Create your own 3D GPS trail maps for hiking.
A 3D GPS (global positioning system) trail map will allow you to navigate your way around the mountains with ease. It will also allow you to share the details of your backpacking trips with your friends and family. If you would like to create you own 3D GPS trail maps, it is just a matter of finding the right program. In addition to being able to create 3D trails, you will also be able to annotate your map with your photos and videos.
Instructions
1. Sign up at Breadcrumbs (see Resources). As of 2010, Breadcrumbs is free to use. Log in after creating an account.
2. Take the pictures that you have captured during your hiking trip and upload them to the Breadcrumbs website. You will need to enter the GPS coordinates of where each picture was taken and enter a caption if you would like. Breadcrumbs will automatically geo-tag the photos for you, adding any relevant information like altitude, destination and place on the map. You can also add videos.
3. Play back the pictures by hitting the "Play" button at the top of the Breadcrumbs window. After uploading the photos and the geo-tagging is done, you can view the photos in a 3D form by clicking the 3D tab at the top.
4. Share the tracks with your friends and families. You can make the track either public or private. You can even share it to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
5. Organize your tracks and activities. At the left side of the Breadcrumbs window, create folders of your activities. To put the tracks or the pictures on the folder, simply drag and drop them on the folder that you think is best for them.
6. Check your statistics. Breadcrumbs will automatically calculate details for you, such as the maximum elevation, the total distance and even the speed. You can check the statistics on the left part of the screen. It is automatically displayed as you put your mouse on a picture.
7. Inspect the track created and edit it if necessary. To do edits, drag and drop. Add way points to further narrate your trip or adventure. You can mark the best camping sites, or where you saw a group of deer.
8. Manage your tracks. Play them and you can view them in 3D. They will show you the captions of your trip from the beginning to the end. If you have added way points, it will indicate the places that you marked on the map.
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