I have saved GPS waypoint files in a variety of file formats. A number of inexpensive or public domain programs are available for the PC or the Mac to exchange information between a GPS and your computer. Most of these programs will allow you to upload the GPS waypoints (coordinates) that I have collected into your GPS. In addition, most allow you to plot GPS points (either these points, or ones that you collect with your own GPS unit) on topographical maps.
First of all what is a GPS? GPS stands for Global Positioning System. These small, hand-held devices have antennas to pick up signals from up to 12 satellites in orbit around the earth. By recording the precise time delay between the arrivals of the signals from the satellites, the GPS can calculate the latitude, longitude, and elevation of the receiver. The accuracy of inexpensive GPS units can be as good as plus or minus 20 feet. Click here to learn more about the basics of GPS.
I have two GPS units, both manufactured by Garmin.
(I bought the $120 Garmin Etrex in April, 2001. I had so much fun with it that I soon wanted
more features. About three months later, I bought the $350 Etrex Vista model.)
I only have experience with Garmin units, and they are very popular. Most
GPS software programs will communicate with Garmin devices. I am sure that other
very good brands are out there. I just am not familiar with them.
The latitude / longitude coordinates in these files are all the same. However, they differ in file format according to specifications of the various software programs. The numbers in the file can also be different depending upon whether the file format calls for a latitude/longitude to be stored as 35° 14.257' (dd° mm.mmm') or 35.23762° (dd.ddddd°).
(Warning, the following is nerd-speak. If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here to learn more.) Another difference is the "datum" upon which the latitude/longitude coordinates are referenced. The most common datum is the WGS84; the only other practical alternative is the NAD27-CONUS datum. I try to denote the datum used/required for each file format offered below. Finally, an alternative to the latitude/longitude coordinate system is the UTM system. Only one of the data files below is available as UTM. If you need UTM data in some other format, you can probably start with that file and convert it to another format using Excel.
Most GPS software reads data in columnar format. If you like a program that I have not included, you can probably convert the data in one of these files (for example, using Microsoft Excel) to create other formats.
Click here to display all 300 waypoints in your web browser. You should be able to cut and paste the column data to other programs if desired. This list of waypoints gives the most detailed "human-readable" description of each waypoint's location. (WGS84; dd° mm.mmm')
G7towin is a very nice, freeware program for communicating with your GPS. Download my GPS data in G7towin format by clicking here. (WGS84; dd° mm.mmm')
OziExplorer data file can be downloaded by clicking here. (You will need to change the file extesion from .txt to .wpt to make the file readable by OziExplorer.) (WGS84; dd.ddddd°)
Delorme TopoUSA lat/long data file can be downloaded by clicking here. (WGS84; dd.ddddd°) You can also download a TopoUSA UTM data file by clicking here. (UTM data)
Igage AllTopo lat/long data file can be downloaded by clicking here. (NAD27-CONUS; dd.ddddd°)
MacGPS Pro is the only program that I am aware of for transferring files between the Mac and a GPS. It is available at a modest cost (about $30). You may also need to order a special cable to interface your GPS to the Mac. Download my GPS data in MacGPS Pro format by clicking here. (WGS84; dd.ddddd°)
If you need the data in some other format, you should be able to create your own data files using Microsoft's Excel program. Click here to download a lat/long data file in native Excel format (WGS84; dd.ddddd°). To get a file of comma-separated values in Excel format, click here (WGS84; dd.ddddd°). Finally, for the same data in tab-separated columns, saved as a simple .txt file, click here (WGS84; dd.ddddd°).