Free program to import waypoints

[OceanView]

I just finished writing a program to import waypoints into the iQue, and would like to share it with other people if there is any interest. The program can import *.loc files downloaded from www.geocaching.com AND it can also import *.txt files created from the MapSource program using File->Export as a tab delimited file.

Please let me know if there is any interest and I will upload it here along with a more complete description (I don't want to clutter the message board if no one is interested in this).

-Bill
(iQue owner since 7/28/03)

[mrkablooey]

I'd love to try it. If it works, I'd be happy to review it on my CacheGear site. :)

[Gator w/ an IQ]

Count me in. I would love to have this app! Great to see people making ique specific apps. Thanks.

[kokopeli123]

I'm in for a test drive as well.

kokopeli123

[Octoberfest]

Originally posted by OceanView
...The program can import *.loc files downloaded from www.geocaching.com AND it can also import *.txt files created from the MapSource program using File->Export as a tab delimited file....-Bill

Bill,
I'm interested, and I think there should be strong interest, having followed the comments on this board.

EasyGSP is avaialable through the Geocache web site (http://www.geocaching.com) allows the downloading of waypoints from most GPSs into a *.loc file,

Bill, will your program import multiple waypoints from a single *.loc file?
In any event I'm looking forward to giving your program a workout.
John

[OceanView]

> Bill, will your program import multiple waypoints from a single *.loc file?

Yes, it will. I am uploading it here in a few...

-Bill

[OceanView]

OK, I have attached a zip of the program and a ReadMe file to this message. I hope you find it useful. Please read the ReadMe file before using the program and also see the bottom of this message How to use the program.

The program is actually written in vbscript. I have been writing software for years but never in vbscript before (so be kind with your critiquing vbscript writers ;-) I choose vbscript because I wanted to write something that would be able to run on most systems and would also contain the source so others could modify to suite their needs if they so desire. This program/script requires that you have Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher installed on your system.

As most of us already know, the iQue stores waypoints in the Palm address book. So the easiest way to get waypoints into the iQue is to convert them into a vCard format. Once the waypoint data has been converted into a vCard, you simply read the vCard file into the Palm Desktop and then HotSync. To read these vCard files into the Palm Desktop you can either drag and drop them onto the open address book, or you can create a file association to Palm Desktop for the vCard file format (as described in the readme file attached here).

The attached program (Geocaching To iQue) will currently convert two types of files as follows:

1) *.loc files in the XML format as downloaded from www.geocaching.com

2) *.txt files in a tab delimited format as created from the MapSource File->Export as tab delimited menu option

The program will convert either of these file formats into a vCard format and then try to import them into Palm address book automatically if you have created the file association. Either of these files can have multiple waypoints defined in them.

How to use the program
1) Download the attached file and unzip the program and the ReadMe.txt file.
2) Read the ReadMe.txt file thoroughly.
3) Download a waypoint file (*.loc) from www.geocaching.com or save out a *.txt file from MapSource.
4) Drag and drop the *.loc and/or *.txt file onto the Geocaching To iQue program (yes, you can even drop multiple files of different formats onto the program at the same time).
5) Next a window will open displaying all the waypoint data found in those files. Here you can select or deselect the checkboxes to fine tune which waypoints you want to import. Also, you can select on any waypoint data including lat/lon, elevation, name and description. After selecting on some data you will be allowed to modify it. These changes will be saved in the new vCard file and imported into Palm Desktop.
6) After you are happy with your changes, select OK.
7) Now you will be prompted to import the waypoints into Palm Desktop. If you have successfully created the file association between vCard format and Palm Desktop, then just select YES. Otherwise you could select NO and then open Palm Desktop and drag and drop the newly created vCard file (*.vcf) onto the address book.
8) Palm Desktop will ask you to select a category to read the data into. On my system I created one named "Waypoints" and always read into that category.
9) Now just HotSync and the waypoints will be on your iQue!

Suggestions/comments welcome.

Enjoy,
-Bill

NOTE: A newer version (1.4) of the program was attached here on 31-Dec-2003.

[nagyg]

Bill,
This is great - can it also work with Microsoft Outlook?

[OceanView]

> can it also work with Microsoft Outlook?

What do you mean by work with MS Outlook? Do you mean to import the waypoints into Outlook? If so, I don't see any problem with that as I believe Outlook also imports vCards (I know the address book for Outlook Express does).

If you have any problems importing into Outlook, let me know and I'll see if I can do a quick fix.

-Bill

[LarryP]

GREAT program!

Just what I have been looking for!

Thanks

[kokopeli123]

Oceanview,

My initial comment request is that when you import multiple waypoints can you make the program create multiple v-cards (one for each point) instead of just one v-card with all the coordinates on listed on it?

kokopeli123

[OceanView]

> ...when you import multiple waypoints can you make the program create multiple v-cards...

Sure, that was the way I wrote it originally. Then I thought it would be a pain to load each one individually since the end goal is to import them all (I would think). Basically the only purpose of the vCard "file" is to act as a staging area to write the converted data to before importing. When you import n number of waypoints they actually become n number of vCards, just stored in a single "staging" file before being imported as n individual waypoints.

Could you please help me understand how you would like to use it differently so I can try to help? (Are you looking for the program to create a separate "file" for every waypoint? If so, how would this help in usage?)

Thanks,
-Bill

[kokopeli123]

Bill,

If you're using MS Outlook (which is the medium the iQue uses to store the waypoint locations) , each waypoint (geocache) gets it own address book entry or v-card.

For example I test drove waypt2ique by downloading 58 geocaches from geocaching.com to a .loc file on my computer. When I dragged and dropped them to your VBScript Script File it created one v-card file with the lat-long location data for all 58 geocaches in one MS Outlook Contact Card. In order to create seperate geocache points, I had to go through and manually select each geocache individualy and create and save v-cards for them (58 times). If your program could patch process this creating individual v-cards in the processs the problem is solved.

kokopeli123

[mrkablooey]

Works great, now just need a Mac version. ;-)

CacheMate (http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate) allows you to do this one at a time, but not in a "bulk" fashion.

Nice job!

[OceanView]

OK, I get it now. It sounds like Outlook is not capable of creating multiple contacts from a single vCard file (with multiple vCards in it) as Palm Desktop is. I use Palm Desktop so I did not know this (sorry).

It would help me fix the problem if you think it would be possible to save one of your waypoint "contacts" out of Outlook as a vCard file and email it to me. Then I could see the format Outlook is expecting and fix my program accordingly.

Thanks,
-Bill

[kokopeli123]

Here's a file (your email isn't enabled)

kokopeki123

[nagyg]

Hi Bill,

I did the following:
1) I exported 8 Waypoints created in MapSource to test.txt
2) I draged it into Geochacing and converted it to test.vcf
3) I imported test.vcf into MSOutlook
4) I exported from MS Outlook to test_end.vcf

The synchronized address (there was only one of the 8 waypoints) did not show up as a waypoint on the IQue.

