Member Contributer JayWalker Posted January 21, 2009 Member Contributer Share Posted January 21, 2009 I received this Magellan 2500 GPS for Christmas and it's pretty cool. The only problem is mapping out a specific route. I want to tell the thing where I want to go, and how I want to get there. The only way I have been semi-successful, is creating my own POIs along my desired route. Problem is, I have to hit continue to next POI after I pass each one. There must be a better way. Right? Does anyone know how to plot a route, and have the unit guide you on the roads you designate? How do you guys do it? JW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stucky Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm not sure about your GPS model, but on most consumer GPS units you can't plan your own route. The Zumo series is specifically designed for bikes, so this sort of functionality is built in. However, I know my nuvi 200 can not do this. Best to consult your manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer VFRbeliever Posted January 21, 2009 Member Contributer Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm not familiar with the firmware in your Magellan, but in the TomTom world it's called "itineraries". I use a little program called "Tyre" that interfaces with Google Maps. I can click on any point on the map to create a "waypoint". Once all the waypoints are created in the order I want them, I save the file and download it to the GPS. The GPS then creates a route based on the waypoints I created. Try googling your GPS model and find what others have done. That's how I discovered the true potential of the TomTom I own. I've used the itinerary function a few times -- even on group rides here on VFRD. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer solohvs Posted January 21, 2009 Member Contributer Share Posted January 21, 2009 Hey JW I guess you are asking the million dollar question. The true potential is just what you asked for - the ability to plan and plot "waypoints" for a trip. It's one thing to see where you are while out on a ride. That would be a little dot (arrow) on the screen. With the correct maps you can see the whole state or region you'll be traveling. At the TexMac get together last year I watched Miguel work feverishly to plot a new route back home with changes he made on the fly. It was all done on his laptop and that was the key to getting things right. All of the units have different interfaces and different maps. I have a Garmin Quest II and it was already loaded with a lot of maps. I have to be careful how much more info I load since there is a limit to how many new maps I can load. I also have to be very picky which new maps I purchase since I run a MAC computer and NOT a PC. So thing get really complicated. Not all can be of use to my MAC. Here is a thought. See if anyone can send you a route with waypoints already plotted and load it into your unit. It's cool to see what a carefully crafted journey looks like when it comes up on that little screen You will have a "demo" to work from and the chance to make changes and mistakes. I am struggling with the same issues and I run the tutorial software for my system every now and then to pick up a few new mapping skills. This issue needs it's own forum! It is soooo complicated. Good luck with your GPS. As for me - I'm lost and I'm still sitting in my living room. BT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer alwaysaware Posted January 21, 2009 Member Contributer Share Posted January 21, 2009 What could be adding to your problems are in the settings. Most GPS systems have settings like fastest route/most sceenic route/streets only/freeway only/pedestrian/motorcycle/car etc. All of these settings can alter your trip in one way or another. I have a Garmin Nuvi that does the same and the way I get around it is just like you said. I add my own stops or points of interests on the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer JayWalker Posted January 21, 2009 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 21, 2009 Thanks for the responses. From what I have read on gpspassion.com, it seems I will have to "hack" the unit and load different s/w like mio or mapsend. JW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V4 Rosso Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 I had a brief look at the manual that can be downloaded from the Magellan website and on page 19 it is explained how to use the trip planner to make a multi destination (POI) routes. If yo make a trip as decribed, do you still have to hit <continue to next POI> after you have passed a waypoint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightwad Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 With Itinerary planning on my TomTom, I can select a point as a "Destination" or just a "Waypoint". Destinations must be reached, Waypoints may get passed by. When i was using google to drag my route around, I had to be careful that my points were on the road, or I wouldn't get credit for having reached them, and it tried to redirect me. Most GPS units do it a bit different, especially if you are hacking the GPS to modify the way it works for you (Has to be done with the cheap TomTom) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FJ12Ryder Posted January 22, 2009 Member Contributer Share Posted January 22, 2009 Route planning was the main reason I bought the Garmin Nuvi 750: you use the Mapsource mapping software to create the route on your computer and then upload it to the Nuvi. I actually plan out the route with Delorme Street Atlas, then work with Mapsource for the uploadable route. Works great. Nice to be able to know that I turn left at the next T intersection without searching out the map. Love it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 if your magellan can work with GPX files (my garmin can) you should download this http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/gmaptogpx/ it sits on your browser, you use GOOGLE maps to create a route, click the link and it will create a GPX waypoint file that you can import into your GPS. enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer JayWalker Posted January 23, 2009 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 23, 2009 If yo make a trip as decribed, do you still have to hit <continue to next POI> after you have passed a waypoint?.Yes, and it's a PITA! Thanks for all the info, I'll give it a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.