can i make a map from a .dfx file

[+Forrest hunters]

I have an Oregon 450 and my question is below.

 

Is there a way to draw up a square that is to scale for a plot of property and then load that into the gps? I have a plot for a 10 acre lot with the dimensions which are square. I believe I have found 1 corner and have marked it. Can I load a .dxf or some other file and put it on that spot and project one or more of the other corners and place that file over it. I work with CAD everyday and .dxf seem to export the easiest as this is a CAD program for designing packaging. Just looking to find approximate line for my mom lot that I grew up on. Mainly want to make sure some maples are on her lot or if I need to ask the neighbors(which are all nice) if I can tap the trees. I tried projecting the corners out and walk the line but doing that will keep me close to the line, but I would like to be just walking around and see the lines not try to move to the line from the projected points.

[+mpilchfamily]

There should be property markers at the corners. Stake it out and run a string from one to the other to see where the line crosses. Otherwise have the city come out and survey the property. It may cost a bit but you will know for sure where the property line lies. You could go to the land office and request the documentation for the property lines. It may or may not give you Lat and long for the corners allowing you to find the corners yourself.

[+coggins]

Can I load a .dxf or some other file and put it on that spot and project one or more of the other corners and place that file over it. I work with CAD everyday and .dxf seem to export the easiest as this is a CAD program for designing packaging.

Sure, you can open a .dfx file with GlobalMapper and use that to make a Garmin map

[+northernpenguin]

Keepin mind that a consumer GPS should not be used for a legal survey. Too much variance in that position report. Think about the number of times a cache has been 10-15 feet from where your GPS said it should be

[+Forrest hunters]

Thanks for the comments on the accuracy. Keep in mind as I said in my first post that most all the neighbors are really nice. In addition I am only doing this to make sure a few trees are or are not on our property. If the gps accurancy is off by more that 15-20 feet I will have to decide if I need to talk to the neighbor or not. Just looking for a guideline.

 

Thanks again,

Rob

[+dfx]

[+Forrest hunters]

Coggins,

 

Is GlobalMapper a pay program? Looks like it is to me. I see a free trial, but how long does that last and it looks very limited.

[+northernpenguin]

Yup, Global Mapper is commercial software

[+Forrest hunters]

northerpenguin,

 

Do I need to pay $300.00 for a license to be able to do what I want with putting a square in my gpe for a map?

[+Timpat]

Forest hunters, keeping in mind the limited accuracy for such a "survey", the answer is you can work with the CAD data you have. But, there's a lot to it. First it depends on the CAD program. I use Autodesk Land 2004 with my civil/survey work that uses CoGo (coordinate geometry) vs architectural versions. Your CAD data has to be created in Lat/Lon or in some projection. Not sure if a arch-type CAD has the ability to do this?

 

If you are able to do this, Land 2004 for example, will export a shapefile that can be converted to a .gpx file. There are free programs to do that, one being GPSUtility. Then load the .gpx file as a track to view on your map screen.

 

A simpler way would be to use the the property monument you found and marked and "traverse around the parcel" using the distances and bearings (If you have a deed giving that) by projecting waypoints around. Then using the corner waypoints you just created, in your 450 create a "route" using the waypoints to traverse around. This will display on screen and you can walk the line. Just some thoughts.

[eaparks]

Why not just keep all of this simple. You know 1 corner and you say it is 10 acres and is a square, therefore each side is 660 ft. You can do the rest of what you want in Mapsource by drawing a track. In Mapsource when you draw a track line it shows the bearing at which your drawing the line and displays in feet how far you have drawn until you reach a length of 0.1 miles and then shows tenths of a mile; since 660 ft. is longer than 0.1 miles create a point before you reach 528 ft. ( 0.1 mile) in the length of your leg and then complete the 660 from the previous point so you can tell exactly when you've drawn 660 ft. leg. Continue until you comlete your square.

 

1. Create a waypoint for your known corner

2. Create track as mentioned above.

3. Save file in Mapsource.

4. Transfer track to GPS

5. Set GPS to display track on screen

6. Now you can walk the property and see the track (property line) displayed on screen without navigating the track.

 

Much simpler than creating a map or converting file types for a 1 time use. To verify the accuracy of what I'm suggesting I tried it in Mapsource and it came out exact and took less than 2 minutes to complete the track and transfer to GPS. I created a pt. at 500 ft. and then the next pt. 160 more ft. for all 4 sides.

 

edit; zoom in, in Mapsource to the 120 ft. (or 80 ft. if monitor screen is large enough) zoom level to show entire track on screen and for best accuracy.

Edited March 24, 2011 by eaparks

[+coggins]

Coggins,

 

Is GlobalMapper a pay program? Looks like it is to me. I see a free trial, but how long does that last and it looks very limited.

It is a licensed program but they generally run a restricted demo or a two week full version. You should only need the program less than a day, yes?

[yogazoo]

coggins is right but GPSMapEdit is a much simpler program to use IMHO. It too is free and unless you will be making a statewide map that neeeds auto splitting into smaller tiles (sounds like your map is of a limited area), or aerial imagery to be viewed as a backdrop, the GPSMapEdit program will allow you to us it in perpetuity.

Edited March 24, 2011 by yogazoo

[+Forrest hunters]

Thanks guys. I will try the Mapsource thing later today or tomorrow maybe. I have that program and think i might be able to play around with it. Lot size is 1697 x 264 i think so I can just plot a few way point along the way.