Google Earth experts?

[SGT Rock]

I didn't know exactly where to put this, so here is as good as any.

What I'm hoping to find is someone that knows how to make a trail overlay or whatever they are called in Google Earth. I want to plot my proposed BMT re-route in that software and create a file for it.

[Cuffs]

Try Mr Parkay... If you can find him, he's usually on the trail...

[Sly]

I checked quickly, it looks like if you want to import a trail or set of waypoints you need to have Google Earth Pro. However I've seen others do it, whether they're all Pros, don't know.

[CoyoteWhips]

What's your starting data; maps, gps files?

It's actually very easy in Google Earth (GE) to overlay a map. With the map in place, not hard to trace a trail. I've done it for planning out my own section hikes.

Heck, I've done it for plotting my route from a subway station to the Cyclorama in Boston.

[Sly]

Yikes GE pro is $400. I'll email a friend and ask how he did it.

[CoyoteWhips]

Yikes GE pro is $400. I'll email a friend and ask how he did it.

GE Plus is $20. That's all ya need.

[Sly]

GE Plus is $20. That's all ya need.

Right, I just saw that. Thats better. What's funny, well maybe not funny, is that Plus and Pro may already be on your computer and all you need is a license key to get at it.

[CoyoteWhips]

I can say the $20 subscription was well worth it to me, just for extra functionality if gives my little GPS. It's fun to upload the track log and see where I've been.

[Sly]

Is that $20 for life or yearly?

[ki0eh]

If you have a Garmin GPS you can download the free DNR Garmin 5.2.33 software, paid for by the Minnesota taxpayer, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/t...DNRGarmin.html , import the track from your GPS, and save directly as a Google Earth .kml file.

[CoyoteWhips]

Is that $20 for life or yearly?

It's annual.

I suppose in 20 years, I will have paid that $400. :-)

[SGT Rock]

What I am hoping to do is create some products like a Power Point presentation with both map views and 3d views of the proposed route so it will make a better presentation for the GSMNP folks.

[Sly]

What I am hoping to do is create some products like a Power Point presentation with both map views and 3d views of the proposed route so it will make a better presentation for the GSMNP folks.

That would be awesome. I think Weathercarrot did something like that on one of his PCT DVD's.

[CoyoteWhips]

Well, I'd be happy to help if there anything I can do.

[SGT Rock]

Well I just want to plot this in the software by hand. I don't want to upload from a GPS for now. I need to make it look like a trail map on the terrrain in Google Earth so I can look at it flat and in 3d. I also want to make a couple of different routes in places as we have a few Courses of action for placement of the route in some areas to show we we can do if the GSMNP guys don't want one route for whatever reason. I also want to be able to show the old original AT that we do not plan to use in places so I can show the relationship of where it did go and where it could go so we can say why it is best to move the route to another location.

[CoyoteWhips]

Is this about the area we're talking about?

[SGT Rock]

No, the Smokies at Deals gap to campsite 95

[Cuffs]

Have you tried Nat'l Geographic software? I use them for my hikes. They give you both an aerial and fly-thru views.

[CoyoteWhips]

'Round here?

My gmail is whipmaker, if you'd like to go off list.

[SGT Rock]

That is the basic area. Let me get done with Thanksgiving and I'll send you some maps.