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DNRGPS Instructions

This document provides instructions for transferring location data from a Garmin GPS unit to an ESRI shapefile format using DNRGPS software. The steps include: 1) connecting the Garmin GPS unit to the computer, 2) opening DNRGPS and setting the projection to WTM83, 3) downloading waypoints and tracks from the GPS unit, 4) editing and saving the data to an ESRI shapefile, then 5) opening the shapefile in ArcGIS.

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dlouhen
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173 views9 pages

DNRGPS Instructions

This document provides instructions for transferring location data from a Garmin GPS unit to an ESRI shapefile format using DNRGPS software. The steps include: 1) connecting the Garmin GPS unit to the computer, 2) opening DNRGPS and setting the projection to WTM83, 3) downloading waypoints and tracks from the GPS unit, 4) editing and saving the data to an ESRI shapefile, then 5) opening the shapefile in ArcGIS.

Uploaded by

dlouhen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Data Transfer Using the DNRGPS Application:

Garmin GPS to ArcGIS (ESRI) Shapefile

These instructions are for transferring data from a Garmin GPS unit into an ESRI
Shapefile using the DNRGPS application, developed by the Minnesota DNR.

These instructions assume you are working on a computer on the UWSP network and
that you want your data to be in the Wisconsin Transverse Mercator (WTM83, NAD83
(1991)) coordinate system. For more information on the Wisconsin Transverse
Mercator (WTM83, NAD83 (1991)) coordinate system, see the Wisconsin DNR’s
explanation at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/maps/gis/wtm8391.html

You may also use these instructions as a guide if you want to export data in a
coordinate system other than Wisconsin Transverse Mercator (WTM83, NAD83 (1991)).

These instructions are also for using the DNRGPS application in a standalone manner
independent of ArcGIS. The DNRPS application is available from the UWSP
Application Center on the UWSP network and is also free for download at:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/DNRGPS/DNRGPS.html

Objective: Transfer location data (waypoints and/or tracks) from a Garmin GPS unit
directly to an ESRI Shapefile format for use in the ArcGIS software.

1. Connect the Garmin/PC interface cable to a serial port or USB port on your
computer (dependent on your cable type) and to the Garmin GPS unit. Turn the
GPS unit ON.

2. Start the DNRGPS program from the UWSP Application Center: Start > All
Programs > UWSP Application Center

When the UWSP Application Center starts, you can scroll down the list of ALL
programs to find DNRGPS or type DNRGPS in the search bar at the top right to
locate the DNRGPS program. Once displayed, click on the Run button to start
the program.

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3. Once the program starts, establish communication with your Garmin GPS device
by clicking on GPS > Find GPS

If the program is able to find and communicate with your Garmin GPS device it
should display the device information below the menu as shown below:

4. If it is the first time the program has been started it may display Projection: No
Projection in the lower left-hand corner as shown below:

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You will want to set the projection to the Wisconsin Transverse Mercator
(WTM83, NAD83 (1991)) coordinate system by using the following steps:

a. Click on File > Set Projection

b. Click the down-arrow to the right of the Datum field and scroll down
and select NAD83/HARN

c. Once NAD83/HARN is selected, a list of available Projections will be


displayed. Scroll down the list and select Wisconsin Transverse
Mercator and then click on OK.

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d. The Projection in the lower left-hand corner should now read
Wisconsin Transverse Mercator.

e. If the initial projection was not undefined but instead set to something
other than what you desire, you can use the above process to set it to
what you want.

5. Once the device is connected and the projection has been set we are ready to
download our data (waypoints and/or tracks). Click Waypoint > Download

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The waypoints from the GPS unit will be transferred to the program in the
form of a table and you will get a message when the records have been
received. (see below). Click OK.

6. The program by default creates numerous attributes that may or may not be
important to you. At this point you may delete waypoint records (rows) that you
may not want exported by highlighting them and then using the red “X” (delete
button) on the left side (see examples below).

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7. Once you have removed any records (if necessary) you are ready to export the
table data to an ESRI shapefile that can be used with ArcGIS. Click File > Save
To > ArcMap > File from the main menu (shown below):

The Save To File window will appear. Navigate to the folder where you want to
save the data file. For the File name: use any name you wish. For the Save as
type: Select ESRI Shapefile (3D) (*.shp) then click Save (example below).

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Once the file has been saved successfully a message will appear (see below).
Click OK.

8. Use the same process as in steps 5 thru 7 above to download the tracks by
selecting Track > Download from the main menu

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Use a similar process to step 7 to save the downloaded track file. When
prompted to select the Save to Shape/GPS Types select the type that
meets your needs. You can save multiple times selecting a different Save
to Shape/GPS Types each time if you wish.

Bring your new Shapefile(s) into ArcGIS and display as you


normally would.

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