I found a way to use Garmin's MapSource to merge waypoints, tracks, and routes into one master gdb file. I did not want to take the time to use third party applications to merge all the data.
The problem was that I had many different gdb files defining kayaking routes, hiking routes, and waypoints. I also had a different .gpx files containing track information for every bike, hike or paddle with my Colorado or Forerunner 301.
Basically, you open two instances of Map Source. The first instance will become the master file containing all routes, waypoints, and tracks. You will be pasting data into the first instance. The second instance will be a temporary place you can cut or copy data from.
So the procedure is:
1) Open first instance of map source. (Start mapsource as usual)
2) Open second instance of map source. (Just start another copy of mapsource exactly as above).
3) Use the second instance to open an existing .gdb file or .gpx file. Both kinds of files can contain routes, tracks, or waypoints.
4) Cut or copy the data from the second instance.
5) Paste the data into first instance of MapSource.
6) Go back to step 3 and repeat as necessary.
7) When finished, save the first instance as a garmin gdb file. I have not tried saving all the merged data as a gpx file, but it is supposed to work.
Notes-
If your device has enough memory, you can upload all the merged information into it.
I am not sure what happens if you paste a duplicate route, track, or waypoint into first instance of mapsource.
The problem was that I had many different gdb files defining kayaking routes, hiking routes, and waypoints. I also had a different .gpx files containing track information for every bike, hike or paddle with my Colorado or Forerunner 301.
Basically, you open two instances of Map Source. The first instance will become the master file containing all routes, waypoints, and tracks. You will be pasting data into the first instance. The second instance will be a temporary place you can cut or copy data from.
So the procedure is:
1) Open first instance of map source. (Start mapsource as usual)
2) Open second instance of map source. (Just start another copy of mapsource exactly as above).
3) Use the second instance to open an existing .gdb file or .gpx file. Both kinds of files can contain routes, tracks, or waypoints.
4) Cut or copy the data from the second instance.
5) Paste the data into first instance of MapSource.
6) Go back to step 3 and repeat as necessary.
7) When finished, save the first instance as a garmin gdb file. I have not tried saving all the merged data as a gpx file, but it is supposed to work.
Notes-
If your device has enough memory, you can upload all the merged information into it.
I am not sure what happens if you paste a duplicate route, track, or waypoint into first instance of mapsource.