Transferring Garmin GPS waypoints from a Garmin GPS unit to ArcMap

To be able to download waypoints from a Garmin GPS unit into ArcMap it is necessary to go to ESRI’s website and download a GPS Interface Script. Downloading GPS Interface Script

1. Go to the web address: http://arcscripts.esri.com/details.asp?dbid=12749 2. Click on the download button on the left side of the screen.

• Click the ACCEPT button • Open this file from its current location • Unzip the file • Save this file to C:\arcgis\arcexe83\bin

Installation of the GPSi Toolbar

3. Using windows explorer navigate to C:\arcgis\arcexe83\bin\AS12749 and rename the file ‘install_GPSi.bat.txt’ to ‘install_GPSi.bat’ 4. Double click on ‘install_GPSi.bat’ to register required components on your

system. • Three messages from Regsvr32 should appear stating that

the registration was successful.

5. Start Arcmap. An “ArcMap” window will open. Choose “A new empty map”. Check “OK”.

6. Select ‘Tools’ then ‘Customize’ a window like the one shown below should

come on the screen. In this window click ‘Add from file’ button and browse to GPSi.dll. This will load the GPSi objects into ArcMap as a toolbar. In the list of toolbars, click the checkbox to show ‘GPSi’

NOTE: The help file (gpsi.chm) needs to be in the same location as the (gpsi.dll) file in order to function correctly.

Using the GPSi Toolbar

7. Connect your Garmin GPS unit via the computers COM port. To check if the GPS unit is connected correctly click on ‘Connection Properties’ in the GPS Interface toolbar.

a. NOTE: Mscomm32.ocx driver file is required on your PC. If your computer does not have this file Error 429 will appear.

i. To download Mcscomm32.ocx go to http://www.input-drivers.com/drivers/54/54497.htm

ii. Register with Driver Guide by following the instructions.

iii. After registering do a basic search for the driver

Mscomm32.ocx download and save it in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ file.

iv. Once the driver is downloaded register it on your computer by

using the Windows program REGSVR32.EXE and use the following command: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\REGSVR32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSCOMM32.OCX

v. Once Mscomm32.ocx is registered on your computer the GPSi toolbar should work correctly.

8. To download waypoints click the GPS Interface toolbar and go to ‘Waypoints’-‘Download Waypoints’ ArcMap will automatically search for waypoints stored on the GPS.

9. After ArcMap downloads all of the waypoints you can select the specific

points you would like to make into a shapefile.

10. To convert the points to a shapefile click on ‘Save’ button and choose the

appropriate file to save the shapefile.