hiking Page
Satellite WGS 84 coordinates of some south east Australian mountains and trailheads. The data was obtained using a Garmin II+ GPS and is maintained using GPSy (Mac) software. For those with GPSy software the GPSy formatted data is here.

WalkGPS:Bushwalks for GPS users in the Perth region New
This site provides descriptions, maps, waypoints and routes for several single-day bushwalks within a distance of less than 100km from the city of Perth in Western Australia.

Other eTrex Sites

eTrex Knowledge Base
Some more good info on making data cables and some interesting technical data.

Other GPS information sources

Cockpit GPS (Formerly www.geocities.com/handheldgps)
This is a downloadable book explaining how to use GPS for aircraft navigation.

Small Boat GPS
This is a downloadable booklet on practical navigation using GPS for boating. Topics included are where to get waypoints as well as techniques for navigating.

Travel by GPS (Previously Waypoint Warehouse)
Download free GPS Maps for hiking, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, on- and off road sightseeing. GPS Maps are waypoint, route and track data that lead you through unique outdoor experiences. Use GPS for safer, more enjoyable adventures.

Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel's GPS Information Website
One of the most comprehensive GPS information websites on the net. Reviews, FAQ's, and information.

Google Newsgroup Seach Engine
This link will find newsgroup posts about the eTrex. You will probably need to refine your search.

Google will mainly find results from the following newsgroups:
alt.satellite.gps
sci.geo.satellite-nav

How Does GPS Work?
An easy to read description. Definitely worth a visit.

Cable Building

Get your iPAQ connected to your Garmin eTrex
"Let me show you how I connected my Compaq/HP iPAQ 3630 to my Garmin eTrex Venture. The iPAQ 3630 (Any 3600 series will do)"

Trade Links/report dead link?

Revision History