Create GPS Maps

[GolfJoeGolf]

It's great! I get gps coordinates from Google map and I can make my own GPS maps!

 

Even though it's not worth making own maps instead of subscribing for $35, i'm still excited!

[Wayneo]

Joe,
use Google earth instead. Add descriptions to 'placemarks' you create. Save in a folder of your choosing. Save on your computer as a 'KML' file. Install 'kml2csv' freeware application. It allows you to create csv file from your kml file showing lat long and description.

You can even use the 'ruler' function of Google Earth to measure layup yardages as an aid in creating points.

Enjoy.

[GolfJoeGolf]

Wayneo,

It took me from half to one hour to click, copy and paste the coordinates of one course to my spreadsheet. Thanks for your suggestion. It will save me a lot of time. I'll try it tonight.
You've got the Neo too, right?

Thanks again,

Joe

[Wayneo]

Joe,
yup, I got a Neo. I take it you have one ?

Back to the mapping ........... to be really cool I usually draw a straight ruler line in Google Earth from the back of the green to the fairway just as a guide. Then I'll put placemarks at the back and front of the green. Most but not all the time I'll use that same line to identify the center of the green, but not on those funky shaped greens, or greens where the center is not in-line with the ideal approach shot.

If you want to use Google maps instead, read up on what they call 'maplets'. I used to use, these: Digitizer, Draggable Markers, getLatLongPlus2, Send map markers to your GPS, GPS coordinates, and finally Distance Measurement Tool.

[GolfJoeGolf]

Wayneo,

Yes, I've got a Neo too. I bought it a few days ago and made several maps, but haven't got a chance to try it on a course yet - weather'sn't been good.

It's fun to build you own map. But I have a little bit problem for some courses -- I can't find the numbered hole layout map from their website or other. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Joe

[Deepy]

Did i get you right?

You can create new Courses using Google Earth and upload the Waypoints to the iGolf Neo? Is this also possible with the Bushnell Neo?

I'm searching for a simple GPS Range Finder which should not exeed 200€ (that's about 200$+shipping+tax)

Since i'm playing Golf in Germany, most of these annual subscriptions just don't make sense for me, cuz most Golf Courses here are simply not available (the only accurate courses available seem to be those coming with skycaddie, but i don't like the idea of an annual subscription and - if it exceeds -ur device won't work anymore.
Paying for DL courses may be OK if u OWN them afterwards for lifetime. (Google.Earth pictures may not be available for newer courses or simply @ bad quality)


[i]So I'm seaching for a GPS Unit, onto which i can upload my own selfcreated courses (mapped via Google.Earth). As a bonus u can choose ur own waypoints, which are important for ur personal game and lengths. [/i]

Usually u can map new courses with all devices by just walking across them and setting waypoints, but not all of them have this function (e.g. Golflogix Garmin GPS-8). [i]Just to make sure: this function is also a must have for me[/i]!

[i]I just need Distances to Front, Middle, Back of the Green and some[/i] (no need for more than 4 per hole) [i]self chosen points[/i] (e.g. Carry Bunkers,..)!
[i]Measuring shot distance[/i] (to verify those 211y drives and to disprove the 300y-ish of the orther players ) [i]should be available, too[/i]!

I found a device, which definitely has all of these functions, but it's not special made for golfers and i don't know if's permitted by the rules:

[url="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=30925#specsTab"]https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145...=30925#specsTab[/url]

It has no Electronic compass nor a Barometric altimeter but it can display altitudes (measured via GPS signal) and directions (but that's worthless if u dont have a compass with you)

I've read through the forum for 2 days now, but still couldnt find information about making ur own courses via google.earth.

What about the following GPS units?

Bushnell / iGolf Neo
iGolf GPS Caddie I / II
Sonocaddie V100/V300 (read sp,ewhere this is available for less then 150$)
Skycaddie ? i think you can't use them if ur subscription runs out?
any other suggestions?

[Wayneo]

[quote name='Deepy' post='1974622' date='Sep 27 2009, 01:31 PM']Did i get you right?

You can create new Courses using Google Earth and upload the Waypoints to the iGolf Neo? Is this also possible with the Bushnell Neo?[/quote]

NO. Well, sorta no.

Although the iGolf and Bushnell units share/use the same iGolf database of gps coordinates, the files are in a proprietary binary format, which do not allow simple uploading to one of their units.

You can however map new courses by just walking across them and setting waypoints for them, and they are yours forever, stored locally on your computer. You'd have to check the number of custom points available to be mapped for each unit to see if it meets your needs. Having mine for 2 years now, there has only been one time I wished for more than 4 custom points.

I am not aware of any dedicated commercial gps units which allow this function. There are however some gps applications for smartphones like a blackberry or iphone that will allow you to create mappoints via google or bing and upload to them. 2 off the top of my head are freecaddie and BBGPSgolf.

[highhandicapper]

IntelliGolf is another mobile phone application that lets you plot your own maps through the use of lat/long. It is kind of fun plotting your own maps - at least then you can choose which hazards or targets to make available!