Messages

Sorry for the delay; school has been keeping me busy.  I appreciate the replies.

So I have a 550t on the way, and I've checked out several dozens of types of mapping software...and now I'm scared

Is there a good step-by-step tutorial on how to make vector maps?  One thing I would like to be able to do is take a satellite image from Google Earth (or other electronic map), plot a route/add waypoints, then load that onto the GPSr.  Most of the info I've seen so far is focused on the exact opposite: uploading your already-traveled routes onto Earth.  I'm willing to purchase the necessary software, I'm just not sure what I need.

Again, thank you for all your assistance.  Hopefully my ears will dry quickly once I get some hands-on time 

Peace,
Taiko-ma

Thanks for the quick responses!  I've also dug through the site and found the map-making tutorials, so I'm going to spend the next several days just absorbing.

After perusing this and other sites, it looks like Garmin is the way to go due to the overwhelming number of mapping programs, maps, and standards that go with Garmin.  Now I just have to decide between the 450t and 550t...such touch choices

Peace,
Taiko-ma

Hi!

I just found this forum, and I'm hoping I can call on the member's expertise and considered opinions.  I'm shopping for a new GPS unit and, though I used an aviation unit for several years as a Flight Medic, I'm pretty much starting cold with raster maps and Mapsource and GMX files   I've tried to research this, but honestly I could use someone more fluent in the language.

First, my particulars.

Needs/Wants, in general order:
• For hiking and general traveling, NOT interested in driving or turn-by-turn capabilities as a primary function.
• Reliable in forest cover/trees/hills
• Ability to load topo maps, general road maps, aerial, with large capacity (ie SD card capability)
• Using replaceable batteries (such as AA), rather than rechargeable
• Ability to load maps of areas outside USA: Belize this summer, and possibly Africa or Peru in a year or two.  Both topo and road; overlaying would be ideal.  Ability to add POI also would be good.
• Ability to get more maps without selling my right arm ($100-120 for a regional set of topo maps?   Ouch!), and/or load my own maps from websites
• Barometric altimeter

NOT needed/concerned about:
• Voice directions, turn-by-turn driving, etc
• A particular interface: touch screen vs buttons vs dial isn't a big deal as long as they work
• Definitely not interested in geocaching
• Cameras, sound recorders, games, hunting schedules, etc


I've pretty much narrowed the selection down to either a DeLorme PN-40 or a Garmin Oregon 300 (and buying the mapping software, rather than having the maps installed on the 400t, so that I can set waypoints/routes on my PC then upload).  I like the PN-40 mostly because of it's aerial photography, overlay capability, and the $30/year all-you-can-eat downloads (although it's pretty much USA only, which is a minus).  I know this is a Garmin-friendly site, so what thoughts do any of you have?

Also, what size of 1:24K or 1:100K map can I fit on a card?  Are we talking a square mile per GB, or Alaska+Texas and then some?  And if I go with Garmin, am I on the right track with the 300 vs 400 for accessing the maps through PC software?  Software recommendations?

Thank you in advance for your help.  I'm looking forward to perusing the site and, who knows, maybe even knowing enough to contribute some day!

Peace,
Taiko-Ma