View Full Version : CDT Maps: Ley Compass Rose, GPS & Topo Waypoints
Anyone familiar with the Jonathan Ley CDT maps knows most have a compass rose in order to help find yourself on the map using a GPS. I've taken all the points for the 2009 maps and made a .gpx file using EasyGPS which allows you to upload them to your GPS.
For more on the Ley maps and use of the compass rose...
http://www.phlumf.com/travels/cdt/cdtgps.shtml
To download EasyGPS (free) You'll need the program to open the file and send to your GPS. Check the page to make sure your GPS is compatible. (works with Garmin)
http://www.easygps.com/
Maps with the compass rose
MT 1-72; 2a, 10a, 13a, 42a
WY 1-44; 7a, 12a, 28a-d
CO 1-46
NM 9-43; 30a-j, 38a-b, 39a-f, 40a-b, 41a-b
226 all together.
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And the gpx file (note this was made with an older version of Garmin Mapsource United States Topo)
Newly created GPS and TOPO! ready files (based on Jonathan's Google Earth file) - see below by Blisterfree...
Included below are:
* 2 full-trail, gps-ready GPX files (nobo and sobo) - each is 20 track segments @ 500 waypoints per track. Any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run these file.
* 8 state-specific GPX files (nobo x 4 & sobo x 4) - more detailed than the above - each is a variable # of track segments (<20) @ <500 waypoints per track. One or two of these files should be loadable at once, depending on GPS unit storage capacity.
* 2 CDT "sub-master" files - one is GPX, the other TPO. Both are essentially the same data as Jonathan's original KMZ file. The GPX file is typically too large for uploading to a GPS, but offers endless possibilities for editing / customization / further expansion. The TPO file is the same data, but formatted for NatGeo TOPO!, with red lines for the "main" route and blue lines for the alternates. The TPO might be useful if printing custom maps, for instance if planning a hike beyond the scope of Jonathan's CD-ROM map coverage, or if wanting to add custom annotations to printed maps.
Any and all of these resources can later be amended based on changes to Jonathan's KMZ (Google Earth) master file, and periodically we'll try to attend to this.
This all came into being rather suddenly (and very easily, let it be said). The only one who deserves any street cred whatsoever is Jonathan Ley, who has invested I'd imagine thousands of hours at this point in the creation and updating of his CD map set from which all other resources were born. My hat is off!
- blisterfree
CDT Ley route: full trail, gps-ready (SOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-gps-ready-full-route-sobo.gpx
Description: Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file converted to gpx format and divided into 20 track segments of 500 waypoints per track, presented for the southbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." Track segments are organized by state as follows: Segs 1-7 MT; Segs 8-10 WY; Segs 11-16 CO; Segs 17-20 NM. Any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this file.
CDT Ley route: full trail, gps-ready (NOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-gps-ready-full-route-nobo.gpx
Description: Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file converted to gpx format and divided into 20 track segments of 500 waypoints per track, presented for the northbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." Track segments are organized by state as follows: Segs 1-4 NM; Segs 5-10 CO; Segs 11-13 WY; Segs 14-20 MT. Any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this file.
CDT Ley route: Montana (SOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-montana-sobo.gpx
Montana portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 16 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the southbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: Montana (NOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-montana-nobo.gpx
Montana portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 16 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the northbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: Wyoming (SOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-wyoming-sobo.gpx
Wyoming portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 7 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the southbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: Wyoming (NOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-wyoming-nobo.gpx
Wyoming portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 7 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the northbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: Colorado (SOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-colorado-sobo.gpx
Colorado portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 13 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the southbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: Colorado (NOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-colorado-nobo.gpx
Colorado portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 13 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the northbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: New Mexico (SOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-new-mexico-sobo.gpx
New Mexico portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 10 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the southbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
CDT Ley route: New Mexico (NOBO):
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-new-mexico-nobo.gpx
New Mexico portion of Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file, converted to gpx format and divided into 10 track segments of not more than 500 waypoints per track, presented for the northbound traveler. Track segments detail only the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, and do not describe alternate routes that may deviate from this "main route." The track (waypoint) data in this file is more detailed than that in the "full trail" gpx file, with the caveat that many GPS receivers will not be able to store more than one or two individual state files at a time. Still, any modern GPS unit conforming to or exceeding the standard "20 tracks of 500 waypoints per track" maximum storage capability should be able to load and run this individual state file.
