GPS file software

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
Looking to modify/edit GPS files on my computer but need some software to work with the files. I have been pointed to CalTopo and like the price (free) but was wondering if anyone has experience with any other GPS software.


Specifically kml files.
 
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TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER
Dont go to those strip clubs and yoy won't have to delete them! ;)

When you say edit, what do you mean. I use Garmin Base Station.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
Need to keep my grow fields off the maps I share. Edit as in add way points and plot routes.
 

tex

That's Mr Asshole to you
Great thread. I came across some routes that were in KML files and not able to view them with my Chromebook.
Waiting for feedback.
 

TacoXpo

HOAX DENIER

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
So going back to the use of Back Country Navigator for trail navigation - what size tablet does everyone prefer? Anyone have experience with an affordable tablet with GPS? I have a borrowed tablet right now from @tex but was looking to get other opinions too.

@italynstylion because I know you have a lot of tablet/ dash experience @thekidcatcher @Silverback @TacoXpo
 

Silverback

Lima Gulf Bravo Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
I've had many android tablets, from 7", 7.7", 8.4" and 10". My favorite one I use now is the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. Screen resolution is fantastic, 2560 x 1600. Its plenty fast, only downside is that it is a few years old now and I would like to see them upgrade the OS to a newer version but that is not happening. That being said I use it just about every day. Has SD card slot (64 Gb) and it uses a standard micro USB charger, no proprietary shit. Its loaded with manuals, maps, and movies.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
I keep going back and forth on cheap and usable vs expensive and fast. I think I am going to end up someplace around high resolution screen and moderate speed.

Had anyone used Backcountry Navigator on a ChromeBook? I have thought about a convertable ChromeBook too.
 

Anathollo

Armorall is my choice of lube
Staff member
So going back to the use of Back Country Navigator for trail navigation - what size tablet does everyone prefer? Anyone have experience with an affordable tablet with GPS? I have a borrowed tablet right now from @tex but was looking to get other opinions too.

@italynstylion because I know you have a lot of tablet/ dash experience @thekidcatcher @Silverback @TacoXpo
@thekidcatcher uses Back Country Navigator on his tablet. It's what we used all throughout Moab and Colorado. It's pretty good but I would go ahead and get the Pro version. It does have a bit of a learners curve though. Jason figured out how to download all the maps. Hopefully he'll chime in soon on that.

I just got a 9.7 Samsung Tab A in yesterday and was playing with it last night. I'll probably just end up getting the Pro version as well to use on that tablet.
My Ram tablet mount setup for the truck is coming in pretty soon as well.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
I looked through my Google history and found out that I bought the Pro version before so I guess I am starting further ahead than I thought.
 

Anathollo

Armorall is my choice of lube
Staff member
I looked through my Google history and found out that I bought the Pro version before so I guess I am starting further ahead than I thought.
I got this app and use the satellite map. I downloaded the maps I need from Western US Jeep Trails
 

italynstylion

Well-Known Member
I'm using a Nexus 9 for mine. Larger screen size is wonderful at speed.

What carrier are you using? We are on ATT and just got my wife a Samsung Galaxy Tab E for free. If you sign a two year agreement you get the tablet for nothing. So I'm paying $10 a month for the new tablet's "line" and Caroline will use it in her lexus. Might be worth looking into if you're on a budget. So far I really like the tablet.
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
I just recently changed to ATT so that may not be an option; I will have to check. I was going back and forth on the screen size but it looks like a larger screen with higher resolution is the best option for using the detailed maps.
 

italynstylion

Well-Known Member
I just recently changed to ATT so that may not be an option; I will have to check. I was going back and forth on the screen size but it looks like a larger screen with higher resolution is the best option for using the detailed maps.
It's probably still an option. Caroline and I each have a phone on ATT and two tablets. We added the last tablet recently.
 

Taco Loco

Tired and Lazy, married to ‘The Laundry Fairy’
I think Att quoted me 4 smartphones $185, better discount if you have direct tv

VZ was $180 but I'm wanting Dish, better mobile platform for dish cube for RV than directv
 

bakerla

Man, Myth, Legend
Using an old Nexus 7" tablet with Back Country Nav. The 7" size works for me, plus that tablet is super simple. Not sure if you can find them anymore.

BCN is an awesome app. Being able to download maps areas is too convenient. Easy to add waypoints and Fun Treks has several add ons for off-road trails.

Can you not edit kml files in Google Earth? I thought you could, then upload to Drive and import to BCN.
 

Taco Loco

Tired and Lazy, married to ‘The Laundry Fairy’
Using an old Nexus 7" tablet with Back Country Nav. The 7" size works for me, plus that tablet is super simple. Not sure if you can find them anymore.

BCN is an awesome app. Being able to download maps areas is too convenient. Easy to add waypoints and Fun Treks has several add ons for off-road trails.

Can you not edit kml files in Google Earth? I thought you could, then upload to Drive and import to BCN.

Cool

I think I have 2 of them Nex7, the boys old tablets
 

tx_shooter

It is not a war crime the first time.
Staff member
Can you not edit kml files in Google Earth? I thought you could, then upload to Drive and import to BCN.

Yes, you can edit the kml file in Google Earth and then save, transfer, open it with BCN on the other device. I was doing some work with Google Earth for work and that is what spurred me to look into this again. The Google Earth software has come forward a decent bit from the last time I tried playing around with it. There are now ways to backup and share kml files too. It would be pretty useful to setup a kml library.
 
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