GPS Tutorial: Transferring Garmin waypoints to Google Maps - KML to CSV

After much fuss and ado, I've finally uploaded a Google map with our waypoints to the blog! Check out the "Where in the World" tab above this post to see a map of all our sleeping spots and the odd point of interest.

It took hours of research and much swearing to finally get this all figured out, so I'd like to post a tutorial here to help any other people who would like to make it easy on themselves.

It may help to know that for this tutorial I used a Garmin Montana 600, and these directions may not be exactly the same from device to device.


NOTE: You will need three programs to make this work. Garmin Basecamp, Google Earth, and a KML conversion program. I used KMLCSV Converter, a free program you can download here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/kmlcsv/

There's a great tutorial for using it here: http://choonchernlim.com/kmlcsv/tutorials/using-kmlcsv-converter-with-google-earth/

Create a folder on your desktop titled "Garmin Conversions" or some other name that makes sense. You will need it in a moment.

1. Plug your GPS device into your computer and open Garmin Basecamp.
2. If your device does not automatically upload your most recent waypoints and tracks, do so manually.
3. Select the items you want to be in your Google map. This may include waypoints and tracks. I stuck with simple waypoints for my map.
4. Once the items are highlighted, select "view" from the upper menu bar, then "Google Earth", and "add selected".
5. Google Earth should open automatically. The "Places" window on the left of the screen will have two subcategories, "My Places" and "Temporary". There should now be a file titled "Basecamp" in the "Temporary" category.
6. Right click on "Basecamp" and select "Save Place as.."
7. Save the file to the folder you previously created on the desktop. Save the file as a .KML.
8. Close Google Earth and open up your desktop folder. There should now be a file inside called "Basecamp.KML"
9. Open KMLCSV Converter.
10. Select "File" from the upper menu bar, then "Configure". This will tell the program where it should look for KML files when it is opened.
11. Under the "File Management" header, select "Browse". Navigate to your folder on the desktop and select it. Select "OK"
12. On the left of the screen you should now see your "Basecamp" file under the KML header. Double click on this file.
13. All your waypoints and tracks will now appear in the window to the right. If it looks correct, select "Create File" below.
14. Now there will be a CSV file in your folder on the desktop!
15. Open maps.google.com and log in to your account.
16. At the bottom right of the screen will be a small icon shaped like a gear. Click it and select "My Places" then "Create Map".
17. Name your map whatever you fancy and add some notes.
18. Select "Import". Open the folder on your desktop, and drag and drop the CSV file onto the box in Google Maps. Make sure it's the CSV and not the KML!
19. You now have an awesome Google map you can share with your friends! Share on social media using the quick icons, or use an invite-only link. You can also embed the map into your website or blog.


I hope this helps you get through the process fairly painfully! Feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments below.
Happy Travels!