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GPS? What's new and good?
- Thread starter Ken C.
- Start date
The base map is simply a set of data points pre-loaded in the GPS. For the most part it only includes major roads and town names.
The MapSource products are more detailed specialized maps. For instance United States TOPO includes topographic lines and an extensive set of geographical data for the entire country, including features not found on USGS quads. The Waterways products include detailed information of interest to boaters - shorelines, boat ramps, etc. And there is a Streets and Addresses-type product with detailed information of major urban areas. I'm not sure what other MapSource products are available, but you can check the Garmin website. The MapSource products can also be used on a PC.
Almost any commercial computer mapping product on the marked can interact directly with almost any name-brand GPS (with use of a data cable). For instance I use the DeLorme TOPO program on my computer. I can pinpoint locations on the computer that I want to visit and transfer their coordinates directly to the GPS unit. Or I can use the GPS to record coordinates or track an entire route and display the information on the computer when I return.
-Bob
The MapSource products are more detailed specialized maps. For instance United States TOPO includes topographic lines and an extensive set of geographical data for the entire country, including features not found on USGS quads. The Waterways products include detailed information of interest to boaters - shorelines, boat ramps, etc. And there is a Streets and Addresses-type product with detailed information of major urban areas. I'm not sure what other MapSource products are available, but you can check the Garmin website. The MapSource products can also be used on a PC.
To me, loading extra maps onto the unit is a 'toy' feature. You can still locate coordinates, send and receive data to a computer, track, and record locations. Having the maps displayed on the GPS screen is merely a convenience, although sometimes it helps to visualize current location and destination in relationship to the surrounding topography and geographical features.
Almost any commercial computer mapping product on the marked can interact directly with almost any name-brand GPS (with use of a data cable). For instance I use the DeLorme TOPO program on my computer. I can pinpoint locations on the computer that I want to visit and transfer their coordinates directly to the GPS unit. Or I can use the GPS to record coordinates or track an entire route and display the information on the computer when I return.
-Bob
Here are some screenshots to clarify my explanation.
This is a screenshot of the basemap on a Garmin eTrex Legend:
Here is a screenshot of the MapSource topo program:
The brown lines are topo elevation lines. The black dotted line is someone’s Track file, and the blue is water. On a non-color unit the data will be B&W obviously. Note how the topo lines are more crudely drawn than on an actual USGS topo map.
Here is a screenshot of the DeLorme Topo 3D program on a computer, highlighting the 3D feature:
DeLorme Topo 3D, and most other computer mapping software titles, can communicate directly with most namebrand GPS units, and data you collect can be overlaid onto the computer maps.
If you simply want to use the GPS to capture data or find known locations, a simple unit is all you need. If you want to transfer GPS data between a GPS and computer, you need a data cable and a free program like EasyGPS. If you want to actually load maps onto the GPS you need a data cable, Garmin MapSource software, and GPS with mapping capability.
Prices:
MapSource products are $100 or less; the Mapsource Topo program is under $100 and covers the entire country.
DeLorme Topo 3D is under $100 and covers the entire country.
Actual USGS topo maps on CD are about $100 per state.
There are also freeware PC programs for viewing gov't geographical data on a computer, some of which can communicate with GPS units and display collected GPS data. MicroDem and 3Dem are two examples. I've had mixed results with the freeware programs - it's sometimes complicated to figure out which gov't data sets are compatible with which programs.
I hope I'm not making this even more complicated...
-Bob
This is a screenshot of the basemap on a Garmin eTrex Legend:
Here is a screenshot of the MapSource topo program:
The brown lines are topo elevation lines. The black dotted line is someone’s Track file, and the blue is water. On a non-color unit the data will be B&W obviously. Note how the topo lines are more crudely drawn than on an actual USGS topo map.
Here is a screenshot of the DeLorme Topo 3D program on a computer, highlighting the 3D feature:
DeLorme Topo 3D, and most other computer mapping software titles, can communicate directly with most namebrand GPS units, and data you collect can be overlaid onto the computer maps.
If you simply want to use the GPS to capture data or find known locations, a simple unit is all you need. If you want to transfer GPS data between a GPS and computer, you need a data cable and a free program like EasyGPS. If you want to actually load maps onto the GPS you need a data cable, Garmin MapSource software, and GPS with mapping capability.
Prices:
MapSource products are $100 or less; the Mapsource Topo program is under $100 and covers the entire country.
DeLorme Topo 3D is under $100 and covers the entire country.
Actual USGS topo maps on CD are about $100 per state.
There are also freeware PC programs for viewing gov't geographical data on a computer, some of which can communicate with GPS units and display collected GPS data. MicroDem and 3Dem are two examples. I've had mixed results with the freeware programs - it's sometimes complicated to figure out which gov't data sets are compatible with which programs.
I hope I'm not making this even more complicated...
-Bob
- Joined
- Jul 20, 1999
- Messages
- 683
Bob W said:
Your reply was very nice, thank you. You can probably tell by my questions that I have never played with one at all. I have no good reason really to own one except for the new toy aspect. I do have to admit that while on our flight to Boston that it would be fun to know where in the world we were at any given time and to know how fast we were flying.
I may come up with some more questions and try to ask in a seperate thread as not to further hijack Ken's.
Thanks again!
Bob, I can see you can generate vertical profiles with DeLorme. Can you also print them out?Bob W said:
Do DeLorme maps come in 1:24000 scale, or are they different scales?
