Google MyMaps + TakItWithMe + Garmin Communicator API = WOW!
Written by Glenn Letham
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Every once in a while an application comes along that makes you sit back and say... WOW! TakItWithMe is a new service for uploading Google My Maps and Google Earth KML content to Garmin and other handheld devices. TakItWithMe is a free service and supports most Garmin hand-held devices by leveraging the newly announced Garmin Communicator API. According to the developers... "Combined with the recent Maplets functionality at maps.google.com, this helps bridge the geoweb to real world GPS use. "
TakItWithMe is a free service enabling anyone to easily take your Google MyMaps and Google Earth content to Garmin devices -- there's also a Direct Mymaps and KML conversion routine available!
The TakItWithMe team has put together a very slick demo (YouTube video) showing the application in action and all of its simple-to-use functionality. See http://earthnc.com/introducing-takitwithme. Watch as they conduct a simple real estate search (near my old digs in Destin, FL) in Google Maps, create a Google My Map of the result, and send it to a GPS for use while house hunting.
So, what can you do with the application? Use the service for uploading Google My Maps and Google Earth geo content to Garmin and other handheld devices. Anyone familiar with using Google Maps or Google Earth can transfer online map content including points, routes, geo search results, and Google Earth files to their Garmin GPS device of choice with the simple click of a button. Imagine... create all you POIs or routes within Google Maps and easily take them with you.
TakeItWithMe is a free service and supports most Garmin hand-held devices by leveraging the newly announced Garmin Communicator API. Because the Communicator API is currently limited to Internet Explorer and Firefox on Windows, TakItWithMe also supports online map conversion to the GPX format - compatible with a wide range of GPS software and devices across operating systems.
Because the Communicator API is currently limited to Internet Explorer and Firefox on Windows, TakItWithMe also supports online map conversion to the GPX format.
One of My Google MyMaps as seen using in Google
MyMap taken over and dropped into the TakItWithMe Converter
About The Garmin Communicator Plugin API The Garmin Communicator Plugin API is a browser plugin and JavaScript support code that allows developers to transfer location data – such as waypoints, track logs, maps and points of interest (POIs) – to and from a website and Garmin device. The benefit of this service to the retail consumer is that the API will simplify loading location data to a Garmin GPS. For example, on MotionBased.com, customers can quickly upload their activities (track logs) from the GPS. The cross-browser, and soon the cross-platform plugin, provides a consistent experience for MotionBased customers. Geocaching.com also integrates the plugin so that users can easily transfer selected geocaches (waypoints) to their Garmin device by clicking a new Garmin icon on the Geocaching.com website. http://developer.garmin.com/web-device/garmin-communicator-plugin/
See more threads and details about Glenn's AnyGeo Weblog HERE The Editor (Glenn) started the AnyGeo blog some time ago and the threads are now also mirrored here at GISuser.com - RSS feed is available to add to your favorite news reader.
Featured Events
GeoInt 2008 - Join us for the 5-year anniversary of the GEOINT SYMPOSIUM October 27-30 in Nashville, Tenn., where you'll have an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network and discover as we discuss the importance of being Mission Focused while Transitioning to the Future.
ASPRS Potomac Region GeoTech Conference - Geotech 2008 theme of "Emerging Geospatial Technologies and Applications." Technical session topics will include new data acquisition, distribution, and application technologies, each featuring presentations by well-known experts. 7&8 October in Silver Spring, MD
deCarta devCon 08 - Going Mobile: Location is the Big Deal - deCarta’s devCON’08 is a unique opportunity to get first-hand knowledge and insights from experts and leaders from the mobile wireless, personal navigation, enterprise fleet-tracking and MRM markets. October 22-24, 2008, Intercontinental, San Francisco, CA.
GITA's First Annual GIS for Oil & Gas Conference - The GIS for Oil & Gas Calgary Conference will build on the momentum from GITA’s GIS for Oil & Gas Conference held in Houston, Texas, every September. Nov. 6-7, 2008, Calgary Marriott Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
iPhone Live - November 18, San Jose, CA - iPhoneLive is the new O'Reilly conference for iPhone developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, focusing on both the business and development issues surrounding the iPhone platform.
Join 8,000 geographers, GIS specialists, and environmental scientists for the latest in research, policy, and applications in geography, sustainability, and GIScience during the AAG Annual Meeting in Las Vegas to be held March 22-27, 2009.
Community 
So, what can you do with the application?
See more threads and details about 
Get GISuser news & updates via RSS
