Recommendation: Linking Google Maps to GPS device

[wemorgan]

I've recently discovered this very useful software called 'TYRE' for linking Google Maps to your TomTom/Garmin device.

Tyre

It enables you to plan routes easily on your home PC then upload them on to your GPS device.

I find the TomTom itinerary planner difficult and slow to use, so seldom use what could be a useful tool.

Here's a How-to guide: Using Google Maps For Itinerary Planning

 

[MercFanUk]

How do you find the match up between Google's co-ords and TomToms? I am presuming they use completely different mapping systems, and as such you might end up on the wrong road once in a blue moon... How's it been for you?

 

[Druk]

Thanks Will. Useful.

 

[Gridlock]

How do you find the match up between Google's co-ords and TomToms? I am presuming they use completely different mapping systems, and as such you might end up on the wrong road once in a blue moon... How's it been for you?

Both understand and can use your bog standard co-ordinates, accurate to a few CM

 

[wemorgan]

How do you find the match up between Google's co-ords and TomToms? I am presuming they use completely different mapping systems, and as such you might end up on the wrong road once in a blue moon... How's it been for you?

I've not used it in anger yet, just played with it on my PC. I found that Google Maps was better in picking, in that it somehow knew which side of the road I wanted, so never double-backed.

 

[st13phil]

How do you find the match up between Google's co-ords and TomToms?

There are a number of different GPS Datums in use, but the most common is WGS84. As long as you use the same datum on the mapping system (i.e. Google) and on the GPS Receiver (i.e. TomTom) then all will be well. The problem starts if you decide to change the datum in use on one but not the other...

As an aside, Garmin have provided off-line route planning software for use with their automotive GPSR's for years. It's called MapSource and, while a bit quirky in use at times, it provides a better solution than Google Maps -> TYRE for Garmin devices.