Ley CDT master file - GPX format:
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-master.gpx
Description: Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file converted to gpx format. File contains multiple track segments, representing the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, as well as alternate routes. This gpx file is too large to be stored as a single file by most GPS units, but can be edited/split in GPS or mapping software to suit the requirements of a particular unit or of the user. For GPS-ready gpx files that require no prior editing, use the "cdt-full-route-gps-ready" gpx files (NOBO or SOBO) or the individual state files.
Ley CDT master file - TOPO! format:
http://www.simblissity.net/downloads/cdt/ley-cdt-master.tpo
Description: Jonathan Ley's Continental Divide Trail kmz file converted to .tpo format for use with NatGeo TOPO! mapping software. File contains multiple .tpo-formatted line segments, representing the main / official and/or "Ley" route of the trail, (in red) as well as alternate routes (in blue). Waypoints contained within the file delineate the trail's (red line's) termini at state and international boundaries, as well as the termini of the alternate routes (blue lines).
I've created a zipped Mapsource file (.gdb) for the United States Topo maps used on the CDT. This is basically a strip of 109 maps to cover the trail and many of it's alternatives. Depending on your memory you can add more (or subtract is need be) to include nearby towns etc. Of course, you'll need Mapsource Topo software to upload to your Garmin GPS.
Montana & Idaho (36 maps)
Wyoming (24 maps)
Colorado (23 maps)
New Mexico (26 maps)
Total 25.1MB
Must have been a lot of work to do all that. It should be very useful indeed. Thanks!
heavyhiking
05-23-2011, 22:44
Sly,
I was hoping to use this for my through hike this year. When I click on the file it says that I need Mapsource Topo West. I have 1:100,000 Topo US 2008. Do you know of an way to make it compatible with my current software?
Thanks,
Heavy
Sly,
I was hoping to use this for my through hike this year. When I click on the file it says that I need Mapsource Topo West. I have 1:100,000 Topo US 2008. Do you know of an way to make it compatible with my current software?
Thanks,
Heavy
Hmmm, I did make it with older version of TopoUSA, not Topo US 2008 and apparently they're not compatible. Sorry.
Chance09
05-26-2011, 14:22
anyone have waypoints for a Delorme? I just got mine in the mail and am trying to figure all this out :-?
If anyone has the files for newer Garmin products such as Topo 2008 or Topo US 100K or any other brands whose maps cover the CDT, let me know and I'll add them.
In order to load (or even view) the map segments for any Garmin Map, you have to actually have loaded them from the CD onto your computer and then access them using either the old MapSource or the new (and awful) BaseCamp. So posting the maps for the strip along the CDT probably will not help anyone. I tried this once with another Garmin gps trying to send them a map, track and waypoint file. In the end you can only transfer a .gdb or .gpx file of tracks, waypoints and routes.
I have several more up-to-date gps files if you or anyone is interested.
StarMan
In order to load (or even view) the map segments for any Garmin Map, you have to actually have loaded them from the CD onto your computer and then access them using either the old MapSource or the new (and awful) BaseCamp. So posting the maps for the strip along the CDT probably will not help anyone. I tried this once with another Garmin gps trying to send them a map, track and waypoint file. In the end you can only transfer a .gdb or .gpx file of tracks, waypoints and routes.
I have several more up-to-date gps files if you or anyone is interested.
StarMan
Hey Starman, when I hiked the CDT the 1st time in 2002, my partner had an old Garmin eTrex but we never had Jonathan's compass rose points which came later along with Yogi's guide. Although I had the printed Ley maps, if we had a problem he used the USGS maps and a waypointer to pull or plot the waypoints to the maps.
In 2007 I used a Legend C (now discontinued) but others had either a Legend Cx or Vista models. The compass rose points (which I'm not sure Jonathan is updating with the newer maps) , along with Garmin maps that ran along the trail mentioned in Yogi's book, at that time, worked perfectly for when I needed them. Most of the Garmin maps identified the trail with a red line or showed the road we were on. Using the rose points came in handy to show exactly were you were in relation to the maps.
One problem, if you'd call it that, is my GPS could only store 25MB of maps, but the entire map pack was over that. My workaround was to have my laptop shipped along the trail with the Garmin CD's so O could upload the new maps.
Of course, now a days the GPS and SD cards can not only hold all the maps for the CDT, but other long trails as well. If I'm not mistaken the Delorme GPS's hold the entire country.
The thread was started a couple years ago when the info was pertinent. Of course, if you have an older Garmin GPS and software like I do, it's still pertinent and valuable data.
My call for new data is because most are probably using more modern GPS's and software. I'd like to know what most hikers are using these days, and then maybe I can post the info.
PS I reuploaded some files today because I noticed the files were missing and noticed the posts from May asking for assistance.