Creating Custom Icons for Geocaching

I touched on creating custom Waypoint icons in GSAK briefly in the post "Sending Geocache Files to Lowrance. (For Premium Member's)" This post will go into more detail and fully explain the process of making each different type of cache display the icon of choice.

Programs Needed:

 

The instructions in this post are done entirely in GSAK.

 

Works With:

 

Any Lowrance unit with an SD card slot.

 

i-Finder Go and Go2 will not work with the methods shown.

 

 

NOTE: I use the words "Symbol" and "Icon" interchangeably. Both refer to the small photo shown for a waypoint.

 

First, Start GSAK and go to the GPS Tab, then down to "Send to Lowrance .USR" You will see the following screen: (Click thumbnail for full view.)

 

 

On this screen, click the "Change" button in the "Symbols" area of the screen. That will bring you here: (Click thumbnail for full view.)

From this screen you can completely customize each different type of cache and status with a different symbol (Icon). Choose icons that you view as appropriate for each type. Do not forget the tabs on top, these allow you to refine your choices, for example your icon can be overridden for a micro cache, or a cache with  a travel bug, for at a glance info.

 

I choose the same icon for all found caches, an "X" regardless of type for simplicity, I also use one icon for all the caches I own. I use different icons for caches such as "Traditional", "Multi", and "Unknown" so I can see what type I am approaching before I arrive.

 

Take your time choosing the icons, better yet, turn your GPS unit on and bring up the symbol page (Select a Waypoint, and then edit the icon, that will bring up the screen.) Look at the symbols on the screen, and see which ones you think look best for each type of cache.

 

When you are done, Save your work. Now when a Waypoint file is generated, your icon settings apply to all caches sent to the unit.