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3751
GPSr Units / Re: Affordable Garmin unit that can use land Ownership Maps from this site
« on: February 23, 2009, 04:58:56 AM »
The 500 series is pretty odd and personally wouldn't interest me. For example, there is no way to lock the screen so it doesn't accidently get activated in your pocket. That is a major flaw for a touchscreen GPS designed for hiking. Even the cheapo Nuvi 205 has a sliding switch to lock the screen, and the Oregon has a button to lock the screen.
The 500 is also lacking just about all of the advanced menu options you would expect from a handheld. It's main advantage would be the preloaded US Topo maps and the fact that it's waterproof. Other than that, you're basically getting a Nuvi without text to speech. $270 is a pretty good price though.
The 500 is also lacking just about all of the advanced menu options you would expect from a handheld. It's main advantage would be the preloaded US Topo maps and the fact that it's waterproof. Other than that, you're basically getting a Nuvi without text to speech. $270 is a pretty good price though.
3752
General Discussion / Re: using img files
« on: February 22, 2009, 10:47:48 AM »is there software to created your own route on the pc and download "and this is how I want to get there" to the gps unit?
Yes, there is MapSource for the PC and RoadTrip for the Mac which will allow you to plan a route and transfer it to the GPS. However, if you're using a Nuvi 350, this won't work. You need a GPS which can handle multi-stop routing and the only Nuvi series which can do that are the ones whose models begin with the number 5, 7 and 8 (eg: 750, 885, etc). You will also need to install the City Navigator maps on your computer, and they are distributed separately from the GPS itself.
3753
GPSr Units / Re: Nuvi 5000 startup question
« on: February 21, 2009, 11:29:17 AM »That is some crazy resolution, blows my nuvi 250w and 255w out of the water :-P
Screenshots of my map... note same zoom settings.
3754
GPSr Units / Re: Nuvi 5000 startup question
« on: February 21, 2009, 08:31:39 AM »
I have owned a Nuvi 5000 for over a year and have used every imaginable kind of map on it. Does that make me an expert? 
Just contact Garmin tech support. It sounds like you have a hardware problem. This has nothing to do with third party maps, so don't even mention that.
BTW, the Nuvi 5000 is really the ultimate automotive unit for using third party maps. Screen resolution is 800x480, almost three times as many pixels as their other widescreen models. Doesn't help much with garmin's own maps, but you can take advantage of this when making your own. If you define lines and points as 1 pixel wide, you get a really fine level of detail. Contour lines looks great and don't clutter the image.
Also, custom polygon types are rendered much more nicely. The pattern fills are done on a pixel by pixel basis, so having more pixels renders them really nicely.
Just contact Garmin tech support. It sounds like you have a hardware problem. This has nothing to do with third party maps, so don't even mention that.
BTW, the Nuvi 5000 is really the ultimate automotive unit for using third party maps. Screen resolution is 800x480, almost three times as many pixels as their other widescreen models. Doesn't help much with garmin's own maps, but you can take advantage of this when making your own. If you define lines and points as 1 pixel wide, you get a really fine level of detail. Contour lines looks great and don't clutter the image.
Also, custom polygon types are rendered much more nicely. The pattern fills are done on a pixel by pixel basis, so having more pixels renders them really nicely.
3755
GPSr Units / Re: Help getting map from Nuvi 5000 into MapSource
« on: February 20, 2009, 02:55:58 PM »Quote
If that doesn't work for you you can download GoogleEarth v5.xx and plan your trip there. Export the waypoints for your trip, and send them to your GPS. It has the same NavTeq road data as a nüvi 5000
I don't think so, unless something has changed recently. Google formerly had Navteq data but switched to Teleatlas recently: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/eu-approves-nokias-acquisition-of-tele-atlas-no-one-surprised/
3756
GPSr Units / Re: Nuvi 5000 startup question
« on: February 20, 2009, 02:48:47 PM »
That is definitely not normal. Those settings should be retained. Since you said this was a new unit, I suggest that you call or e-mail Garmin tech support.
