Mapping software

adam0321

adam0321

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
495
Maybe this should be in outdoor gear..But I thought I would ask here first.

I was in an REI today and was looking at the NATGEO map pack, From what I could gather you can customize and print your own maps. I am trying to find a mapping program where I can add MGRS, and LAT LONG. It would also be great if it would cover the whole world. I would also like the addition to build waypoints and routes. I have spent hour online looking a researching. I got a decent way with google earth but no MGRS. Anyone have any luck with a good program?

O and perhaps the greatest need. It has to be simple enough for someone who does not like computers to use.

Also has anyone had any experience with the Suunto MC-2G?

Thanks and be safe.
 
Check out Terrain Navigator Pro, I just got the latest updated version at work. You can switch between topos, aerial photos and Google Earth, and is GPS compatable. Its useful ness is limitless. You wont be sorrt!


22Hornet
 
Instead of Google Earth, I use ESRI Desktop Explorer. ESRI is the company that created ArcGIS and has been around for years. Desktop Explorer is their free software similar to Google Earth except with many more features.

I wasn't sure if ESRI Desktop Explorer used MGRS (I didn't even know what MGRS was), so I looked it up at their website for you:

Specifying coordinates

You can specify the location as a latitude and longitude coordinate pair, a Military Grid Reference (MGRS) grid location, or a US National Grid (USNG) location. In addition, the location will be positioned properly regardless of which units you've chosen to display in the status area at the bottom of the map. For example, you can enter a latitude and longitude coordinate pair and the location will be found, even if you've chosen to display it on top of an MGRS or USNG reference grid.
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http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/explorer-desktop

It's great for printing maps, especially with the many different base maps and layers.
And it interacts directly with most common consumer GPS units.
 
I use Globalmapper at work, it's a professional grade piece of GIS software. A full license is only $450, which is peanuts when compared to other GIS software such as ArcGIS and Geosoft, but may be priced too high for the casual user. There is a free version of Globalmapper developed for the USGS that you can download here. You can also download a trial version directly from the Globalmapper website.

Globalmapper will read and display practically every format of GIS file out there and it easily allows for downloading of online maps and imagery from a variety of free and fee based sites. It has very good GPS integration and allows the user to both download directly into the GIS and upload custom maps directly to compatible GPS units that support the customs maps feature (as google earth kmz files).

I carry/use a compass daily at work and on my SAR team, and I own 20+ high end compasses from Suunto, Silva, and Brunton, and the Suunto MC-2G is in my opinion the best compass out there and the only one I fully trust (and the global needle really does work worldwide).
 
mckrob said:
There is a free version of Globalmapper developed for the USGS that you can download here. You can also download a trial version directly from the Globalmapper website.
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Thanks for the tip. :thumbup:

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re, Compasses. While I wouldn't personally choose the MC-2G (don't care for the gimmicky mirrors; they get in the way, require two hands, take longer, and add too much to the price), can't beat Suunto for compass quality at their price ranges. My favorite is the M3, which is also available with the global needle.

Suuntos are less likely to get bubbles than other common brands, a real problem at high elevations or where rapid temperature changes are common. The lettering is scribed into the plastic, not simply printed on like some other brands' models. The bezel is smooth and easy to adjust for declination.

If you really want a mirror, you won't be disappointed with the quality of the MC-2, but it's my opinion that the hassle of the mirror plus the double price are not worth it.
 
I really appreciate all the info. I looked into a company called "mydigitalglobe". Being military I can get access. However it is way more than I need. Thanks for the tips. I have been playing with the different suggestions.
 
adam0321 said:
I looked into a company called "mydigitalglobe". Being military I can get access. However it is way more than I need.
Click to expand...

I was going to ask what software the military uses, but that's probably confidential.

I have been playing with the different suggestions.
Click to expand...

Let us know which software you decide on, if you don't mind. Long-past (hopefully) are the days that outdoor users need to buy expensive, limited, fragile, bulky, non-interactive maps printed by the USGS or specialty companies. I do think that knowing how to use and read a USGS map is extremely important, but those skills can be learned just as easily using a home-printed map or tablet screen.
 
Very interesting discussion

New information that I was not aware of
Do not know when I might need it now

Thanks
 
Expert GPS. Used it for couple years, talks with a variety of brands and several file formats.
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fx17 said:
#1! This is my favorite mapping software for use with a GPS.
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For geocaching I use the cut-down free version that's called EasyGPS. Although far from being a full map-making program, and certainly no replacement for Google Earth or ESRI Desktop Explorer, there's no simpler way to transfer geocache files and create simple maps from GPS-collected data.

http://www.easygps.com/default.asp
 
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