If you can make this work it would be great. Planning my trips first in MapSource and then exporting the waypoints to the iQue would be great ...

Thanks,
Gerhard

[OceanView]

Hi Gerhard,

The program does do a great job taking waypoints from MapSource and importing them into the iQue... through Palm Desktop that is. I am still trying to get this all to work with Outlook (which more people are using than I thought).

Since I don’t have Outlook installed at the moment, there is something you can do to help figure this out. If you (or anyone else with Outlook) could do the following:

1) Create a brand new waypoint “in the iQue” and call it Test Waypoint
2) Do an edit on the waypoint and fill in the following fields as described (on the iQue)
a. First Name = The First Name
b. Title = The Title
c. Company = The Company
d. Note = The Note<newline>Some text on the next line
3) HotSync with Outlook
4) In Outlook do the following:
a. File->Import and Export…
b. Export to a file [Next >]
c. Tab Separated Values (Windows) [Next >]
d. Contacts (I think under personal folders if that is where Palm stores this stuff???) [Next >]
e. Give it a new file name such as “testwpt.txt” [Next >]
f. [Finish]
5) Email the file you just created (testwpt.txt) to me (my email link under my profile should work now)

From what I have read, it appears that Outlook cannot read in multiple vCards in a single file. So I could create a separate file for each (messy) however, it also appears that Outlook cannot read in the custom field 4 (where the waypoint info is stored) from a vCard file. So I am thinking I can write all the waypoint data to a text file that can be imported into Outlook in one shot. If someone can provide the requested data above, I think I can get this into the program ASAP. If anyone has other ideas… I am open.

Thanks,
-Bill

[nagyg]

Hi Bill,
The e-mail link in your profile does not allow file uploads (i.e. I could not figure out how to do it), so I will put the file into the thread on PDA-Street. Exporting to a tab separated file first only yielded the name data. In order to get the location info, etc., exported as well I had to manually select the fields in Outlook's export tool. The result is in testwpt.txt.
Thanks,
Gerhard

[vectorman]

Bill, I'm an Outlook user, too and would like to see this functionality, too, if you can implement it. I'm happy to help if you need more volunteers!

Thanks for doing this great help for so many of of us!

[OceanView]

Thank you for your offer vectorman. Last night I implemented importing of *.gpx files as well. This will help the many EasyGPS users out there. They will be able to manage their waypoints in EasyGPS and do a save as GPX format to import them into the iQue through my program. I will make this available along with the Outlook fix later today (at least that is the plan).

-Bill

[rick417]

I also use Outlook. My inital testing with your program would not bring in the vcf file as multiple addresses. If your program could save the output as a txt file, I think Outlook users could then import the txt file and configure the import wizard to put the Custom 4 field where they want it. I currently store the Custom 4 field in the Office Location field in Outlook. I tested on the Mapsource txt and could select the fields I want brought over, but for me, the problem has been the conversion from the grid coordinate to hex. Thanks so much for your efforts.

[Jochen Kottgen]

Great Program!! But...
when using MapSource and exporting a Waypoint to a txt.file, it appears your program does not properly convert the Lon(d) value. E.g., txt.file says W121 58.548, your program converts to Lon(d) 012 Lon(m)58.548. Good thing is I manually can change the Lon(d) value before saving the vcf.file. Latitude conversion works fine. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for your effort to provide us with a free program to make up for some of the Ique's shortcomings.

[kokopeli123]

Originally posted by Jochen Kottgen
Great Program!! But...
when using MapSource and exporting a Waypoint to a txt.file, it appears your program does not properly convert the Lon(d) value. E.g., txt.file says W121 58.548, your program converts to Lon(d) 012 Lon(m)58.548. Good thing is I manually can change the Lon(d) value before saving the vcf.file. Latitude conversion works fine. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for your effort to provide us with a free program to make up for some of the Ique's shortcomings.

Jochen -

Good catch!

kokopeli123

[bearcreek]

Function Lon2Hex(lon)
Dim tmp
Lon2Hex = ""
If ( lon <> "" ) Then
' convert lon to hex
''hLon = Hex(GarminConst*(360-lon))
tmp = Int((GarminConst*(360-lon)) / 16^7)
Lon2Hex = Hex(tmp) & Hex((GarminConst*(360-lon)) - (tmp * (16^7)))
End If
End Function

Will work depending upon which "garmin hemisphere" you are in.

I think that if you get rid of the 360- in the equation it should work.

[OWG]

OV, Great app! That's it! Works perfectly for me and is way easier to import cache locations. Works exactly as you said it would! Thank you VERY much!

[petesl]

I appreciate the effort and discussion on this program. I have found that a lot of what people are seeking can here can be accomplished with the utility that comes with Cachemate. With that in mind, here is a method of using .Cachemate (http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/) to geocache.


I've been using the pay version of Cachemate ($7) and it painlessly imports gpx and loc files (with numerous caches in each one) to Ique by converting them into palm pdb files (which are installed by double clicking or dragging them to the palm install tool). This functionality is through an included utility.

The beauty of Cachemate is that it brings in all the info, hints, up to 10 past logs for imported caches. It will read your current location from Ique and list the caches according to their distance from you (which is displayed on the list) It talks to the Ique and creates waypoints for Caches in the Ique list on request.

Also, if you subscribe to premium level ($3 a month or less) on geocaching.com, you can have .gpx files sent to you nightly by e-mail, according to the criteria you specify. E.g., I get regular updates of the 100 closest caches to my house and all caches I have found. I convert them both to pdb, then load them in sequence to my palm (the "found" file overwrites the "nearest" file so found caches appear only once in Cachemate, in the found category). Likewise, when I'm headed out of town, I have geocaching.com send a gpx file of 100 closest caches to my destination, convert and import it to a special category I create in Cachemate.

So, the typical sequence on a cache, from import to find, is:

1) Have geocache.com send me a gpx file tailored to my needs.
2) Convert the file to .pdb format using Cachemate utility and import to Ique by double clicking on the file, then syncing.
3) Open Cachemate on the palm and accept the waypoints.
4) Sort the caches according to distance from me.
5) find a nearby cache that I want, and click "Map" in Cachemate to make a waypoint for the Ique
6) Navigate to a spot near the cache with Ique street navigation.
7) Adjust Ique preferences so Maps->Show Location is set to "At GPS location" and Route->Route preference is changed from from "Fastest time" or "shorter distance" "to "Off Road" (this step prevents the Ique from trying to keep the pointer on roads, and futilely trying to navigate on roads to a point in the middle of the woods, draws a straight line to the cache).
8) While walking to site, switch between the map screen (which diplays distance to waypoint) and the GPS screen (which displays coordinates for comparison with cache coords).
9) Find and log the cache

[rick417]

Cachemate sounds cool, and thanks to this thread I am going on my first geocache adventure today. I've got four points nearby and am going to try to get to at least one of them. Depending if I want to become a geocacher, this program sounds ideal.

