How to use GPS devices with Google Earth
It is possible to connect your machine and import track data into the Google Earth. These features are easily available to Google Earth pro users as well as Google Earth plus users. However they are unavailable in free version. Currently Google Earth supports most of the GPS devices manufactured by Magellan and Garmin. GPSV Babel site has names of devices that are officially supported by Google Earth GPS import device. If you try other devices, they may not work properly. If you want to use a device that is currently not supported then you should try and import GPS data from device to your machine as a .loc or .gpx file and then open it in Google Earth.
Required connectors: You require either a USB or serial cable to connect GPS devices to your machine. Your device is sold in the market with 1 type of cable. If the GPS device does not have a cable, then you should visit manufacturer's site for buying the right one for the model.
About GPS Points: When you import your GPS data into the Google Earth, it is classified into 3 possible folders that depend on the type of point. The folders are:
Tracks: Track points or tracks are the devices that are automatically recorded periodically by GPS device along the route. These points can be easily imported into Google Earth as paths.
Waypoints: These are the points that are manually entered by users and marked typically with a proper name such as “turnaround point” or home”.Routes: Route points are the points that are used by GPS device to create routing. You can use them when you are instructing a device to move to a recorded point from a different recorded point. Route points can also include multiple connected “go to” instructions. You can import these points into Google Earth as paths.
Import GPS Data: If a .GPX file is contained in your machine, it is possible to import the file by dragging and then dropping it into Google Earth. Importing data from GPS to the Google Earth application is very simple.
1] When using a Windows computer and a Garmin USB device, you need to install Garmin USB driver that comes along with GPS device or you can download the driver from Garmin website.
2] Connect the GPS device to your machine running Google Earth. A USB cable or a serial cable whichever you want should be used, depending on which one came along with the device.
3] Turn on your GPS device. Once you on the device and activate it, you don't have to wait until it gets connected to the satellites.
4] Select GPS from tools menu. The GPS window will appear
5] Choose the right type of manufacturer for your device.
6] Under import, choose types of data that you intend to import.
7] Under options, select your drawing preferences. An icon is displayed in 3D viewer for each route/ track points that is recorded by the GPS device if you check the draw icons at track.
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