I heard today that some GPS units, as well as iPhones, are able to "map" the trails as you ride them. Is this true?

Is it very easy to do and get good results? I'd like to have a satellite image with the trail highlighted with the accurate readings from the GPS unit. That would allow me to "plan" new trails and the most efficient way to connect them to the existing trails.

I thought that this would be the best place to ask

Most any GPS will record a track. After that it's a simple matter of imposing the track you recorded onto a map or satellite photo. Having said that, i've never done it myself but I'm sure it's easy enough with todays GPS's and mapping software. I'd recommend asking over on

http://forums.groundspeak.com

which is a forum dedicated to geocaching, a form of "treasure hunting" using a GPS. Lots of very knowledgeable folks there when it comes to GPS units. And if you've never got into it before, Geocaching can be a pretty good time as well.

hope this helps

Jamie

I'd also love to know how to do this. I've seen a GPS tracks superimposed on a (probably) Google map and I would assume since these satellite maps have GPS coordinates that the track would "snap" into place without having to fuss with it. ?

Garmin 60CS comes with software to do this, its what I use and highly recommended

My son, ACBlind, has a Garmin that will do it using the Google Maps. It's easy to use. I think he has a post over on NEBA. If I remember (Hey, I'm old, okay) I'll tell him to post info over here about it.

That would be awesome. I'd love to see how well it works.

Side thought...... I know that you can upload and attach pictures to a google map area. It would be cool to map out all the places to ride in your area and contribute to the knowledge-absorbing entity that is known as Google. Places like Turkey Run and other ATV parks.

I have a Garmin 60C but don't remember it coming with any software to anything with tracks. The owner's book doesn't have anything in it about saving, recalling, uploading track information. I also bought the instructional DVD thinking it would go into more detail but it doesn't discuss any software options either! Total waste of money.

There are different versions of the 60C, Mine is the GPSMAP 60 Csx ( https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310#gpsmap60csx ) and has the software to do it