I am planning a series of runs later in the year using Google Maps to find the best routes away from the main roads. It would be nice if I can transfer these routes to my (TomTom) SatNav but it appears that this is not possible.
Google Maps has a ‘Garmin’ link in its ‘send’ option, but has anyone managed to successfully transfer data between Google Maps and a SatNav and if so what SatNav was it (make and model) and is it possible to transfer more than one route, e.g. a years worth of runs.
Hi there,
Have a look at T.Y.R.E http://www.tyretotravel.com/ It’s free software that enables you to do exactly what you’re asking - plot a route on via Google Maps and then download it as an ITN file. I use it a lot and it’s excellent!
Julian is correct, and he’s converted our Rally Runs to itn files very successfully, but I’ve tried this all in the past but it is a real pain and have largely given up on doing a straight gmaps (tyre) to satnav thing, probably not got the patience or the right kit!
Sat navs work on a series of way points, then they dynamically plot the route between those, as obviously its going to change the route if you go off course.
Google maps draw lines, between points, its a different concept. So the danger is what ever route you choose if you have two waypoints far enough apart your sat nav will decide to get between them by a different route then you choose.
It will also depend on your tom tom model, some don’t support itn route files at all, so you may then need to change that.
If using goggle maps then of course you could then use an android phone to navigate, at least there is some compatibility there, but never tried it in earnest so again not sure if it will do a saved route and stick to it.
I’d not spotted a send to garmin in google maps though, Where is it would like to try that as I’ve got a Garmin now, and use that in preference to my old tom tom.
With my current garmin you can save routes in that. I’ve used the Tyre software to help with that, plotting a number of waypoints to make sure it goes on the roads I want, and then sending all those to Garmin to then save as a route file. That got me around Europe last year and my Garmin still has route file for the Stelvio Pass and a few others in it.
Give Tyre a try, and see how you get on. Perhaps its a bit better to use than when I last tried.
Thanks to you both - I’ll have a look and try ‘tyre’ and see if it works with my TomTom, but interested to hear if your Garmin works Martin as that may be a future birthday present!.
Regards,
Clive.
I’m a long time user of Garmin Sat Navs, both on a motor bike and in the car. To plan exact routes along my chosen roads I use either “Mapsource” or “Basecamp” both supplied free from Garmin. Mapsource was supplied with my M/C “Zumu” product and Basecamp with my Nuvi 3590 Sat Nav.
Both work really well and enable you to plan your route on a PC and then transfer the exact route onto your device. Both products also have quite detailed local facilities on them from along your route including named hotels including tel. nos., campsites, banks, shopping outlets, places of interest, etc.
As an added bonus it also lets you view your chosen routes in Google Earth if you want.
I’ve tried Tyre - not bad but not a patch on the above.
Well worth taking a look in my opinion.
Graham,
Much appreciated - Looks as if I need to get my birthday wish list to include a new Garmin as what you describe is exactly what I am looking to do.
Clive.