GPS Mapping software

[rklimber]

Anybody have any experience with the 24000:1 mapping software from Garmin

[centaur]

If that is their topo software, I use it and it is good; it is accurate and easy to download.

[rklimber]

centaur,
The reason I ask is that the software I'm currently using in my 60Cx is 100,000:1(I bought it and topoUSA about 2 yrs ago), and I see on there web sight that they now have 24000:1 .Which would give 4 times as much detail. Just wandering if anybody has tried it yet, and had any thoughts or opinions on the product.
Thanks

[Rico]

Is that 24000:1 for all the US or  a select few areas?

[rklimber]

Rico,
I went back to garmins sight for a closer look. They have software for national parks and out west but nothing in my neck of the woods, didn't pick up on that the first time I was there! Eventually garmin or a third party should come up with more detailed topo's for the whole country.
Rklimber

[metsastaja]

I have used there national park 24000 and it does have greater detail.  I use their 1:100000 and its ok but I supplement it my own printed maps.  I have been using expertgps as a way-point and map manager for my topo and air maps since the 90's. It now interfaces with google earth.

[snag]

Thanks for the info. I have the 60CSx. Called my retailer and they have the micro card with the 1:24000 for Oregon/Washington. I am headed in to get it!

[Outwest]

Snag

 What was the price?
Let us know how it is.
I think I will go to town this weekend and see if I can locate one.

John

[Rico]

rklimber I thought that was the case. Delorme has a pretty nice gps for topo that I have been eyeing.
  The Magallan Trition can use National Geographic software,nice mapping software but the reviews I have read don't seem favorable.

[Tox Collector]

I thought that the 1:24000 was for the National Parks only and the rest of the country uses the 1:100000.  Tox Collector

[snag]

It's not cheap John...$99. But I can justify it when I am out in the mountains finding an easier way to pack meat back to camp!

[metsastaja]

David if you get the card and have the time I have some questions.

I was just looking at the garmin site and noticed you can not view the maps on a computer only on the unit.

That raises some questions for me as far as pre-planning with a waypoint manager that does not have 24K topos.
 
Does the macro card gives you extra memory in addition to the area map.  

I use a 1 gig in my 60csx that allows me  download the entire east coast (I travel from Florida to Maine and enjoy doing side trips) with their city select maps for road navigation as well as their 100K topos for Downeast Maine and other areas I might stop at.

[snag]

Metsastaja, I just got the card and put it in my 60CSx. The guy at REI said I could transfer waypoints from my computer. But I forgot to ask about extra memory. It shows contour lines when you zoom in to 100ft. It still allows you to view streets, gas stations, lodging, etc. I haven't figured out how to activate the 3D imagining yet. I can see the icon though. I think I am going to like it! I went to some of my waypoints for elk camp and it showed this hiking trail on there that is not much of a trail. Didn't have the spring where my favorite wallow is though...but that's ok, keep the other guys out of there! LOL

[metsastaja]

Sounds good.  Can you auto route on road with the chip.

[snag]

Sorry, I don't understand what the "auto route" is. If you mean does it show your movement as you drive, the answer is yes. It also has the time of arrival to destination calculated and updated depending on your speed.

[metsastaja]

if I use city selectmaps.  I can pick a waypoint lets  and the unit will calculate an on road route on how to get there including local streets.

[rklimber]

Rico,
Will the delorme software work in the garmin(I'm thinking probably not). I already have a garmin so I guess I'll have to wait for them to improve the software.
rklimber

[Rico]

No you will not be able to use delorme with your garmin only delormes new gps I think its called the PN 40 the old 20 from the reviews is that it is slow to auto route.

   I like useing usaphotomap from  www.jdmcox.com  a shareware that is free to use and only takes a few seconds to download if your not familar check it out.
  Once you have the usaphoto installed you will be able to use your garmin with it transfer routes waypoints and trails onto an arial photo. Best of all you do not need to be online. Find your area download and you will always have your hunting area to use. Good Luck

[metsastaja]

RK I have had garmin units since the 90's I have the map76, etrex and 60csx.  The 60 is the best of the bunch given the features and the chipset it uses.  I get reception in areas where other units fail.  
For the gps units I have the following mapsets.

City Select, USATopo and the 24ktopo for national parks in the NE.
I use the city select for in car navigation and the two topo versions for off road. With the 60csx and a 1 gig card I have the ability to install maps from all three programs with room left over.

Over the years I have tried several waypoint and maps programs on my computer including the National Geographic program.  The two programs that remain are Mapsource. Mapsource allows the transfer of the garmin maps to the units and lets me plan routes for long distance travel by car.
As a aside the 60csx with City-select does auto routing on the unit itself.

The program I use most is Expertgps  http://www.expertgps.com/  it is avalable for download on line with a 30 day trial. The cost is $49.50. You can download ariel,and topos for your region. It iterfaces with google earth. You can sync your digatal camera and gps unit and it will import your photos as waypoints. You can calibrate your own maps.

 though I have never used the function except to play the program provides real time gps location when gps unit is attached and you have the maps on your computer.

for 50.00 bucks it is a very sophisticated program, great support and a very active forum. I would suggest you take a look.

Don't forget the extra batteries!

[rklimber]

Interesting options guys, I'm going to check them out!
Thanks
RKlimber