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Load a Map Satelite Image or Shape File onto the GPS Using ActiveSync

If you have a laptop computer from the Spatial Data Center, Microsoft ActiveSync should already be installed on the Desktop of the Computer.  ActiveSync is the best way to back up your GPS data.  It is also an easy way to load smaller layer files onto the GPS.

1. Browse the computer to find the saved map document. 
2. Right-click on the file you want to add to the GPS unit.  Choose Copy from the pop up menu.
3. Open the ActiveSync folder on the Desktop.  It will be a folder with a circular blue arrow icon and a name that begins with Geo and ends in a string of numbers.
4. Choose the location in the ActiveSync folder where you would like to copy your file.  Right click on any white space inside the folder where you want to store your file.  Choose Paste.
5. Put your GPS unit into its dock.  Make sure that the unit is fully docked by pressing gently but firmly until the front latch clicks and the light next to the power button lights up.  Microsoft ActiveSync will start automatically, and load your file into the mirror file on the GPS unit.

Load a Map Satelite Image or Shape File onto the GPS Using the SDHC Card

If you are going to use background shapefiles or satellite imagery for collecting GPS data, it's best to load those files directly onto the SDHC memory card rather than using Memory Card rather than using ActiveSync to add the files to the GPS' memory.  To add files onto the SDHC Card, you will need to use the Targus SD card reader; there should be one in the GPS unit kit you checked out with the GPS unit.

Remove the SDHC Card from the GPS Unit

1. Unscrew the grey knobs at the bottom of the GPS Unit.  Remove the Memory Card Slot Door.
2. Gently but firmly press on the SDHC Memory Card until it clicks out. 
3. Remove the card.

Adding Files to the SDHC Card

1. Plug the USB Cable into the Targus card reader and into an available USB port on your computer.  The computer should produce a pop up window telling you that it has found new hardware.
2. The back of the Targus card reader has diagrams demonstrating the proper way to insert cards.  Make sure that the brass contacts on the SDHC Card are facing in the right direction - they should be lined up with the contact points inside the card reader.
3. Insert the card into the proper slot.  You'll know you've found the proper slot if the card slides smoothly into the reader with minimal resistance.  YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE FORCE THE CARD.  If you've chosen the wrong card slot, the card will either be too loose or won't fit at all.
4. Go to the Start menu --> My Computer.  There should be a Removable Disk icon under the heading Devices with Removable Storage.  Double click on this Removable Disk icon to open a Windows Explorer window.
5. Go back to the Start menu --> My Computer and browse to the location of the image or shape files you want to upload onto the card. 
6. Once you've found the desired files, simply click and drag them into the Removable Disk window you opened previously.  This loads the files directly onto the card.

Safely Remove the Card and Card Reader from the Computer

In the lower, right hand corner of your computer screen, you'll see the System Tray with a list of small icons and a white arrow inside a circle. 

1. Click on the white arrow to expand the System Tray list of icons.
2. Click on the icon that looks like a small grey box with a green arrow hovering over it.  This is the Safely Remove Hardware icon. 
3. Choose the option that says, "Safely Remove USB Mass Storage Device."  Do not choose any option that includes the words CD or DVD - this will uninstall the driver software for your internal CD/DVD player.  After a moment's pause, a pop up window will appear, telling you that you may now safely remove the device from the computer. 
4. Unplug theStart menu --> My Computer card reader from the USB port on your computer. 
5. Remove the SDHC Card from the card reader.
6. Reinstall the card reader in the GPS unit by inserting it into the memory slot and pressing gently but firmly until it clicks into place.

Replace the SDHC card into the GPS unit and replace the Memory Card Slot Door.  You will be able to browse for map locations in ArcPad 8 to find the map files and satellite images on the SDHC Card.