Plotting Gps marks

[wazza66]

I am trying to plot my gps co-ordinates onto the Gold Coast Offshore fishing map?Can anybody give me a few tips.The minutes gets me stuck.

I understand enough to get me confused.

Wazza

[jim_farrell]

wazza, i photocopied and enlarged it so that the lat and long lines were in perspective to a metric ruler. I then marked the lines at 1 min / 10mm increments. Then I plotted from there. I am sure it isn't perfect, but it is enough so as I can look at the map and see where other marks are relitive to my current position.
I have four laminated a4 charts now, 2 are coast to 36s and 2 are 36s and wider. Each being north and south. I find them a lot easier to handle at this size.
Hope that helps
Jim

[littlejim]

wazza,

if the map is a paper map it looks like you want to convert decimal minutes into Minutes and Seconds to plot them on the paper. 1 degree=60 Minutes 1Minute=60 Seconds

I've just had a look at one of the JB Marine Park marks on my GPS map it is 35D 11.14M on the Gps.
To plot this on my chart I had to get out the calculator and multiply the '.14' Minutes by 60 to convert it to Seconds. So the spot I plot on my chart is 35D 11M and 8.4 Seconds.

hope this is the sort of answer you were after.

What you are doing is a real pain if there are a lot of points to plot like the Jervis Bay Marine Park. I made up a couple of plastic rulers with parallel hinges to try and make it easier.
But you only have to do it once.
The last time I went out the power lead for the GPS was missing and the GPS batteries were only half full, so I was glad I had everything plotted on the paper chart as a back up.

[jim_farrell]

wazza, I enlarged by 152%. Does this help or as littlejim said are you trying to convert????

[Feral]

Be aware your GPS datum is probably dsifferent from your paper map datum, can make a difference of a couple of hundred metres worst case scenario.

[wazza66]

Still a little confused about plotting the last 3 numbers on the map.
However the other info posted does help.

[Willdoe]

Wazza
I've found when trying to get my head around new things if I keep working on it, talk to people and read up on the subject, over time little things start to gel until I get the picture.
Willdoe

[jim_farrell]

Wazza, the last three numbers I am presuming are decimal minutes. Therefor they run from .001 too .999. If you can convert your scale to 10mm = 1min then .100 min = 1 mm.
This is by no means accurate to the metre. But if it is just a secondary guide to your gps it will give you an idea of position.
If you are using the fishing chart to navigate and not using a gps you would be better off with a proper chart.
Again mate hope this helps.
Jim

[Noelm]

do yourself a favour, enrole in a Coastal Navigation course at your local TAFE, only 1 night a week for a couple of months, and all will be revealed, as well as some REALLY confusing compass deviation, correction and true stuff and may help you later in your boating life.

[gogecko]

Why dont you just use google earth? You can input your points in degrees, minutes,seconds format, and then they show up on the screen as a chart. Just print them out on an A4 sheet and put it in a plastic sleeve.

It gives you plenty of chances to muck it up, and then redo it all.

Just run a search on google earth and follow the links to download it to your computer. Its awesome.

Andrew

[wazza66]

Hi Andrew
Is that feature on Google earth only on the subscriber version only, or can you do it on the free download?
Have done the download, but think you have to pay for the GPS ploting site.
Which do you use?
Thanks
Wazza

[gogecko]

I use the free version.

Use the empty window under the 'fly to' button, in the top left.
Type in 27 56.606S, 153 29.333E and use this exact format with the same spaces and commas.
Google will go to that mark, and then you can
ADD Placemark from the menu. Give it a name and a symbol.

Add all your marks like this and print.
Save before you quit.


cheers
Andrew

[wazza66]

Thanks Andrew,will give it a try tonight.
I appreciate your advice.
Wazza

[Fishmatics]

I have been struggling for days to get the input correct on Google E.

Over and above what Andrew has stated you also need to change lat/long option on Google Earth

Choose
Tools
Options
3D View
Show lat/long
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (the second option)
Apply.

Works a treat.

Regards
Andrew

[trueblue]

do you really want to use degrees, minutes and seconds? when comparing to an electronic gps unit, they are almost always reading in degrees, minutes and decimals of a minute.

26 53.901 is not degrees, minutes and seconds. It is degrees, minutes and decimals of the minute

just something to check

cheers

Mick