Open Source GIS Programs, or just MapSource?

[PHeller]

I come from ESRI land, using ArcGIS 9.1, 9.3 and 10.

Unfortunately, job changes have me out of the office, and I don't have money (or the computer) for ArcGIS.

But I can benefit the community by making maps, as there are lots of mountain bike groups in my area that need trail maps updated.

For this purpose, should I use an open source program like QGIS or gvSIG for editing shapefiles from DNRGarmin, or should I be alright just using MapSource?

[Boyd]

Mapsource is not a GIS program by any means. It's a consumer oriented program for managing maps and user data for your GPS. You cannot create maps with Mapsource. Garmin has also discontinued Mapsource development and is replacing it with Basecamp - see: http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/goodbye-mapsource.html

I'm not familiar with the open source programs you mention, but they sound interesting. Many of the mapmakers on this site use Globalmapper, which is a good all-around GIS program that costs around $250-$300. There's a free demo available that does everything but export data, but if you contact them they will give you a limited time free key for full program features: http://globalmapper.com/

But note that this program cannot directly create Garmin vector format maps. It creates .mp files which are an intermediate format that must be compiled with cgpsmapper.

You could also look at Mapwel, which isn't free but it's pretty cheap. It can read shapefiles and create Garmin maps directly, without the need for cgpsmapper: http://mapwel.eu/

[PHeller]

cGPSmapper turns shapefiles into .mp files, correct?

If so, as long as I can get shapefiles I'm alright, which I'm pretty sure these open source GIS program can export.

[Seldom]

Shareware and Personal versions of cgpsmapper will import shapefiles into an IMG.
GPSmapedit will import shapefiles and can save them as MP files.
Personal cgpsmapper and the registered (pay) version of GPSmapedit both offer more functionality than the freeware versions.  IIRC cgpsmapper Personal is $40 and GPSmapedit registered is $65.  cgpsmapper Personal supports routing, but you'll need GPSmapedit to build a routing graph.

The main advantages to Global Mapper is that it reads and writes very large number of formats, permits georectification of raster imagery to a large number of datums and projections and has a scripting language that permit automation of large map projects.

[maps4gps]

The list price of a sincle license for GlobalMapper is $349US.

[Indrid Cold]

I come from ESRI land, using ArcGIS 9.1, 9.3 and 10.

Unfortunately, job changes have me out of the office, and I don't have money (or the computer) for ArcGIS.

But I can benefit the community by making maps, as there are lots of mountain bike groups in my area that need trail maps updated.

For this purpose, should I use an open source program like QGIS or gvSIG for editing shapefiles from DNRGarmin, or should I be alright just using MapSource?

You will be able to use Quantum GIS as an ArcGIS substitute to work shapefiles. Enable the GPS pluging to inport/work with .gpx files.

[jbensman]

Where are you located?  If you are talking about trails in one of the states My Trails cover, you can give me the good data and I can add it to My Trails.

If not, you can do trail maps with Freeware with no problems.  I use 100% freeware.  I use gpsmapedit and I work with shapefiles (many times with thousands of trails in them) with no problems.  When I need to mess with the shapefiles to change projections (gpsmapedit will not import state plane projections) or divide the shapefile, I use the freeware mapwindow GIS

[Boyd]

The list price of a sincle license for GlobalMapper is $349US.

Looks like it's gone up since I got my copy. However, are you familiar with the phrase, "nobody pays list price"? That applies here too. Go to the "partners" link on their site: http://globalmapper.com/community/partners.htm#USA

Visit some of these sites and you will find better pricing. Like other companies, Globalmapper doesn't want to compete with their dealers and charges more. I got mine at DRG maps a few years ago and it was $50 cheaper. Same is true today at $300. Maybe somebody else sells for even less?

[Boyd]

I use 100% freeware.  I use gpsmapedit and I work with shapefiles

According to the license, GPSMapEdit is not freeware: http://www.geopainting.com/en/License.html

1.4 Evaluation.
You are hereby granted to use this Software for evaluation purposes without charge for a evaluation period of Software. If you use this Software after the evaluation period a registration fee is required.

I guess it depends on what you consider an "evaluation period". Personally, I like to support authors who write great software like this, and $65 is not at all unreasonable IMO.

[PHeller]

I'm in North Western, PA.

[jbensman]

I use 100% freeware.  I use gpsmapedit and I work with shapefiles

According to the license, GPSMapEdit is not freeware: http://www.geopainting.com/en/License.html

1.4 Evaluation.
You are hereby granted to use this Software for evaluation purposes without charge for a evaluation period of Software. If you use this Software after the evaluation period a registration fee is required.

I guess it depends on what you consider an "evaluation period". Personally, I like to support authors who write great software like this, and $65 is not at all unreasonable IMO.

I was remembering that they had multiple versions, free, shareware, and commerical.  Bu t I checked and you are right.  Either its changed or its been so long I forgot.  But I'm glad you pointed that out

[jbensman]

I'm in North Western, PA.

My Trails has lots of coverage in PA and the surrounding states.  If you want you can just send me corrections/additions.  Its been a while, but I have had some people GPS stuff for My Trails in PA.

[maps4gps]

I got mine at DRG maps a few years ago and it was $50 cheaper. Same is true today at $300. Maybe somebody else sells for even less?

I also got mine from one of those dealers 3-1/2 years ago for $50 off. 

[Seldom]

I got mine at DRG maps a few years ago and it was $50 cheaper. Same is true today at $300. Maybe somebody else sells for even less?

I also got mine from one of those dealers 3-1/2 years ago for $50 off. 

Do those guys discount the upgrades too?

[Indrid Cold]

Do those guys discount the upgrades too?

You can get the discounts direct from Global Mapper: LINK

BTW, Global Mapper isn't open sourced, we need to get back on topic as this is becoming a Global Mapper thread for everyone except the OP.