Dear Capt. Paul:
How do I download Captain Paul’s Edge files that are in my desktop PC, and how can I transfer my other Google waypoints that are in my desktop computer to my iPad that has a Google Earth App.
I want to use my iPad with the Google aerial maps while in my boat.
– Thanks, Boilermaker
Capt. Paul’s response:
First, install an email program on both the iPhone/iPad and your desktop PC.
You can use the same email address if you need to, but it would be better if they are in the same provider’s format.
Now, be sure that you have installed Google Earth on the desktop and in the iPad/iPhone.
Leave them both running. If you don’t have them, go to Google.com in your PC and complete the download and search the iTunes program for Google Earth program. Both of these are a free service by Google.
Of course, you can select the Pro Google version, but it will cost you some pretty pennies.
On your desktop, go to that Google program and select what waypoints (My Places) you want to send and or save. Mark these places in the sidebar view of the Google program.
Mark as few or all that you want to save or send to yourself.
When marking the waypoints, a small box will appear with a check mark in the box. Click on the File icon at the top left of the screen, and then the email icon to access the email link.
An email window will appear with the waypoints, tracks or routes you selected as an attachment. Depending on the Google version you are running the attachment will be a KLM or KMZ file listed as per your earlier selections.
Now, send this email to yourself. NOTE: DO not open the email with your desktop PC.
Instead, wait until you receive the Google email on your iPad/iPhone, and then open the Google Earth program on this device and open the email program on your iPad.
Select the attachment by highlighting the attachment icon, and then on the iPad select the open box at the top that shows a rectangle with an arrow pointing to the top of the screen. When you do so you will find a choice of what program you want to open the attachment.
Select the Google icon and all of the waypoints you selected on the Google program.
The Google program should then move and allow you to view the area where your waypoints are located.
By the way, all of the Captain Paul’s Fishing Edge files can be used for a Google program simply by sending the Google KLM file as an attachment in an email just as you were able do from your PC.
To save the file you transferred, open the email on your desktop PC, and select and save the attachment by right clicking on the attachment.
This email would be the same one you sent to yourself and opened in the iPad, but now you will be opening the email in your desktop PC. Save the KLM or KMZ to a folder in your main computer. Something like My Documents/Waypoints/ then the file name of the area you selected.
Remember that you can, of course, reverse the process and transfer the data from the iPad/iPhone back via email to your main computer. This allows you to backup all of your waypoints in your computer’s hard drive or on a thumb drive, etc.
This is a valuable asset that will safe guard all of your precious waypoints.
This procedure works with my iPad and iPhone, but I am not completely positive that it would work in an Android device. I believe it should, but ….
Although I see what you are trying to do, I don’t recommend using the iPad in a marine environment, unless it is encased in a weatherproof case. Most devises are now touch controlled, and a truly waterproof case would not allow the unit to be used properly.
In addition, the Google program has to contact its home server in order to update the maps/aerial views as you move from one location to another. Without having the means to contact the server, via the Internet, by WiFi or through a data transfer using a cell phone connection, you will run off of the map that is viewed on your unit.
A GPS unit will have these maps installed on the unit’s internal memory or on a memory card.
In addition these mobile devices do not refine the basic GPS signal. That means the unit can deliver a position to within 20 meters — GPS units with the WAAS differential system can refine the position to 3 meters.
Remember this when navigating in restricted channels and areas.
Yes, I know that cell phones now work in greater than ever areas, but they usually will not work if they are farther than 5 miles from a transmission/receiving tower.
Good luck and be careful. Please feel to contact me if you need any other specific information.
Please let me know how you make out.
– Capt. Paul
Boilermaker responds:
Thanks, I followed your instructions and it worked like a dream.