The function of OceanView's program is a real benefit to MapSource users who want to get their waypoints they've stored in Mapsource to the iQue. Garmin should have done this when they released the Q...why would they think we wouldn't want those waypoints? I mean, I've got several that have no corresponding address to look up, such as good fishing holes, gates, places to park alongside the road... This keeps me from having to enter them in manually, maintain them in two seperate ways, etc. etc.

Oceanview should offer his final product to Garmin for a fee... :) But I imagine it's the challenge and not the money he's after. He has definitely made my week since getting the Q. Thanks again OV for your efforts.

[OceanView]

I would like to thank everyone for their constructive feedback. Since I do not geocache myself, I knew that I could not get this program right the first time out. But thanks to some great testing by people here (like rick417 and nagyg) I have been able to fix 99% of the issues. The program will now work with *.gpx input files and can export for Outlook users as well. I should be able to post the new version later today (after a little more testing).

There are of course other solutions out there. My goals in creating this program were the following:

1) Provide import of waypoint data from geocaching.com AND MapSource. I am not sure there is another solution that can do BOTH.
2) Provide a tool for both Palm Desktop AND Outlook users.
3) Provide easy to use drag and drop functionality.
4) Provide a FREE program (with source) to my fellow iQue owners. I have learned a lot about my new iQue from all of you. This was my way of saying thanks. I did not personally have a need for such a program, but reading here it seemed like many did. So I figured, what the heck, let me give it a shot.

As time permits, I am still willing to add new functionality, customize and fix bugs as people request (still for free of course).

-Bill

[mrkablooey]

any way to get a MAC version of this for OSX? Not sure how it would be done, but figured I'd ask. :) I can use my PC at work to import the waypoints--it's not something you'd do every day, but it's nice to be able to do it at home too.

Thanks.

[OceanView]

Since I don't have a make to write it on, probably not. Sorry...

[mrkablooey]

No problem at all, it's still very handy. And I have an old P-II 333Mhz upstairs I can use. I used it for CacheMate before someone put a GUI to the Unix shell of the GPX converter.

thanks :)

[Randy]

I used the program several times but now I started getting this error:

Invalid procedure call or argument.
code: 800A0005
Source: Microsoft VBScript Runtime error.

Any suggestions?

[OceanView]

Randy,

Did it work successfully at first and then start giving the error? Or did it give the error from the very first time you used it? Do you see any other messages from the program before the error occurs (like waypoint listings, asking to import files, etc.)? If it did work at first and then started giving the error, have you changed anything? Using different types of files for import? Maybe you could email me one of the files that give an error. Also, do you have Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher installed on your system?

-Bill

[rick417]

I didn't write it down, but I got a VBScript error when trying to process an export file using a different grid format other than lat/lon hddd mm.mmm' in Mapsource. Changing to this grid format in the Prefences, Position tab fixed the script error.

[OceanView]

As promised, attached is the latest version of the Geocaching To iQue program. In summary, this version…

- Adds support for Outlook users
- Provides import capability for *.gpx files (for EasyGPS users)
- Includes better documentation (in HTML format and text format)
- Fixes all known bugs and performs better error checking

-Bill


NOTE: A newer version (1.4) of the program was attached here on 31-Dec-2003.

[DeWat]

OceanView,

While you've publicly thanked others for giving you a hand, I'd like to publicly THANK YOU for your continued contributions to use Q'ers.

DeWat

[Randy]

Originally posted by OceanView
Randy,

Did it work successfully at first and then start giving the error? Or did it give the error from the very first time you used it? Do you see any other messages from the program before the error occurs (like waypoint listings, asking to import files, etc.)? If it did work at first and then started giving the error, have you changed anything? Using different types of files for import? Maybe you could email me one of the files that give an error. Also, do you have Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher installed on your system?

-Bill

I promise it worked before and I didn't change anything that I know of. I downloaded like 5 pages of Geocaches from geocache.com and transfered them to my palm, but your program stopped working when I tried to do anymore. It is the only error message I get. The program starts to run then stops. A vfile is creaded but is corrupt and will not import into palm desktop. I tried your new version of the progam also. Same error. I have IE Ver 6.0. This is the exact error I get:


Windows Script Host

Script: C:\Garmin\Downloads\Geocaching to Ique.vbs

Line: 136

Char: 4

Error: Invalid procedure call or argument

Code: 800A0005

Source: Microsoft VBScript runtime error



I have attached the file I am trying to import.

Thanks,
Randy

[OceanView]

Randy, I will look at the file and see if I can figure out what is going wrong.

-Bill

[OceanView]

Randy, I looked at the file and found the problem. If you open the geocaching.loc file that you sent to me with Notepad, you will see some corrupt characters in the name of the first waypoint. The line looks like this (4th line in file):

<name id="GC4FD3"><![CDATA[“The Parasite Spawn� – Spawn #1(Hosted) by Slayerette]]></name>

Note the weird characters before “The” and after “Spawn”. If I change it to the following, it works fine:

<name id="GC4FD3"><![CDATA[The Parasite Spawn #1(Hosted) by Slayerette]]></name>

I will try to add some code to check for valid characters before processing. In the mean time, you could always open the *.loc files in Notepad if they fail and check/remove weirdness if necessary.

Thanks,
-Bill

[rick417]

Ocean View,

Your latest version fixed my problem with Colorado waypoints. Thanks a lot. I'm getting my Mapsource waypoints into Outlook which syncs to the Q without a hiccup. Did I say thanks? Your generosity is only exceeded by your coding ability.

Rick

[Octoberfest]

ActiveX component can't create object: 'WScript.Shell' in line 42.

I'm trying, I tried to drag and drop my *.loc file created with EasyGSP, but recieved no response. When I double click on the "GeoCaching To iQue.vbs" icon, I get a windows runtime error message. The message reports an error in line 42 column 0 "ActiveX component can't create object: 'WScript.Shell'.
I'm running Windows 98 Second edition.
Any ideas or suggestions?

