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Help Needed in getting maps of rivers and streams for Kayaking

Started by Lee Davis, December 19, 2013, 11:24:40 AM

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Lee Davis

I just bought a Garmin Etrex 20 and was hoping I could use it when we kayak unfamiliar streams, rivers, swamps, etc. 

I want to be able to backtrack to keep from getting lost, and perhaps look ahead on the map to see upcoming features.

I haven't taken it on a trip yet, and am assuming I  will I need to download some extra maps other than what comes with it.  Is that hard to do and how should I look for appropriate maps of this type as we travel form State to State (we are full time RVers)

Lot to ask, but hopefully someone else does this kind of stuff and can help me.

Thanks in advance

Boyd

The eTrex won't have any useful maps on it. It has a basemap which is very crude and only shows major features.

Garmin sells a variety of topo and marine maps. But since these forums are for support of the GPSFileDepot maps, I suggest you start by installing Basecamp, which is free: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

Now browse the maps on this site and download anything of interest: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/

After downloading, follow this tutorial to install and view the map(s): http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-open-maps-in-garmin-basecamp/

When you find a map you want to send to your GPS, follow this tutorial: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/

Then just get out and enjoy yourself.  :)

gpstracklog

Garmin BirdsEye aerial imagery can be very helpful for boaters as it can do a better job than many maps of showing actual shorelines, islands, etc.