BajaNomad

GPS Trails, waypoints, Points of Interest?

aburruss - 9-7-2018 at 06:57 PM

Hi all,

Does anyone have any Google Earth (or other) files that they'd like to share?

I'm a fairly recent discoverer of baja traveling, and I have fallen in love with exploring and discovering new areas. I'd REALLY LOVE to get something that is basically the equivalent of DavidK's GPS waypoint list (http://www.vivabaja.com/GPS/), but in a file that can be imported into a mapping program (GaiaGPS, GoogleEarth, etc).

Also, are there any sites that are used for sharing this sort of thing?

Thanks guys.. I'm a BIG lurker here on BajaNomad and am really enjoying learning (if, only by osmosis, at this point) about all the exciting stuff in Baja that you nomads talk about on a regular basis!

Thanks all!!

David K - 9-7-2018 at 07:15 PM

Welcome to Nomad!

Once it is ready, there are about 1,000 GPS waypoints I have downloaded onto a new interactive map from all my Baja Bound research trips.

Stay tuned... we are not rushing as we want it to work super well for everyone.

I have many more points to still download from my trip last month.

That old GPS list was made around 2003, I think. At the time most of us used the Baja Almanac map book, and those maps are drawn to map datum NAD27 Mexico, so I was advised by the great aridologist, Neal Johns, to provide the same datum for my list.

Now, the standard GPS datum setting is WGS84, and those points can be very close to NAD27, but still not the same. If you use my old waypoints, first set your GPS to NAD27, enter my figures, then switch back to WGS84, to use with Google Earth or other GPS units.

JZ - 9-7-2018 at 07:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by aburruss  
Hi all,

Does anyone have any Google Earth (or other) files that they'd like to share?

I'm a fairly recent discoverer of baja traveling, and I have fallen in love with exploring and discovering new areas. I'd REALLY LOVE to get something that is basically the equivalent of DavidK's GPS waypoint list (http://www.vivabaja.com/GPS/), but in a file that can be imported into a mapping program (GaiaGPS, GoogleEarth, etc).

Also, are there any sites that are used for sharing this sort of thing?

Thanks guys.. I'm a BIG lurker here on BajaNomad and am really enjoying learning (if, only by osmosis, at this point) about all the exciting stuff in Baja that you nomads talk about on a regular basis!

Thanks all!!


I've spent the last 2 years mapping out every major trail in Baja, excluding the stuff in Northern Baja around Ensenada and San Felipe. Did most of the trails by studying Google Earth (it took a long time but was fun as hell) and asking questions on here. Have ridden all of them save for 2-3 trails (Window Rock, Pioneer Mine).

I could send you a single file with all the waypoints and tracks. It load directly into Google Earth.

The best, by 10,000 miles, trails app to run on your phone is Back Country Navigator. The file plugs right into it as well.


[Edited on 9-8-2018 by JZ]

ehall - 9-7-2018 at 07:26 PM

Send me an email address and the area you interested in .

aburruss - 9-7-2018 at 07:33 PM

Anything you can send to aburruss@gmail.com would be appreciated!!

Area: Anywhere in Baja :)

Thanks guys.

PaulW - 9-8-2018 at 06:19 AM

There are several GPS maps out there some are free and some cost. Load them into your GPS and you will have current trails. Waypoints normally do not show on these maps so help from others like David are necessary. Some of the ambitious guys have created a gps file with many waypoints for specific areas.
If you do not have a GPS then the best resource would be the Baja Almanac, which because it is out of print is very costly when bought from Ebay.
Both a GPS and an Almanc is what most all of us use.
======== =
Quote: Originally posted by aburruss  
Hi all,

Does anyone have any Google Earth (or other) files that they'd like to share?

I'm a fairly recent discoverer of baja traveling, and I have fallen in love with exploring and discovering new areas. I'd REALLY LOVE to get something that is basically the equivalent of DavidK's GPS waypoint list (http://www.vivabaja.com/GPS/), but in a file that can be imported into a mapping program (GaiaGPS, GoogleEarth, etc).

Also, are there any sites that are used for sharing this sort of thing?

Thanks guys.. I'm a BIG lurker here on BajaNomad and am really enjoying learning (if, only by osmosis, at this point) about all the exciting stuff in Baja that you nomads talk about on a regular basis!