[OceanView]

Octoberfest, the program needs to have something dropped on its icon to work. As for *.loc files, the ones created from EasyGPS are not the same as those downloaded from geocaching.com. EasyGPS converts they into its own format. So you can use *.loc files only if downloaded from geocaching.com and not put in EasyGPS. If using EasyGPS, just save the out as *.gpx and drop the *.gpx file onto the GeoCaching To iQue icon and all should be good.

rick417, thanks for the kind words ;-)

-Bill

[bearcreek]

Originally posted by Randy
I promise it worked before and I didn't change anything that I know of. I downloaded like 5 pages of Geocaches from geocache.com and transfered them to my palm, but your program stopped working when I tried to do anymore. It is the only error message I get. The program starts to run then stops. A vfile is creaded but is corrupt and will not import into palm desktop. I tried your new version of the progam also. Same error. I have IE Ver 6.0. This is the exact error I get:


Windows Script Host

Script: C:\Garmin\Downloads\Geocaching to Ique.vbs

Line: 136

Char: 4

Error: Invalid procedure call or argument

Code: 800A0005

Source: Microsoft VBScript runtime error



I have attached the file I am trying to import.

Thanks,
Randy

I think the input file is too large. The program is set up to handle only 100 lines of data. However, the REDIM statement in the code can be increased . (I changed it to 1700 and successfully imported a file with over 1200 points)

Great little program. Thanks.

[OceanView]

Actually, the redim you speak of is just to initialize. If you look further down in the code you will see it redim an additional 100 each time it uses up what is already allocated. It should handle thousands of line just as it is (please let me know if I am wrong).

-Bill

[bearcreek]

I got the same error the first time I tried it with a large file - changed the REDIM statement and it's worked perfectly ever since.

[OceanView]

Hmmm, I have tried large files with no problems. Was this with the first version I posted or the most recent one? The first version did in fact on allow for 100 lines. The latest version (1.2) is the one where I added the additional redims to allow for unlimited lines.

Thanks,
-Bill

[Randy]

Originally posted by OceanView
Randy, I looked at the file and found the problem. If you open the geocaching.loc file that you sent to me with Notepad, you will see some corrupt characters in the name of the first waypoint. The line looks like this (4th line in file):

<name id="GC4FD3"><![CDATA[“The Parasite Spawn� – Spawn #1(Hosted) by Slayerette]]></name>

Note the weird characters before “The” and after “Spawn”. If I change it to the following, it works fine:

<name id="GC4FD3"><![CDATA[The Parasite Spawn #1(Hosted) by Slayerette]]></name>

I will try to add some code to check for valid characters before processing. In the mean time, you could always open the *.loc files in Notepad if they fail and check/remove weirdness if necessary.

Thanks,
-Bill


Man you must be a genious. I would have never figured out the illegal character thing. Will it ignore illegal characters in future versions. Cause I don't even know what are illegal characters.

Thanks,
Randy

P.S. I think I'm going to add you to my Christmas card list for this one.:)

[Ruud]

Hi OceanView

It is a really nice tool you made, but i'm living in The Netherlands and when i'm using your tools, my waypoint are located somewhere near New Zealand. I hope it is possible for people in Europe to use your tool as well. Is it possible to fix it or am I doing something wrong. I attached a file for example. In my iQue the location of the first point is S57.1.000 W165.15.000 in stead of N52 15.059 E6 09.555 i hope you can do something with that.

Greetings

Ruud

[OceanView]

Ruud, I will look into that and post a new version when I have it fixed.

Thanks,
-Bill

[CougerofEQ]

The iQue is my first GPS, so i have the opposite problem most have. I need to get my waypoints out of the iQue(or palm address book) and into mapsource so i can print maps with my waypoints on them. Any ideas how to do that?

[Aussie_Q]

Hi Oceanview,

Great tool! Since I'm south of the equator, when I import to Outlook the waypoints that I know are south of the equator end up north of the equator. It seems that the "S" and "N" (and indeed the "W" and "E") maybe being ignored. I have tried using a negative sign but that seems to do horrible things to the Garmin hex string - way too many FFFs.

Any help you give would be greatly appreciated.

Version 1.2 of the tool was used.

Cheers

Jeff

[OceanView]

Hi Jeff,

I hope to have a new version soon (a few days) that will fix this.

Thanks,
-Bill

[drenner99]

I believe I imported a .loc file from geocaching.com with 6 waypoints into Outlook successfully (?). No errors during processing or hot sync. Information in custom field 4 appears consistent with other waypoint information in address book.

The question is, how should I be able to access this waypoint information on the iQue? The new entries do not appear in "Waypoints", and there is no flag icon appearing in address listing as with other addresses where a location has been set.

If I attempt to view/set a location in the address view screen using any of the options, a dialog indicates "this record has information stored in the custom 4 field and it will be deleted if you set a new location.

Probably operator error on this end, but what should I be expecting to see assuming processing went as expected?

Thanks in advance,

Dennis

[rick417]

I ran into this when testing for OceanView. The problem I had was that my Mapsource location setting in the preferences screen was not set properly according to what the script was expecting. So when the script ran, it did convert the lat/lon information, only the Q did not recognize the generated value as a valid coordinate. So many of my waypoints did not have the flag in the address to indicate it had the location set. I don't have my information with me right now as to what the setting needs to be, but I believe OV put in the documentation in his latest version what the correct setting needs to be in Mapsource. I know I had mine originally set to the decimal lat/lon setting, and that didn't work. If I remember correctly, it needs to be the middle setting of the three lat/lon options. The setting on the Q does not matter, it is the value that Mapsource exports that caused this to happen to me.

Hope this helps.

Rick

[drenner99]

Thanks Rick,

I understand what you are saying, and I am assuming that I should see a "flagged" address entry and/or see imported entries in the "Waypoint" listing. (and I do not).

I am converting a .loc file downloaded from geocaching.com, and therefore I am not using MapSource at any point in the conversion process. I then import the resulting tab separated txt file into Outlook by following the instructions which creates a contact/address including information in custom field 4. Then syncing to iQue I can view the text info, but nothing else.

Below is a custom 4 field from a converted .loc file which should be located in Rockford Illinois, near Riverside Blvd and McFarland Rd:

GARMIN 1E176234 CB98F9A B00A1

Apparently, something's wrong, as the Que is not recognizing this as a valid string?. Have tried several times with the same negative result. Again, its probably something simple I am missing in all this.

Since its the weekend, I'll probably have to wait till Monday to give "customer service" a call. :)

Dennis

[rick417]

Oops, sorry...I remember you saying that now but then went off on a tangent :rolleyes: . The missing flags reminded me of what I saw at first and then I was off! Your problem may be similar with the conversion though. I'm sure OceanView can help you. Sorry again for giving you info you wasn't needing.

Rick

[OceanView]

Hi Dennis,

If you could email me the *.loc file I will try it out on my end and see if I can find the problem.

Thanks,
-Bill

[jacveld]

Import of Trackpoints into iQue possible ??

Bill,

I did see positive results on the import of waypoints into the iQue.
i can download a lot of track files, would it be also possible to import track files like the attached file ??

I would like to use these files for hiking with my iQue.

Thanks for your good news

Jacques

[OceanView]

Hi Jacques,

I will take a look at the file and let you know.

