GPS software question

craig333

Riley's Human
Joined
Jan 12, 2007
Messages
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Location
Sacramento
Anyone use Garmin Topo U.S. 24 k software? I ordered it and it arrived today but the more I've been reading about it the more I think its not going to do what I wanted. Still in the plastic package and I don't want to open it if I'm just going to turn around and sell it.
 
Anyone use Garmin Topo U.S. 24 k software?
Greetings Craig. My wife and i've been using the 24K topo West 2dvd set and it has all the detail i've needed. Now i can not compare to other software out there, but i've been in situations here in oregon where the 24K _trail_ ended and we kept on driving...on what appeared to be a well used and weathered logging or fire trail. So there seems to be some discrepency at times between the map and reality. I will use the Base Camp maping feature on my desktop or laptop pre-trip and get waypoints and such figured out, then upload them to our 60csx before heading out.

cheers,
thom
 
No, I ended up going with delorme and find it to be pretty good, esp. with the $30/yr membership to download aerial shots and more detailed maps of the areas I'm going.
 
I did look there and didn't find anything I liked. However, the california topo looks really screwy. Might be it didn't download properly. Which one did you get?
 
Craig,

I bought those and returned them. I opened one and downloaded and campaired with the older mapsource I have. The 24K did not show roads where I needed to go but the lack of detail older map does. I told Amazon that it is false advertising on Garmin and they refunded my money.

I thought this would replace paper 24K maps....It will not!
 
Looking at the sample maps and hearing from others I'm thinking I'll try and return it. Gotta be something out there that works.
 
This may not be what you're looking for, since it doesn't load onto your GPS -- it requires a computer...but I've been very happy with the National Geographic TOPO series of state maps. I've bought a set for each of the 11 western-US states. I've loaded them onto my laptop computer, which I always bring along when truck-camping. I can connect my GPS to the laptop and it will show my current position and track a route on the TOPO map on the laptop, and I can transfer waypoints and routes between GPS and TOPO on the laptop, but the TOPO maps themselves can't be transferred to the GPS.
If I need a truly portable version of a map I can print one out from the software...as long as I've brought my portable printer along or do it at home before I leave.
 
Anyone use Garmin Topo U.S. 24 k software? I ordered it and it arrived today but the more I've been reading about it the more I think its not going to do what I wanted. Still in the plastic package and I don't want to open it if I'm just going to turn around and sell it.


I have the Garmin Topo 24K software and used it for a while.

A much better software package, and the one I use exclusively now is the National Geographic Topo version 4.5.0. It is a much better package. I don't even bother buying USGS topo maps anymore. I just print off what I need with the software. The maps printed with this software are exactly the same as the 7.5 minute maps that you purchase from the USGS.

This software is more expensive as you have to purchase each state separately, but you get what you pay for. It interfaces perfectly with several gps units that I own.
 
I did look there and didn't find anything I liked. However, the california topo looks really screwy. Might be it didn't download properly. Which one did you get?


I downloaded the CA topo to have a look. Yes, it appears to be incomplete, alright. Other western state topos are much better. I'm very happy with the detail in the NM, AZ, ID maps.
 
This may not be what you're looking for, since it doesn't load onto your GPS -- it requires a computer...but I've been very happy with the National Geographic TOPO series of state maps. I've bought a set for each of the 11 western-US states. I've loaded them onto my laptop computer, which I always bring along when truck-camping. I can connect my GPS to the laptop and it will show my current position and track a route on the TOPO map on the laptop, and I can transfer waypoints and routes between GPS and TOPO on the laptop, but the TOPO maps themselves can't be transferred to the GPS.
If I need a truly portable version of a map I can print one out from the software...as long as I've brought my portable printer along or do it at home before I leave.


I do the same as Mark, but haven't added the laptop......yet. I have the original Garmin Mapsource as a base map in my Garmin 60cs, but the little screen is just too small on any handheld unit for serious navigation. My 60cs does not have enough memory to use the new Garmin program anyway. I love the way my current TOPO program interfaces with my handheld. But, bottom line, pvstoy is right on, nothing replaces the 24k maps and I never trust my life to something that runs on batteries.
 
i use the topo 24k and though it was pretty good.

it brings routing to mapsource and has a lot of updates.
 
If you happen to forget your printer take a photo of your screen with your camera. I find the enlarge feature on my camera lets me study details of the map while I am on the trail.
 
So I just took the plunge out of the dark ages and finally got myself a GPS (Garmin 60CSX) which should be here today. Forgive my ignorance on the subject but I'm totally clueless and trying to find the best way to go. A few questions:

1. Should I plan on buying the Mapsource software or does it come with the unit?

2. Is it worth the $ to buy the Garmin Maps or NatGeo Maps? I've seen some references to GPSfiledepot or free maps, etc., are they the way to go. I don't mind spending the $ on the good stuff if it is truly worth it.

