Freqently Asked Questions - Garmin

TrailPlan Interactive Software

What operating systems do your products run on?

Currently all of our products run on Windows Vista and Windows XP. Service Pack 2 is required with all Windows XP operating systems. Macintosh users can run TrailPlan only in the Windows environment through the use of Boot Camp. Windows emulation software is not certified for use with TrailPlan applications.

What is the minimum configuration for your software to run?

  • Windows XP Home or Pro with Service Pack 2
  • Pentium 3, 1 gHz or recent Athlon Processor
  • CD/DVD-ROM Drive
  • 256 MB Ram - 512 MB recommended
  • Open GL Video Card with 32 MB Ram
  • 1024x768 XGA video resolution
  • Internet connection needed for authorization and updates

Can your software be downloaded to GPS handheld devices?

TrailPlan interactive software currently supports all Garmin GPS devices that allow the transfer of waypoints and routes. We offer support for Magellan GPS products through our TrailPlan maps located here. The list of Garmin GPS's supported are listed here. This list will constantly change and be updated.

How do you use the Route tool most effectively?

Depending on the trail system, routing can be a tricky thing. You should zoom in close enough to make sure you select the right trail. Sometimes, there are two trails right next to each other and it can be tough to distinguish that when you are zoomed out. Also, click on each intersection along your route in order to keep the computer from having to process hundreds of other options of a network system. Be sure to use a naming convention for the route prior to downloading to the GPS in order to utilize the GPS unit's ability to store multiple routes.

The routing system is one of the most complex things about mapping software and it is always being improved and updated. If you find errors where a trail doesn't route and it appears it should, please report it to us so we may correct it. Sometimes the trail simply doesn't connect from point to point. Zoom in and check to see.

How do I view the downloaded trails on my Garmin GPS?

The downloaded routes are accessed on the GPS unit by selecting Menu/ Routes/ and than your individual named route. You are than offered the choice to view the route as a trail on the unit by selecting MAP, or receiving point by point navigation by selecting NAVIGATE.

Why can't I download the whole state trail system to my Garmin GPS like I can with my TrailPlan for Magellan?

Much as there are differences in computer operating systems, so is the case with GPS units. Each GPS manufacturer has developed their operating systems independently to maintain control over security and functionality of the units. Therefore the units allow for the exchange of mapping data and information differently and a methodology that works efficiently for Brand X does not work as well with Brand Y. In the case of the Garmin, our routes and businesses work best when downloaded as point data. The upside is that the Garmin unit can now direct you along a route by point to point navigation. The downside is that we are limited to the amount of points that can be included in any one route. That is why we allowed for the ability to name each route as you wish. Many of the modern Garmin units support up to 50 routes of 500 points each. This allows you to create "Trip Legs" that add up to several hundred miles of route navigation or alternate routes to be stored on your GPS at any given time. In the case of our TrailPlan Magellan maps, we were offered the ability by Magellan to create detailed maps that interact directly with the GPS unit. This allows us a better utilization of the Magellan GPS display for use as a virtual map. With expandable memory SD cards, we can than offer entire state trail systems as a single loaded map.

Garmin GPS units supported by TrailPlan Interactive Software

We have tested a number of units from Garmin that we know work with TrailPlan software. Any Garmin unit both current or discontinued that supports the transfer of routes and waypoints should work with our software. Because Garmin continues to release new products regularly, we cannot guarantee that protocols will remain the same. Device Drivers are supported directly by Garmin and may need to be updated from time to time.

  • GPS III
  • GPS III Plus
  • GPS V
  • eTrex Vista C
  • GPS 50
  • GPSMAP 60C
  • GPSMAP 60CS
  • GPSMAP 76C
  • GPSMAP 76CS
  • eTrex®
  • eTrex Camo®
  • eTrex Summit®
  • eTrex Venture
  • GPS 60
  • GPS 72
  • GPS 76
  • Geko 201
  • Geko 301
  • Foretrexâ„¢ 101
  • Foretrex 201
  • GPSMAP® 60
  • GPSMAP 60Cx
  • GPSMAP 60CSx
  • GPSMAP 276C
  • GPSMAP 76
  • GPSMAP 76S
  • GPSMAP 76Cx
  • GPSMAP 76CSx
  • eTrex Legend®
  • eTrex Legend Cx
  • eTrex Vista®
  • eTrex Vista Cx
  • eTrex Venture Cx
  • Rino® 110
  • Rino 120
  • Rino 130
  • Rino 520
  • Rino 530
  • Forerunner® 101
  • Forerunner 201
  • Forerunner 301
  • Forerunner 205
  • Forerunner 305
  • Edge™ 205
  • Edge 305