Thanks,
-Bill

[bearcreek]

It is definately possible to import a waypoint list. I managed to reformat a 1200 plus point list for the Colorado Trail and import it all into Mapsource then the IQue. Program worked perfectly once I got all the data in the correct fields. I was not able to import a comment, however - that would be nice.

[jacveld]

Originally posted by jacveld
Import of Trackpoints into iQue possible ??

Bill,

I did see positive results on the import of waypoints into the iQue.
i can download a lot of track files, would it be also possible to import track files like the attached file ??

I would like to use these files for hiking with my iQue.

Thanks for your good news

Jacques
:confused:
I forgot to ask whether it will be possible to activate such a track file in the iQue in the same manner as Mapsource is doing ??

When possible this would be the end :D

Jacques

[OceanView]

Hi Jacques,

I looked at the file and, while it would be possible for me to modify the program to read that file format, the results would be a REAL LOT of waypoints (214 to be exact in your sample file). I am not sure that is what you would want. If so, let me know. I would think that you would rather import those tracks “as tracks” into the iQue which I guess MapSource is supposed to do (soon???).

-Bill

[jacveld]

Originally posted by OceanView
Hi Jacques,

I looked at the file and, while it would be possible for me to modify the program to read that file format, the results would be a REAL LOT of waypoints (214 to be exact in your sample file). I am not sure that is what you would want. If so, let me know. I would think that you would rather import those tracks “as tracks” into the iQue which I guess MapSource is supposed to do (soon???).

-Bill
I agree.
Thanks anyway for your remarks and hopefully the new update will come soon (next to the firmware upgrade as well) !!

Kind regards,

Jacques

[OceanView]

Attached is the latest version (1.3) of the waypoint import program. This version differs from version 1.2 as follows:

- Can now handle lat & lon values of N, S, E & W (version 1.2 could only handle N & W)
- Parse out non-printable characters
- Fixed all known bugs
- Renamed program to the more suitable name “Waypoints To iQue” since this program will read in waypoint info from more than just the GeoCaching web site (such as MapSource)

Enjoy!
-Bill


NOTE: A newer version (1.4) of the program was attached here on 31-Dec-2003.

[drenner99]

Hi Bill,

Just want to let you know V1.3 works fine here with conversion of .loc files to tab delimited txt and import into Outlook 2000.

It will probably take me some time to fully realize the full potential of your program, but it has already gotten me interested in using the iQue in ways I would not have otherwise considered.

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and programming skills with the rest of us. We are certainly lucky to have you around.

Dennis

[apersson850]

Read about the 1.2 -> 1.3 upgrade. Since almost all my waypoints are E, not W, that explains why it didn't work for me from the beginning.
But yesterday, I downloaded 10 files from geocaching.com (the ten nearest my home, all with N&E coordinates).
The program eats them, but can't find any waypoints in there.
Then I uploaded all waypoints from my Vista to Mapsource, deleted everything which isn't a non-found geocache and exported the remaining waypoints to a text file.
When dropping that text file on this program, it spits it out with an error message.
Tried older *.loc files, but didn't work either.
Could you post a working text file, with a few geocaches in there, so that I have a chance to compare to my text file, and see what could be wrong with my file?
Is there a limit to how many waypoints the text file is allowed to hold?

[OceanView]

Hi Anders,

If you would email me (email address is in help file) those 2 different files that are not working, I should be able to get the program fixed very quickly. It is probably just something minor that I have not yet seen.

Thanks,
-Bill

[apersson850]

Four non-working sample files are sent two minutes ago.

[OceanView]

Anders,

This is strange. All 4 files you sent me work fine for me. You are using the latest version (1.3 with the new name) correct? Are you using Outlook or PalmDesktop? Does the window open showing any waypoints at all? What are the error messages, if any? Do any output files get created? If so, please send those to me as well.

Sorry for all the questions... just trying to narrow this down.

Thanks,
-Bill

[jelly]

OceanView:

I tried downloading 3 .loc files directly from www.geocaching.com. I get the following error when I drag the file to the icon. error: The object invoked has disconnected from its clients.
Code: 80010108

I am downloading and trying to use it with the program. I downloaded the latest version of your program, to no avail. Please help..

[kokopeli123]

When I moved the files to my iQue they did not have locations associated with them (no little flag symbol and nothing showing up on the map). User Field 4 has info in it in the MS Outlook Contact Cards data (here's an example: GARMIN 1BABDB24 B57DC4B8 B00A1)

kokopeli123

[OceanView]

If I manually type those values into custom 4 field on the palm, I get a location just off of Union Blvd. Do you have your palm custom 4 field mapped to something other than User Fields 4 in Outlook? I would guess that to be the problem. If you create a waypoint on the palm and then sync, is the GARMIN... string stored in the User Field 4 in Outlook, or something else?

[kokopeli123]

Originally posted by OceanView
If I manually type those values into custom 4 field on the palm, I get a location just off of Union Blvd. Do you have your palm custom 4 field mapped to something other than User Fields 4 in Outlook? I would guess that to be the problem. If you create a waypoint on the palm and then sync, is the GARMIN... string stored in the User Field 4 in Outlook, or something else?

OceanView,

Thanks. That fixed the problem (and unfortunately zapped every other loaction I had previously stored in the iQue). Nothing I can't fix with a restore.

The Intellisync that came bundled with the iQue had mapped the custom 4 field to a business address. Now that it's remapped it shouldn't be a problem when I reimport the waypoints.

kokopeli123

[apersson850]

Trying the text file on my Windows 2000 machine, it returns an error message window, stating:
Line: 791
Char: 3
Object doesn't support this property or method: 'busyIE.document.focus'
Code: 800A01B6

Trying the *.loc files on a desktop Win 98 machine here, it seems to work. Comes up with the waypoint selection messages.
The text file with a 'b' at the end crashes immediately.
The other one has been busy processing for a while. Did now show an error message, but is still processing. Maybe it will create files for me, with most of the points in, even if there is an occasional error? I cancelled the operation previously, when I saw that error, but that was perhaps somewhat trigger-happy?


I'm on a trip right now, but at home I have machines of different age, running Win 98 SE, Me and XP, so I have something to test with.

It just returned on this machine, having processed the first text file. 541 waypoints found. Now I'll see if that file is usable. Can't HotSync on this machine, though.

Selected them all. Now it's processing again. Old and slow machine, this one.
All right, it returned with a file. Now I'll transfer that one (the old diskette way) to the laptop, where I have Palm Desktop. I'll see if it works from there.

But as it seems, I do get some error message, but it doesn't interrupt the whole process, as I assumed from the beginning. The script still completes its task and generates a file.
Sorry if I mislead you from the beginning.

