Friday, January 16, 2009

Import Garmin Mapsource GPS tracks into AutoCAD & Civil 3D

mapsource track view verify ge image

Garmin Mapsource can export tracks for use in AutoCAD Map 3D. Begin by saving your Mapsource track in the DXF file format
save track in dxf

Make note of the UTM zone for your datum settings in Map 3D. Use the dialog box settings as shown for saving the DXF file. A 3D polyline will be created if the Include elevation information box is checked, otherwise the track will be a normal polyline.

select utm coordinates

A warning message appears if the track/waypoint information overlays more than one UTM Zone

warning message

Now open the DXF file in Map 3D. Make certain that DXF file is selected as the file type.

open dxf file

Adjust the datum of the DXF file just opened to be the same datum of the Mapsource tracks and waypoints that were just saved. The datum will be in the UTM-WGS 84 as shown in the dialog box below.
Also, BE SURE TO CHANGE DRAWING UNITS TO METERS.

change datum
The track is now imported into AutoCAD Map 3D on the UTM84 datum. The drawing may now be saved in DWG format. Additionally, the datum can be verified as correct by using the Google Earth imagery import function under Insert>Import (in Civil 3D). If the tracks overlay the Google Earth image (shown below is Google Earth imagery with overlay USGS topography), then the drawing settings are correct.
verify ge image

Additional steps are required to display the track in a different datum. See my post here: http://civil3d.streamrestoration.info/2010/05/converting-drawing-datum-in-autocad-map.html