3. For Baja folks, I hear LBMaps is the way to go, any experience here? Also Bicimapas? Any opinions on the two?

4. Is it best to buy multiple memory cards? For example one card for California, one for Nevada and then one for Baja and then use the appropriate card for each location? Is this the best way to manage multiple states/areas?

5. I've read debates about going with 2GB or 4GB (even 8G:cool: cards with these units, is 4GB overkill? Referring to Question #4 it seems like it would be easiest to have a separate card for each area but maybe not? Not sure how the GPS unit selects/reads the data off the cards.

What say you gurus out there? Let me have it. (probably should have made this it's own thread)
 
I purchased the City Navigator and Topo maps and use these exclusively with my Garmin. I've only found one error in 2 years of use with their map sets. Also, purchased 4GB card and can load 4 states and topo maps of my final destination and still have room. It is very easy to to create map sets and load into your Garmin tailored for each trip. Save your cash on memory for other accessories like a 12v adapter and a vehicle mount. My 2 cents.




So I just took the plunge out of the dark ages and finally got myself a GPS (Garmin 60CSX) which should be here today. Forgive my ignorance on the subject but I'm totally clueless and trying to find the best way to go. A few questions:

1. Should I plan on buying the Mapsource software or does it come with the unit?

2. Is it worth the $ to buy the Garmin Maps or NatGeo Maps? I've seen some references to GPSfiledepot or free maps, etc., are they the way to go. I don't mind spending the $ on the good stuff if it is truly worth it.

3. For Baja folks, I hear LBMaps is the way to go, any experience here? Also Bicimapas? Any opinions on the two?

4. Is it best to buy multiple memory cards? For example one card for California, one for Nevada and then one for Baja and then use the appropriate card for each location? Is this the best way to manage multiple states/areas?

5. I've read debates about going with 2GB or 4GB (even 8G:cool: cards with these units, is 4GB overkill? Referring to Question #4 it seems like it would be easiest to have a separate card for each area but maybe not? Not sure how the GPS unit selects/reads the data off the cards.

What say you gurus out there? Let me have it. (probably should have made this it's own thread)
 
So I just took the plunge out of the dark ages and finally got myself a GPS (Garmin 60CSX) which should be here today. Forgive my ignorance on the subject but I'm totally clueless and trying to find the best way to go. A few questions:

1. Should I plan on buying the Mapsource software or does it come with the unit?

2. Is it worth the $ to buy the Garmin Maps or NatGeo Maps? I've seen some references to GPSfiledepot or free maps, etc., are they the way to go. I don't mind spending the $ on the good stuff if it is truly worth it.

3. For Baja folks, I hear LBMaps is the way to go, any experience here? Also Bicimapas? Any opinions on the two?

4. Is it best to buy multiple memory cards? For example one card for California, one for Nevada and then one for Baja and then use the appropriate card for each location? Is this the best way to manage multiple states/areas?

5. I've read debates about going with 2GB or 4GB (even 8G:cool: cards with these units, is 4GB overkill? Referring to Question #4 it seems like it would be easiest to have a separate card for each area but maybe not? Not sure how the GPS unit selects/reads the data off the cards.

What say you gurus out there? Let me have it. (probably should have made this it's own thread)


SunMan,

The decision on which software to purchase for interfacing with your gps depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I am a hunter and have used USGS Topographical maps (1:24,000) my entire life. I love the detail they provide. If you are used to using USGS topo maps you will not be satisfied with the Mapsource software (ie. using maps printed using Mapsource). The Mapsource software, however is indispensable for making base maps for loading into your gps.

I use the Mapsource software (both original 100K and additionally the Southwest US 24K) for base maps in my GPS units; and use the National Geographic Topo software for printing REAL USGS guality topo maps (1:24,000) to carry in the field. Both products interface directly with your GPS unit (waypoints in/out etc.).

Do not rely solely on your gps for navigation in the field. Always carry a map and compass and learn how to use them in case your GPS goes down.

Mapsource:
Mapsource software comes standard with (1:100,000 detail for West US, East US, Alaska and Hawaii): I bought the standard Mapsource software and installed it on my pc. When I run the Mapsource software there is a pull down menu at the top that shows 4 choices (West US, East US, Alaska, Hawaii) as choices. The 100K level of detail is not much good on a handheld GPS since the screen is so small....so I purchased the Mapsource TOPO U.S. 24K Southwest DVD (slightly over $100) to provide the 24K detail (for the Southwest US states).