[apersson850]

OK, so now I've understood that it works on the Win 98 machine, albeit with some error message for some file (text file).
The Win 2000 machine has been chewing on the same file, that worked on the other PC, for two hours. Still "Processing", and I don't think it will ever complete that task.

I'm happy, I can use your very nice program, it's just a question about choosing the right platform for it.

[Ruud]

Hi OceanView

I tried v1.3 but i think i'm doing something wrong. When I make a waypoint with mapsource, with the coordinates N52 15.361 E6 09.311 and with lat/lon hddd°mm.mmm' and I export, it I get the attached *.txt file, I'm using PalmDesktop to get the point in my iQue but there the point is shown at S 51.59.000 E161.11.000

Can you help me?

Greetings
Ruud

[OceanView]

Hi Anders,

I am pleased to hear things are semi working at least.

That "b" file would not process here either. I remember you saying that you had manually edited that file. When I looked at it I did see that some lines had too many tabs. The program does expect a certain number of fields depending on the file type. If you manually edit, it is important to not change the number of fields (like by adding tabs or spaces to align columns is not a good idea).

Also, what version of Internet Explorer are you running on that Win 2000 machine? It almost sounds like it make be older than 5.5 (which this program needs at least that version to run).

-Bill

[wa4phy]

Thanks for the software. Sure beats entering 155 waypoints by hand! Worked first time without any hitches. Just need to edit some of the points from Easygps so I know what they are!

Sam

[OceanView]

Hi Ruud,

The file you attached is the one created from MapSource. Could you also send me the one created by the waypoint to iQue program (it would be named *.vcf)?

Thanks,
-Bill

[Ruud]

Hi Bill,

Here is the file you're asking for.

Greetings
Ruud

[OceanView]

Hi Ruud,

This is strange. When I drop the file you created in MapSource onto the waypoint to iQue program, I get a valid address book entry with the correct coordinates (see attached, and you can double click on it to get it into palm desktop). You are sure that you are using the latest version?

Thanks,
-Bill

[II00I00I]

Oceanview,

I have the same problem as Ruud. I traced it down to 'ParseFloat'. It uses the implicit conversion to a float. But this conversion is dependant on the decimal separator set up in the international settings of windows, a ',' or a '.'. And the minutes part of a coordinate is always with a '.'. In the case where the ',' is the dec sep, the '.' is the thousand sep, so hence the error in calculation...
Can you create a fix and release it please?

[OceanView]

OK, I will take a look and try to get a fix out soon.

Thanks,
-Bill

[gumihh]

Originally posted by II00I00I
Oceanview,

I have the same problem as Ruud. I traced it down to 'ParseFloat'. It uses the implicit conversion to a float. But this conversion is dependant on the decimal separator set up in the international settings of windows, a ',' or a '.'. And the minutes part of a coordinate is always with a '.'. In the case where the ',' is the dec sep, the '.' is the thousand sep, so hence the error in calculation...
Can you create a fix and release it please?
THX for the Information.

After changing regional setting to "English (USA)" I could import all my 186 waypoints. :)

Is there a max limit of waypoints ? If I try to import 728 Geocaching waypoints from Mapsource 5.3 the import tool will freeze - task manager -> Explorer and Wscript no respond

THX for the great tool
Michael

[bearcreek]

I imported a database of over 1200 points but not on the first try. If you have any errors in the input file it freezes - I had a problem with an extra comma somewhere that I missed when formatting a data file to work. Once I got everything cleaned up it worked perfectly (did take several minutes)

[apersson850]

Bill, my laptop runs Explorer 5.0, so that explained why it didn't work there.
I'm running out of harddisk on that machine, so I'm reluctant to fiddling with updates. I can always use you program on my desktop.
When I formatted the 'xxxb' file, I tried to make it look consistent, with the same info in the same column. Could be that was a bad idea, then, since probably the irregular layout of the original file was due to some records passing a tab column, and thus the succeding records being shifted to the next tab position.

[ShadowAce]

I just have to share this info with Oceanview..

My children, ages 3 and 7, have become even more hooked on GeoCaching then I am. We have only had our GPS since August or so and found GeoCaching in October.

I was spending alot of time transfering waypoints in manually to the iQue.. Then you came along. I have learned _finally_ to seperate my waypoints by catagory then I can remove and re-add as we get new .loc and mobipocket files and blam.. we are ready for a new location of geocaching in a matter of minutes.

We have spent hours hiking and just admiring the scene's. I trully want to :D :D :D THANK YOU:D :D :D for helping me to make it alittle easier to get the kids outside and away from TV and playstations.

Yes, we would have continued to go without this or any other program, but this helps make it less stressful on daddy before the trips begin.

[OceanView]

ShadowAce,

Thank you for the feedback. It is great to hear people enjoying the use of this program.

I am a real gadget freak and I have to say, I think the iQue is one of the coolest gadgets I have purchased in a long time. I can't wait to see how it evolves over time.

-Bill

[TudorDoc]

Dear Bill

Will your program convert the database of UK speedcameras that is found at http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/uksafetycameras.php ? The download file gives 1800+ camera locations using standard North and West coordinates in a .csv file.

If your program can do this - great. IS there a way to have each location with a camera icon on the map? It would be easy then to see an approaching camera on the display.

Of course the ideal would be to have a proximity warning as one approached! If you look at the page of programs for the PPC, you'll see that there are programs that are designed to give pop-up warning when approaching a known speed camera. Many would pay good money for this on the iQue I bet

Thanks in anticipation

Boyd

[Atlrodeopup]

Hey there

Ok, so I downloaded the program. I then went to geocache.com and got a .loc. I dragged it over the icon and it created a vcf file. It didn't import to palm desktop, so I dragged it over.

When I did my sync, where should I find it? I checked addresses and waypoints, but can't find it.

Any thoughts?
Paul

[waterfall]

I am an avid Geocacher, just finished up my first event, The Oakland County Decathlon, it was a great success. Had over 40 or so from my area. I cant stress how good it is to have a program like this made for the iQue.

Ocean View many thanks and a pat on the back. Please drop me an email as I would like to say thanks.

I went to 7 caches on Sunday and it took me from point to point and then back home, what a GREAT thing.

mark@draytonwods.com

Thanks again OceanView.

User name (waterall)

[OceanView]

Paul,

When you dragged the *.loc file onto the "Waypoints To iQue" program, what happened next. Did a window open showing the information for each waypoint?

The waypoints should be in your address book. Also, the program should have reported how many waypoints were processed and then asked if you would like to import. If you have a chance, email me the *.vcf it created (my email address is in the documentation).

Thanks,
-Bill

[OceanView]

Boyd,

The "Waypoints To iQue" program does not convert that type of file at this time. However, I did download the file and reformatted it so that it would work the "Waypoints To iQue" program.

