| Trail Guide FAQ |
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What is a Datum? |
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A datum is a point that is a known distance and height from a standard point.
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Where can I get a GPS guide for beginners? |
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Listed below are the three most common:
WGS 84: World Geodetic System 1984 (based on the shape of the earth)
A datum for the whole world as defined by GPS
NAD 27: North American Datum 1927 Continental
Presently used by U.S. and Canadian maps
NAD 83 North American Datum
Future datum to be used by U.S. Maps
For further information click on the attached link
Datum Information
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What is a Waypoint? |
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A Waypoint is the coordinates of a position. A waypoint may be used to mark points of interest along a ride as well as be used for navigation.
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What do I do with all these waypoints? |
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Once you have a group of waypoints uploaded to your GPS unit simply select one of your units navigation features and by way of a route, track or electronic compass your unit will direct you to your destination.
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What is the difference between a track and a route? |
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The main difference between a route and a track is that routes are typically a sequence of waypoints created or input by the user which leads the user to a final destination. A track or track log is typically a series of waypoints plotted by the GPS unit to be used as a "bread Crumb" trail allowing you to return to your point of beginning without marking waypoints along the way.
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How do I download and use the posted rides? |
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Simply download your required file type and then upload to your GPS unit. In the event that your required file type has not already been uploaded you will need to utilize the use of the EasyGPS software in order to convert the existing file. This software is free and can be downloaded at the following the link (link). Please be aware that EasyGPS has been implemented to serve only as a median to transfer GPS data between forum users.
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Just what is a GPS anyway and how can it help me? |
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GPS is a group of satellites used in navigation that allows you to determine your position anytime, anywhere and in any weather. However, keep in mind that because your GPS unit relies on satellite signals, conditions such as dense tree cover and rocky gorges may make navigation difficult.
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How do I mount my GPS securely, safely, and with accessability and good visiblity? |
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You would need to purchase
some type of handlebar mount. Not that this is a plug for Ram Mount
however, they seem to manufacture the most rugged and well designed
GPS mount of them all. These are available for the most popular GPSs
in the Riding Arizona
Store
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What software do I need to connect my GPS to my PC? |
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Any type of GPS mapping software should
take care of all these needs. You can download the RidingArizona
custom version of EasyGPS for FREE. EasyGPS provides support
for the GPX file format (needed to upload to the Trail Guide) as
well as support for the vast majority of GPS units on the market.
You can also purchase ExpertGPS
.
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What software do I need to download coordinates to a mapping program? |
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Any type of GPS mapping software should
take care of all these needs. You can download the RidingArizona
custom version of EasyGPS for FREE. EasyGPS provides support
for the GPX file format (needed to upload to the Trail Guide) as
well as support for the vast majority of GPS units on the market.
You can also purchase ExpertGPS
.
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What mapping program do I need? |
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Any type of GPS mapping software should
take care of all these needs. You can download the RidingArizona
custom version of EasyGPS for FREE. EasyGPS provides support
for the GPX file format (needed to upload to the Trail Guide) as
well as support for the vast majority of GPS units on the market.
You can also purchase ExpertGPS
.
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Can I download/upload
both routes and tracks to my GPS? |
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Yes, you can download/upload both to your GPS provided your software will allow you too. Unfortunately, most of today's software will only allow you to download/upload routes.
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When I try to download the GPX file it displays in my browser. Why? |
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The newer browsers have
built in support of XML documents. The GPX file format is XML. To
save the GPX file to your PC, click File-> Save As in your
browser. You can
then select the location where you want the file to be located on your PC. Be sure to save the file with a .GPX extention. For example, file.gpx or dirt.gpx.
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