It is confusing the way Garmin packages the Mapsource software. When I installed the Mapsource TOPO 24K Southwest software it just interfaces with the original Mapsource (100K) install (ie. there is not another separate software product on your computer)....so when you run the Mapsource software, the pull down menu at the top, the original 4 items show up (West US, East US, Alaska, Hawaii) ....but now there is also a menu choice for "Topo US 24k. Southwest". If you do the selection properly you can create basemaps for an entire state....or a number of states. I was originally going to make a basemap for each state...but that would require a separate chip for each state (per gps unit) ....so I made a mapset for 4 states and downloaded it in one chip. Warning....if you are making a mapset for several states....it takes a long time. The software just sits there crunching for hours...but it will eventually create the mapset you want. You can then copy the mapset to any number of chips. Be sure to save off the huge mapset you just created for future use so you don't have to ever create it again.

National Geographip Topo:
I love this software for producing top quality USGS topo maps in 24k scale. I print them on Adventure Paper: http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/B00005OMZ9 to produce waterproof quality maps. This is not really paper...but a plastic material that is unbelievably durable (you can print on both sides). The quality of these maps are better than original USGS 24K topo maps. This software is purchased for each state you wish to roam for about $49 per state.

You may not wish to buy that much software....it all depends on what level of detail you need or want. I love having the 24k mapset loaded onto my GPS units AND having the detailed 24K USGS Topo maps to navigate with. Sorry this reply is somewhat long winded but it is a difficult topic to cover with just a few sentences. This may be more information than you wanted.
 
RJones/Leadsled,
Thank you. This is EXACTLY the type of info i am looking for, not long winded at all. I can see how this could get expensive real quick.

A couple more questions, do the TOPO's strictly show hiking trails or do they also include backroads or will i need two different types of software for roads AND trails? I plan to use the device for both hiking/backpacking and driving offroad.

Thanks, and happy to hear feedback from others as well.
 
Here is an example from the Garmin Topo maps. Hiking trails are indicated in dark gray dotted lines. It can be expensive but it depends on what you are trying to accomplish like Leadsled states.




RJones/Leadsled,
Thank you. This is EXACTLY the type of info i am looking for, not long winded at all. I can see how this could get expensive real quick.

A couple more questions, do the TOPO's strictly show hiking trails or do they also include backroads or will i need two different types of software for roads AND trails? I plan to use the device for both hiking/backpacking and driving offroad.

Thanks, and happy to hear feedback from others as well.
 

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RJones/Leadsled,
Thank you. This is EXACTLY the type of info i am looking for, not long winded at all. I can see how this could get expensive real quick.

A couple more questions, do the TOPO's strictly show hiking trails or do they also include backroads or will i need two different types of software for roads AND trails? I plan to use the device for both hiking/backpacking and driving offroad.



SunMan,

I actually find the software much cheaper than what I used to have to do. I used to have to buy lots of USGS 24k Topo maps before a hunting trip.....and go down to the USGS map store and spending literally hours of time looking for the right quadrangles (and hoping they weren't out of the ones I needed)....and spending lots of money for maps. Then, often on my hunt, I'd find out I needed a few more to cover areas that look good....but I had no map for.

Now, since I have the entire state in 24k topos....it's simply a matter of printing the maps I need during the hunt....no matter where I am. It's great! Plus, during the hunt I'm always creating new waypoints. When I get back to camp I can download the waypoints from the gps to the computer and they show up on the maps. I can also create waypoints on the computer and download them into the gps. Pretty sweet.

While the National Geographic Topo maps show the road names if you drill down far enough (to the 24K level).....I feel that gps for road travel (generally with turn-by-turn directions) and gps for out in the boonies to be two completely different applications. I have the navigation system in my truck and it is great to find addresses.....or towns....etc. using the turn-by-turn directions.

As for road navigation using Nat Geo Topo, I hovered over Phoenix Arizona and drilled down to 24K....and did a screen print and saved it in a word document so you could see what it looks like. The Nat Geo Topo also show trails, jeep trails etc. just like the USGS Topo maps. The Nat Geo Topo application was actually created from real USGS topo maps.....so just like them....the trails that show up will vary depending on what year the USGS acutally did the survey for creating the 24k map. Sometimes trails will show up on Nat Geo Topo and not on the Mapsource software....and sometimes it's the other way around.

When I'm in the boonies with gps for navigation....I use the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid rather then Lon/Lat. Lon/Lat was really designed for long straight distance travel such as Marine use in a boat. To successfully use lon/lat for land travel you have to carry a plastic lon/lat overlay.

For land, I believe it is much nicer using UTM. You can set your handheld gps for UTM grid on most units. UTM girds are 1000 meters square, and once you get the hang of it (with a little practice) you can pinpoint your location on a topo map within 50 meters or better (sometimes much better).

The software packages allow the user to use what ever grid system desired. Just set up the maps and gps for UTM and you're good to go. Also, make sure you set the gps "datum" to the same "datum" that the map software is using. For example I set my gps unit and the Nat Geo Topo application to use "NAD83/WGS84" and I'm good to go. If you don't set the "datum" to be the same on the gps and map software.....all of your waypoints will be off by a couple of hundred yards or so.

Well, I wasn't able to upload the word file....so if you pm me your email address....I'll send you a copy.
 

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