Attached is a zip file containing a *.txt file that is in the proper format to drag onto "Waypoints To iQue". Be patient though. This is a huge file and takes a long time to process. I believe there is close to 3000 waypoints!

Also included in the attached zip is the already converted file in the *.vcf format. If you want ALL the waypoints you can simply drop this file on the Palm Desktop address book. However, if you want to select which waypoints to import (or if you use Outlook) then you will have to process the *.txt file yourself. Either way, you should be good to go.

Have fun,
-Bill

[TudorDoc]

Bill

Thanks very much. I'll load it up and see how I get on. How will the points appear on the map? CAn I make them all have a camera icon?

All I need now is for you to dash off a program that will warn me when I am approaching a speedcamera and I'll be fully sorted. Together these two would be a commercial success!

Thanks for your work

Boyd

[OceanView]

Boyd,

Actually, it will put in a camera icon by default so I believe you will be all set.

As for the warning system, I am pretty sure I already heard of someone working on that (through a thread here).

-Bill

[Atlrodeopup]

Hey Bill

Thanks.. Ok here is what I did:

I dragged the .loc file over to the icon. I got a popup saying one Waypoint file. It was selected so I clicked OK

A popup appeared stating that the waypoint had been processed and a vcf was created.

Next I was asked if I wanted to import. I said YES

A msg came up that palm desktop is not the default handler for vcard/vcal types, do you wish it to be? I said YES

I then saw the waypoint on my palm desk top when i clicked on addresses.

I did a hot sync.. Thats IT... so where should I see the geocache now and how to access via the garmin mapping to route to it?

Thanks
Paul

[OceanView]

Hi Paul,

You should see the waypoint in the address book on the iQue. Once you have located the entry in address book you can select the flag in the right column to see the waypoint on the map. You could also select the find icon (magnifying glass at bottom) and then select "Waypoints". Your new waypoint should show up there (and you can route to it from there as well).

-Bill

[Atlrodeopup]

Bill,

I dont see it there. What am I doing wrong?

Paul

[OceanView]

Paul,

If you see it in your Palm Desktop, then after a Hotsync it should be on the iQue. If you add a regular address in the Palm Desktop does that sync over to the iQue?

-Bill

[Atlrodeopup]

Bill,

That works just fine. I added a dummy user.

Now what

Paul

[Atlrodeopup]

Bill,

Ok here is what happened:

I created a dummy name, sync'ed and it was there - both on my pc palm desktop AND in my ique.

So then I downloaded another .loc file. Pased it over your icon, which converted it to a vcf file - ok thats good.

I then did an import to grab it from that directory and put in on my pc desktop.

I did a hotsync, and it did NOT show up when I did a find, then waypoints.

Am I doing something wrong?
Paul

[TudorDoc]

Bill

I have downloaded and installed the camera site into my address book. All is well as the cameras that were missing on a previous posting are shown now.

Can you give me an idiots guide to how you did this including the camera icon. In that way I will not need your help to convert the database when it is updated.

Although I have suggested to someone else that a proximity warning is needed to go with this - no progress has been made. Have you looked at the type of program that is on the site that had the camera database? I am sure people would pay good money to you or your favourite charity for this facility (shades of datebook+ and gorillas!)

Thanks

Boyd
N51*37.483 W000*7.634

[waterfall]

Just posted your link for your program: This Thread. It is a Kick Butt program and like I said before THANKS>....

Mark.

[Atlrodeopup]

Ocean,

You there? Did you see my last reply.. any thoughts?

Paul

[OceanView]

Paul,

You mention that creating a new address book entry in Palm Desktop and then syncing puts it in the address book on the iQue. So, if you can see the waypoint in the Palm Desktop address book (you mentioned a few posts ago that this is the case) then it must be in the iQue after a hotsync also. Can you see it in the iQue address book?

As for the Find Waypoints function, if that is set to near current location, it may not find it. Try other options (like by name or near other). But as mentioned above, first make sure it is in the iQue address book.

-Bill

[Atlrodeopup]

Thanks Bill,

Let me try that out (i'm at work now and don't have my cable with me).

Paul

[Atlrodeopup]

Bill

I tried another one.

I downloaded a .loc file, ran it over your icon, created a vcf file.

I then did an import within palm desktop and saw it there. I did a hot sync, but It was NOT on my ique.

I have NO clue what I am doing wrong... any thoughts...

After it makes the vcf file it asks if I want to import now. I say yes, but it still doesn't show up on my palm desktop - NOT until I manually import it. Does that mean anything.

Paul

[ShadowAce]

OceanView, any help on what might cause this?

I got a .loc file from goecaching.com and when I run it over the script I get:
Windows Script Host
Line: 276
Char 4
Error: Subscript out of range: 'wcnt'
Code: 800A0009
Source: Microsoft VBScript runtime error.

Any advice?

LOC files worked fine in the past. I am waiting for geocache to send me another .loc file in email to see if this is just curropt.

[OceanView]

Hi ShadowAce,

Could you email me the *.loc file so I can check it out? My email address is in the help document.

Thanks,
-Bill

[ShadowAce]

It is enroute .. Thanks..

[OceanView]

ShadowAce,

I was able to track down the bug and fix it. I just email you a new version of the program. Once I have a few more changes then I will post a newer version here (if anyone else runs into the same problem, I can post a fix sooner).

Thanks,
-Bill

[Randy]

Does the latest version of this look for illegal characters?

[apersson850]

It seemed some version did. The only problem was that it considered European characters as being illegal, like å, ä and ö. Maybe that's fixed now? Haven't used it for a while.

Recently, I've used Garmin's add-in, for Palm Desktop, to open waypoints stored in *.mps files (created by MapSource)

[OceanView]

Yes, I believe the latest posted version does strip out illegal characters. However, as Randy states, some European characters get stripped out also. They seem to cause the program to fail if run on an English only system.

-Bill

[OceanView]

...However, as Randy states...

Sorry, I meant as Anders states...

[Zonti]

When I use this program --> see the error (gif)

Please help

Gerhard

[apollo 8]

Originally posted by OceanView
ShadowAce,

I was able to track down the bug and fix it. I just email you a new version of the program. Once I have a few more changes then I will post a newer version here (if anyone else runs into the same problem, I can post a fix sooner).

Thanks,
-Bill

Oceanview, Have you had a chance to put out an updated version to correct this problem reported by Shadowace because I am getting the same error as he did. Any help would be appreciated because your program sounds great.

[OceanView]

I know I fixed that problem a while back... I may not have uploaded it though. Will check tonight.

-Bill

[OceanView]

Apollo 8,

Here is the latest version that fixes the problem you mentioned. This version also added support for PC Planner NT (C-Map) for anyone that might use that.

Enjoy,
-Bill

[apollo 8]

Thanks Oceanview!!! If this were ebay you would get an A+++++ rating.

