Where does one find GPS coordinates?

[Blazeorange]

This may seem like a dumb question for you veteran GPS users but I am the proud, new, uneducated owner of a GARMIN GPS 12 and am wondering where I can research for GPS coordinates to various lakes, points of structure, etc. for areas I have yet to go to.

I understand how to create the waypoints for the places I have been but say, I wanted to go from Waterloo, Iowa to Alexandria, Minnesota. Where does one get the coordinates for the city of Alexandria, MN? Keep it simple in your explanation. I don't work for NASA.

Thanks. Blaze.

[Thom]

The simplest answer is that you take the coordinates off of a map. The problem is that many, in fact most, maps don't have longitude and latitude on them. Of course you could pick up a used copy of Map Source, or any of the other electronics mapping softwares sets that abound, and use it to identify your initial points. If you were to go with the appropriate set from Garmin (the Map Source stuff) you could save the waypoints at your computer and then upload the saved coordinates to your GPS. It makes for a nice backup that way and alos provides some entertainment on those particularly cold winter nights.

Thom

[perchjerker]

I would get a NOAA chart of your area if you can find one. Its a good thing to have anyway.

[Kodiak]

Try the Waypoint Database at:
http://calcite.rocky.edu/gps/

[P.K.W.]

I have the Map create from Lowarance and it does not show the eastern edge of the Detroit River. (Canada) What is the easiest way to get or make this map? Thanks for the help.