Thanks all!!

ncampion - 9-8-2018 at 07:09 AM

Try this site, they have a Baja section:
http://gpsxchange.com/

55steve - 9-8-2018 at 07:29 AM

Hey Aaron! Steve McKay (Jeepaholics) here - welcome to Nomad! All my GPS points/tracks are offshore these days...

[Edited on 9-8-2018 by 55steve]

JZ - 9-8-2018 at 09:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
There are several GPS maps out there some are free and some cost. Load them into your GPS and you will have current trails. Waypoints normally do not show on these maps so help from others like David are necessary. Some of the ambitious guys have created a gps file with many waypoints for specific areas.
If you do not have a GPS then the best resource would be the Baja Almanac, which because it is out of print is very costly when bought from Ebay.
Both a GPS and an Almanc is what most all of us use.
======== =


Standalone GPS was the thing to have 10-15 years ago when there was no phone based GPS app.

They are garbage now compared to GPS phone apps.



[Edited on 9-9-2018 by JZ]

Pacifico - 9-8-2018 at 09:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  


The best, by 10,000 miles, trails app to run on your phone is Back Country Navigator. The file plugs right into it as well.


[Edited on 9-8-2018 by JZ]


I looked for this app and it brings up Backcountry Atlas... Is this the same thing?

carlosg - 9-8-2018 at 11:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico  
I looked for this app and it brings up Backcountry Atlas... Is this the same thing?


Here's a link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&...

JZ - 9-8-2018 at 11:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico  


I looked for this app and it brings up Backcountry Atlas... Is this the same thing?


It's only for Android. Suppose to be working on an iPhone version.

MotionX is available for iPhone. It's not bad, but you have to go through a couple extra steps to import files. With BCN you can import direct from Google Earth. Does both kmz and gpx files.

I'm sure there is a good one for iPhones.



[Edited on 9-8-2018 by JZ]

mjs - 9-8-2018 at 06:26 PM

You might look at Maps.me. Uses Open Street Maps and can import GPS tracks. While the phone apps are good, I still prefer a dedicated GPS though. Mostly for the ruggedness, screen and mounting options. YMMV.

advrider - 9-8-2018 at 06:41 PM

I ran OSMAND on my extra phone this year, Android and it was way better then my Garmin! I did put E32 maps on my Garmin and they are a good map set for Baja. I run the phone and Garmin both on my bike but the phone is a lot easier to use and learn. What are you looking for? I have single track for bike and a few other.

PaulW - 9-8-2018 at 07:01 PM

BS - So if GPS is old stuff from 10 years ago how can you say that a phone GPS is no good. You sure type garbage messages.
- JZ You are way of base. I use mu tablet and phone and they are both used as a GPS. Please try not to be such an ASS and mislead others.has great usable function that a GPS provides. Even a traditional GPS especially for a new person who may not want to go thru all he techy stuff like you do.
JZ you have a problem.

===== =
Quote: Originally posted by JZ  


GPS was the thing to have 10 years ago.

They are garbage now compared to GPS phone apps.

JZ - 9-8-2018 at 07:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
BS - So if GPS is old stuff from 10 years ago how can you say that a phone GPS is no good. You sure type garbage messages.
- JZ You are way of base. I use mu tablet and phone and they are both used as a GPS. Please try not to be such an ASS and mislead others.has great usable function that a GPS provides. Even a traditional GPS especially for a new person who may not want to go thru all he techy stuff like you do.
JZ you have a problem.

===== =


Standalone GPS like Garmin, lowrance etc. were required 10-15 years ago.

GPS on your phone (or tablet) + app is the way to go for last 5-7 or more years. Screen is much bigger and much, much easier to use and more functional.

Throw those standalone GPS's in the trash can where they belong.

Plus you want to be using kmz or gps format, not the format of some fish finder gps.

advrider - 9-8-2018 at 10:27 PM

I took it that he was saying that a phone or tablet was the way to go now not that they are junk? GPS'S have always been very time consuming to learn. Not sure what you are blasting him for?

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
BS - So if GPS is old stuff from 10 years ago how can you say that a phone GPS is no good. You sure type garbage messages.
- JZ You are way of base. I use mu tablet and phone and they are both used as a GPS. Please try not to be such an ASS and mislead others.has great usable function that a GPS provides. Even a traditional GPS especially for a new person who may not want to go thru all he techy stuff like you do.
JZ you have a problem.

===== =
Quote: Originally posted by JZ  


GPS was the thing to have 10 years ago.

They are garbage now compared to GPS phone apps.