Seriously, can anyone tell me how I can convert the information from a Garmin GPS unit into AutoCAD? It seems like it should be easier than this. I don't want to buy GIS or other programs. I know there must be a simple way to do this? Thank you!
Depending on what type and model of GPS unit you have, the older ones came with a software named Map Source that had an export to DXF. It's no longer availalbe and was replaced by Base Map which is all clound base and no export features that I see. If you google/bing geocacheing sites you may find a few links to conversion software for sale.
I only have regular AutoCAD. It's a Garmin GPS, I don't know which model but it's new and bought by my client. It has basecamp software and it can't save to dxf like you said. Thanks for the information. I would think it would be a routine thing AutoCAD could do without buying a $300 program to convert it. If you know of cheaper ones let me know. Thanks!
Think of vanilla AutoCAD like a build-it-yourself Swiss Army knife. It is built with a framework that allows customization to do a great many things. Exactly what that customization is, gets left to the end-user so there isn't a whole bag of useless tools being carted around. For example I have little use for GPS tools, and I suspect you have very little use for process piping tools. But AutoCAD can do both, and do them well, with the appropriate additions.