[OceanView]

Your welcome! I hope all goes well.

-Bill

[ArtT]

I have used the excellent new version of waypoint2IQUE, tks Oceanview :)

I am just a beginner with 48 hours experience of the IQUE and have a few questions....

I finished a route in MS 5.4 and exported it to Palm Desktop. I now have the w'points in the address book of the IQ. There are dozens of w'points :(

The routed is mainly motorway for 200 miles.

My questions ...

Is there a way to reduce the number of waypoints as it is very tiring to add them manually to a new route in the IQUE ?

If I only add a few will the IQUE get lost :eek:

Am I doing this all wrong and missed an easy way to turn them into a route?

BTW just completed my first ever trip today with Betty and I wonder why I never had a navigation device before, it's great :D

Except for Betty telling me to turn left up a no entry road, which was just rebuilt and re-arranged ( and I am using Ver 6 CS ). I have to train myself not to trust her but look as well LOL

[OceanView]

Hi ArtT,

Currently Garmin does not have a tool for importing routes (although I assume they are working on one). Until then, we can only bring in waypoints. However, I don't think there is a need to bring all the waypoints over to the iQue. I usually go into MapSource and create "destination" waypoints only. I may ask MapSource to create a route to a destination waypoint just to see what path it will take. But there is no need to copy over all those waypoints when the iQue is more than capable of creating that route by just giving it a destination waypoint.

So to recap, I usually go into MapSource and create some waypoints of destinations I plan to visit. Next I export those and either use the waypoint converter I wrote or the one Garmin has now made available to us followed by a hotsync. And finally when I am ready to visit one of those destinations I will ask the iQue to take me there from my current location.

Hope this answers your questions.

-Bill

[ArtT]

I can do that process easily, but I really wanted to add some waypoints en route as the IQ chose part of the route that I want to avoid due to traffic congestion.

It will be good if Garmin can create an easier way to import a route.

For now I have added a few waypoints manually after importing the main ones from MS 5.4

Thanks for help, and your program works very smoothly.

[Atlrodeopup]

OceanView...

I used your program when it first came out, and it worked fine..

So once again thanks for taking the time to do this.

My schedule did not allow me to do any geocaching for a while. I am trying to get back into it.

I have been surfing around here and on geocaching.com.

There seems to be some neat apps out there: gsak, easygps, and cachemate to name a few

I have cachemate installed on my ique. I grabbed some .loc files last night (not a premium member yet). Your tool converted them to waypoints without flaw.

But cachemate doesn't see the new ones. It somehow sees the old ones. Why is this? Do I need to convert them with cmconvert? or something else I need to do.

Thanks..
Paul

[OceanView]

Hi Paul,

My program will convert the .loc files to a format that can be read by PalmDesktop (or Outlook). Cachemate will not read in the new files created by my program but should read the original .log files in with no problems. Why are you trying to read the newly created files into cachemate? Please let me know if there is something I can do to help.

Thanks,
-Bill

[JMckie]

Originally posted by Atlrodeopup

I have cachemate installed on my ique. I grabbed some .loc files last night (not a premium member yet). Your tool converted them to waypoints without flaw.

But cachemate doesn't see the new ones. It somehow sees the old ones. Why is this? Do I need to convert them with cmconvert? or something else I need to do.

Thanks..
Paul

Paul, I was trying to do the same thing with "loc" files a week ago. The following thread might help address your problem.

http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39635&perpage=15&highlight=geocaching&pagenumber=1

[Novicest]

Originally posted by CougerofEQ
The iQue is my first GPS, so i have the opposite problem most have. I need to get my waypoints out of the iQue(or palm address book) and into mapsource so i can print maps with my waypoints on them. Any ideas how to do that?

Hi everybody...

As you all can see, my name is Novicest, meaning I am the most beginner in GPS world...

I would like to thank and highly appreciate what OceanView has made for all of us.

But, it seems nobody pays attention to CougerofEQ's posting I quote above.
Coz, I am experiencing the same problem, and get frustrated for not able to edit my waypoint in order to make my own gps map.

Since I am not a program writer, could somebody help ??
THX.

[OceanView]

Novicest,

I think someone has recently created a tool to go the other way as you request (bring waypoints from Ique to Mapsource). Do a search here as I believe this is where I saw it. Maybe someone else can post if they remember more details.

-Bill

[rick417]

What I think would work, but I do not have the knowledge to do this, is a script or program that would process a CSV file with the "Custom 4" field value from Outlook (I don't know if Palm Desktop has the ability to export CSV files), and then create either a gpx or loc file that a program like GarTrax can understand, or an mps file that Mapsource can import. The problem is reverse-engineering (?) the proprietary hex values that the iQue uses for its Custom 4 field. It's possible to convert the lat/long value from Mapsource into this hex value, but is it possible to reverse that and convert the hex value into a lat/long?

If a CSV could be created, Outlook can export such things as the Name and whatver the IQue's "Custom 4" field is mapped to. Anyone else think such a script is possible?

[OceanView]

> Anyone else think such a script is possible?

Yes, definitely. I think it is as simple as doing the math in reverse. Unfortunately I don't have much free time at the moment or I would give it a whirl. I do recall reading that someone else did something like this though.

[JMckie]

Convert the hex number to a decimal
Multiply by (180.0 / 2147483648.0 ) to get the value in degrees.

[Novicest]

Originally posted by OceanView
> Unfortunately I don't have much free time at the moment I'm just waiting then...:(

[JMckie]

Originally posted by Novicest
Hi everybody...

As you all can see, my name is Novicest, meaning I am the most beginner in GPS world...

I would like to thank and highly appreciate what OceanView has made for all of us.

But, it seems nobody pays attention to CougerofEQ's posting I quote above.
Coz, I am experiencing the same problem, and get frustrated for not able to edit my waypoint in order to make my own gps map.

Since I am not a program writer, could somebody help ??
THX.

I'm going to have a solution (import iQue waypoints to PC Mapsource) in a day or two. PM me if you'd like me to send you a copy of the program.

[JMckie]

One solution is described here:

http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=196655#post196655

[Novicest]

Yeah..... finally I am out of the hole
Now I can see a bright blue sky
a nice and straight road ahead.... :D

I would like to thank again again and again
especially to JMckie for helping me out of the hole...

Your advice and recommendation works for me, despite it takes a while to convert all waypoints to wpt (OziExplorer) to be edited.

The HIGHEST point is that your Birdwatch can receive all waypoints directly from iQue3600 Address book... Great Job !!

Anyway, I am still waiting your next powerfull program to convert waypoints directly to MapSource or other formats without either makeov2 nor gartrax... ;)

May God bless you...

[manjucv]

Hi guys,
Does any one can send me sample code how to access PalmDesktop Address book using C#....