GENERAL DESCRIPTION: These are instructions for using the eight National Geographic Route 66 GPS waypoints files, one for each state. They are downloaded as a single ZIP file, with all eight compressed using the standard ZIP format. They can be unzipped with WinZip or any other un-zipping program.

Click here to download the GPS ZIP file.

BACKGROUND: These files were originally built by Rich Cunningham, cartographer and co-author with Bob Moore of "The Complete Guidebook and Atlas of Route 66".

The atlas was constructed and published under license from National Geographic. One of the provisions of the license was that the GPS waypoint files be made available without charge to anyone who wants them so they can use National Geographic's software programs to explore Route 66.

Note: Although the GPS waypoints in the files match the waypoints shown in the printed Atlas, you are NOT required to have an atlas with you in order to use GPS file.

ABOUT THE WAYPOINT FILES: The GPS files are published in National Geographic's TPO format. This format can only be opened and viewed with one of two NG mapping programs that run on Windows-based personal computers.

Both programs are described in detail at NG's mapping website: www.topo.com

The least expensive choice is to use the NG "Backroads Explorer" program. It contains maps of all 50 states and costs about $60.

The more expensive choice is to use the NG "TOPO State Series" program. It requires the purchase of individual state maps at about $100 per state, for a total of $800 for all eight Route 66 states.

So, what's the difference between the two? The main difference is that the TOPO program and its individual state series contain 1:24,000 maps of each state, which is a very detailed map. The Backroads Explorer program is limited to 1:100,000 scale maps.

The R66 Atlas was field-digitized at 1:24,000 (for accuracy), but printed at 1:100,000 (to keep the atlas from being 600+ pages long!), so what you see with the Backroads Explorer program closely approximates what is in the book. Since both NG programs can use the R66 GPS files, the choice in programs is ultimately dependent on what level of scale you want.

USING THE WAYPOINT FILES:  After you have installed either of the National Geographic mapping programs (described above), copy the zip file that you downloaded (see above) into the folder where you installed the mapping software. Unzip the file to de-compress the eight waypoint files. Then open the state file of your choice using the NG mapping program. The NG program will display the state (or portion of a state) that you are interested in, and display the matching Route 66 routing on the map.

USING A GPS RECEIVER:  Anytime a state waypoint file is loaded by an NG program, you can connect up any of the popular GPS receivers (Garmin, Magellan, etc.) to your computer and download the waypoints. You can then use the GPS to monitor your movements on Route 66, using the software/maps built into the receiver.

USING A LAPTOP COMPUTER:  If your computer is a laptop, you can leave the GPS hooked to the computer while you're traveling and watch your movements as they are traced on the screen by the NG mapping software.

NOTE:  A full set of in-depth instructions for using GPS receivers and/or laptops is furnished with the National Geographic mapping software.

Best of luck in your travels on the Mother Road!