Hi~ I'm a complete newbie, with eTrex 20 arriving tomorrow.
Considered buying the Birdseye TOPO, but then saw all the freebies available here. What's the difference between the two? I don't mind spending $30, but if I can get practically the same thing here for free, why not?
Thanks
Sure, I may well like to learn how to submit some someday, but that doesn't really answer my question, and is a bit of a leap as I'm a complete newbie, don't you think? I meant no offense with the word freebie, for goodness sake!
And I welcome anyone's input on my original question
Quote from: zebohunt on February 07, 2012, 09:06:39 PM
Hi~ I'm a complete newbie, with eTrex 20 arriving tomorrow.
Considered buying the Birdseye TOPO, but then saw all the freebies available here. What's the difference between the two? I don't mind spending $30, but if I can get practically the same thing here for free, why not?
Thanks
The BirdsEye TOPO is the same as raster scans of USGS TOPO maps. Getting that subscription is a cheap way of getting those maps onto your gps and computer. There is very little of that type of map on this site, and in any case, you will be limited by the coverage that gps can use as they a a work around using Garmin Custom (raster) maps. On the other hand, the vector maps for whatever unknown area you might be interested in (you never bothered to mention) might be good enough for your needs. If they are, please make a donation to support the site.
I posted some "custom maps" of USGS 24k topo's awhile ago when Garmin first introduced the format, here are a few examples:
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/236/
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/249/
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/239/
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/245/
The BirdsEye topo's are going to look just like these on your GPS. The difference is that BirdsEye uses a different proprietary Garmin format not available to third party mapmakers. Take a look at those examples and note the area that they cover. This is the largest map that we can make from scanned or photographic material - it works out to about 20 miles x 20 miles.
OTOH, there is no real limit to the size map that can be downloaded with BirdsEye topo - the only limitation is the size memory card that you use. With unlimited downloads costing only $30, that is clearly the way to go if you want USGS 24k maps. I won't be making any more maps like the ones above, because it's just not worth the effort when Garmin has a better product that is so inexpensive.
BTW, be sure to register your GPS before purchasing BirdsEye or any other Garmin product. When you do, they will send you a 10% discount coupon.
Quote from: Boyd on February 08, 2012, 05:09:11 AM
With unlimited downloads costing only $30, that is clearly the way to go if you want USGS 24k maps.
It also keeps your Garmin Custom Maps slots open for regional park maps, etc.