Bob, I want you to know you are helping me a lot with my decisions for the future choice of a GPS unit, and I am sure I am not the only who appreciates your expertise and research you are willing to share here.
Are there significant differences between the two besides (if any) the scale?
Are the USGS maps on CD as featured at DeLorme in terms of how you can map the route on your computer, or are they good just for printing out existing maps, like, say, a PDF format?
If you were going to create a map of a hike route for others, would you use DeLorme? Or USGS? Does DeLorme show existing trails in parks? Do any other topo maps on CDs?
Until now, despite reading quite a bit on the net, I was convinced I would have to buy loadable maps for my GPS. However, since my intention is only to make a record of the route I hike, and to help me in orientation, I might be able to get away with buying DeLorme (or similar), printing a map of the area at home, and taking it with me, and then only marking spots on my GPS as I hike. I like to have a compass and a paper map with me anyway. I would not depend on a GPS alone.
Not at all. You are helping a lot.
Something to consider if you carry a PDA for work anyway, there are miniature GPS receivers made just for plugging into pocket PCs, software too. There are even PDAs with built-in GPSes, but they cost more than buying a GPS and PDA seperately, even seperate units with much better specs.
I think so, but can't be sure. I don't have my computer handy that has my GPS software installed.
The topo data is comparable to what's on the 7.5 minute quadrangle maps. You can also zoom out to show a much larger area (at less detail), or zoom in to display a small area.
If you're looking for exact copies of the 1:24000 (7.5 minute) quad maps, you want a different software. All Topo Maps is the brand we use at work for Colorado quads. That type of software does cost quite a bit more, about $100/state.
The data is about the same. But the All Topo Maps software doesn't have the 3D or other graphical capabilities; they really are just topo maps on CDs. You can still plot locations and tracks and interact directly with a common GPS.
The routing and GPS interactive features work very similarly.
Wouldn't really matter. If using DeLorme Topo USA, I would print out in 2D instead of 3D though, as not to confuse the hikers. One advantage of using the quad software, if hikers brought their own maps, the information and layout would be identical to your maps.
There are special map software titles designed specifically for National Parks. They are probably better designed for that use and more up-to-date as far as trails and park facilities.
Not sure I understand the question. The ALL Topo Maps products come with every 7.5 minute quad for the state, as well as 1:100,000 and 1:250:000 scale maps. DeLorme, in addition to their Topo 3D software, have another software title that is actual quad topo maps that can be viewed in 3D, but it's $100/state. National Geographic also sells an entire selection of mapping software, about the same price as DeLorme.
How to choose? I'd read the manufacturer's websites to compare features and study screenshots. Also, ask any specific questions over at the geocaching forum. As far as consumer GPS units and software, I doubt there's a more knowledgeable group of people anywhere in the world.
You know, a $100 Basic Yellow eTrex can do that just fine. And it leaves you $$ leftover for gas money and computer software.
One other point if you're shopping on a budget, the computer. Because of the simple graphics in the MapSource products, those programs work very well on an older machine. I picked up a $50 laptop (Windows 95) to lug around to motels just for that purpose; it would never run or even install the graphic-intense DeLorme software.
That's an excellent point that hasn't been mentioned yet. Without a basic understanding of mapping and navigation, a GPS is of limited usefullness. Additionally, like any other electronic toy, they are subject to dead batteries, malfunction, and breaking.
Best Wishes,
-Bob
Just two more shopping tips for GPS units:
1) At the Garmin website (Magellan too?) you can do a side-by-side feature and spec comparison of any units you're considering.
2) You can also download the instruction manuals to get an idea of a unit's "user-friendliness".
1) At the Garmin website (Magellan too?) you can do a side-by-side feature and spec comparison of any units you're considering.
2) You can also download the instruction manuals to get an idea of a unit's "user-friendliness".
<< If I were buying today, I'd really want the Garmin GPS76CS. >>
I agree with "Bob W", except...Garmin has a new receiver in some of their models (designated with a lower case "x"). I'd go with the Map 76CSx. Check out www.gpsinformation.net for in-depth hardware reviews of many GPS units, as well as general and specific GPS system info.
cf
I agree with "Bob W", except...Garmin has a new receiver in some of their models (designated with a lower case "x"). I'd go with the Map 76CSx. Check out www.gpsinformation.net for in-depth hardware reviews of many GPS units, as well as general and specific GPS system info.
cf
Win Heger
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2000
- Messages
- 3,387
I purchased a Garmin 60 Cx a few months ago. I've only used it a couple of times but it functioned flawlessly. A great resource is:
http://forums.groundspeak.com/gc/
Win
http://forums.groundspeak.com/gc/
Win
A quick update .. www.gpsnow.com has the Garmin 76CSx for $440 with a $100 rebate coupon from Garmin. Add <$9 for 2-day FedEx air and you have a heck of a deal. I went all over the Garmin site looking for the right unit and kept coming back to this one. Sure one of the +$1,000 models has some features I would like to have but, it also is not a unit I would take with me outside of the car. Plus, it is such a huge step up in price and I'm not too hot all those subscriber fee services.
Now I need to study up on the mapping software. That stuff seems very expensive and the on-line information leaves a lot to be desired. And whats the deal with the Maps, if I wanted to hike with a laptop computer, why would I buy a Garmin handheld unit anyway?
Now I need to study up on the mapping software. That stuff seems very expensive and the on-line information leaves a lot to be desired. And whats the deal with the Maps, if I wanted to hike with a laptop computer, why would I buy a Garmin handheld unit anyway?