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Scary GPS tracking!

Well there I was at my computer, just messing about really with the latest version of Google Earth, which I have to say is very impressive and much improved over earlier versions. Anyway, whilst checking out the buttons (which I just have to press), I noticed there was a GPS option in ‘Tools’ on the menu bar. So out came my Garmin and I hooked it up to see what would happen? Firstly you can import your favourite locations etc (not that exciting), but then I noticed a GPS Historical ‘Import’ option – well I had to check that out and I was amazed at what it gave me! A complete record of trips, right down to showing me the route, with dates & times, direction, speed of travel and exact Latitude & Longitude coordinates.

Check this out (only works with Garmin and Magellan GPS devices I believe), I have a Nüvi 205T but I think it should work with most Garmin GPS. It has been available for some time now in the Pro version of Google Earth ($400.00), but now seems to work in the latest free version (Version 5.0). The Google Earth website even tells you it's still only available in the Pro version!

Hook up your Garmin to your PC using a USB cable, then navigate to Tools > GPS
Below shows what options you get in the pop-up window
Next select all the options then click ‘Import’

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Your ‘Places’ menu will now have info about your trips, imported from your Garmin GPS device called ‘Active Logs’

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Double click an ‘Active Log’ and you get an overview of the route

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Zoom in and you get the actual route travelled, complete with Waypoints and direction of travel icons!

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Click a direction icon to receive fuller Waypoint information

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Finally, clicking the ‘Active Log’ items also gives you an overview of the journey, with Start/Stop times, distance and speeds travelled.

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Now guys & gals, you have been warned as those little things will show when and where you have been, so somebody else could have an idea what you have been up to! You’re very own 'Big Brother' sitting there in the car.

GG

PS. When you have a route in there, check out the 'fly' option (Tools > Enter Flight Simulator), you can they fly over your route – brilliant and considering it’s free, it’s rather cool.

I'll have to try that with my Garmin!

Cool post Tim, but I couldn't help notice that you cut that roundabout a bit on the way back, were you in a rush or being chased ?

I was in a rush to get home as the Take-Away was getting cold and that 9th pint made me want the loo  ;D

So your new Ford is an off road-er then Tim ?

Just tried the above with my Garmin NUVI300 but it does not seem to give me the options of looking at my tracks, it has imported the favourite waypoints but there are no active logs.
Any ideas?