Real Time Tracking Updates.

[Woolly]

I do a bit of consultancy work for Network Rail (the rail infrastructure owners in the UK). Part of this work is helicopter LIDAR surveys of the network, backed up by train based video capture. 'Bout 6 months ago, I used my BM Nag II, with an external antenna, linked by USB cable to a laptop. I ran Mapsource on the laptop, and was able to get real time tracking off the SatNag onto the screen. I could alter the tracking frequency either by time (1 second per point upwards) or by distance travelled, and I got an 'on the fly' track on the laptop, which I could then save out as a CSV or TXT file., and then link each video frame to its true geographical place in space (with suprisingly good accuracy).

Just tried again, with a new laptop, and a couple of Mapsource upgrades later. All I can do now is download the track data from the SatNag. I have no control over the tracking frequency, nor can I show real-time position (or track) on the laptop Mapsource display. Anyone any ideas what either might have changed, or, what I've forgotten.

Thanks,

Wool.

[DaveDragon]

Have you contacted Garmin?

Perhaps they have the answer at hand.

[Woolly]

Thanks, Dave, I've just spoken to Garmin, and they said Mapsource is an old product - I should be using nRoute (available as a download from Garmin help & support).

I downloaded it, now have my tracking features back. If you haven't come across nRoute before, this is Garmin's description of it:-

Garmin nRoute uses Garmin GPS technology integrated with a laptop or portable computer to provide you with navigational guidance. You can use nRoute to perform the following tasks:

· Create waypoints, routes, and tracks to help you navigate.

· Find items, addresses, and Points of Interest included in the map data.

· Gather information about your travels, including average speed, trip duration, etc.

· Import and export data.

It is effectively Mapsource, with a real-time GPS interface.

[®win]

I downloaded nRoute last year, just to have a look at it. With only a GPS receiver attached to your laptop you can indeed use the laptop as a navigator.

But I don't think that it can replace MapSource as to where it comes to handling your GPS unit (loading maps, routes, waypoints, etc. / unloading tracks).