3757
General Discussion / Re: 3-D maps
« on: February 20, 2009, 02:47:39 PM »
That is how it works on my Oregon 400t which has all of US Topo 2008 pre-loaded. But you must set the map draw priority such that your map draws on top of the US Topo. Fortunately for me, this seems to be the default with both Mapwel and cgpsmapper.
So when you're viewing the area in your map, the DEM data from US Topo will be rendered on the map. But I really wish we could control the style/color of the rendering. Depending on the elevations, it can make your map a little hard to read because it's rather dark.
BTW, this also works with City Navigator. You will get DEM shading on those maps too if you enable US Topo.
So when you're viewing the area in your map, the DEM data from US Topo will be rendered on the map. But I really wish we could control the style/color of the rendering. Depending on the elevations, it can make your map a little hard to read because it's rather dark.
BTW, this also works with City Navigator. You will get DEM shading on those maps too if you enable US Topo.
3758
Map Making Support / Re: Processing Contours w/ Global Mapper
« on: February 20, 2009, 02:43:21 PM »
I am a Windows Novice - usually work with MacOSX, Linux, Unix - except for mapmaking. I have also noticed bogus "not responding" messages with Global Mapper and Mapwel, although I don't get them unless I try clicking on something in the program while it's busy.
Again, I'm just not very experienced in these things, but a single core CPU with 1GB memory sounds a little lean for some of the heavy data crunching that Global Mapper does.
Again, I'm just not very experienced in these things, but a single core CPU with 1GB memory sounds a little lean for some of the heavy data crunching that Global Mapper does.
3759
General Discussion / Re: 3-D maps
« on: February 18, 2009, 04:27:36 PM »
Yeah, it really is too bad that we don't know how to roll DEM into our maps yet. However, if you have one of Garmin's topo products and you make your map cover it up, you can enable both maps and the DEM shading will be rendered on your own map.
I have only tried this in 2d mode, and it works fine for that on my Oregon 400t. Not sure if it would also work for 3d but guessing that it might. OTOH, personally I find the 3d mode on the Colorado and Oregon pretty useless.
Now we also know the the new Colorado and Oregon system software supports raster maps too, but there is no software yet which enables us to use this feature in our own maps either.
I have only tried this in 2d mode, and it works fine for that on my Oregon 400t. Not sure if it would also work for 3d but guessing that it might. OTOH, personally I find the 3d mode on the Colorado and Oregon pretty useless.
Now we also know the the new Colorado and Oregon system software supports raster maps too, but there is no software yet which enables us to use this feature in our own maps either.
3760
GPSr Units / Re: Help getting map from Nuvi 5000 into MapSource
« on: February 17, 2009, 06:22:22 PM »
There is also a browser plug-in called Communicator which lets you do route planning with Mapquest. I have never used this, but others report it works well:
http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/
http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/
3761
GPSr Units / Re: Help getting map from Nuvi 5000 into MapSource
« on: February 17, 2009, 02:51:18 PM »
I also have a Nuvi 5000. Here's how to get the map onto your computer.... but you aren't going to like this 
1. Buy the City Navigator DVD
2. Load it onto your computer
Unfortunately, the map stored on the Nuvi (this applies to all of the Nuvi line) cannot be copied to the computer in the correct form to use in mapsource. If this is important to you, call (do not e-mail) Garmin support and tell them what you want to do, and that you are surprised and disappointed you can't just copy the map to your computer.
People report varying results from this, depending on how nice you are and the luck of the draw. They may offer to send you the DVD for $15 to cover shipping/handling. Some people have actually gotten it for free. Others have gotten nowhere and had to buy at full retail.
One other possibility. If you just got this unit, you may be eligible for a free map update when you register it at garmin.com. If so, be sure that Mapsource is installed on your computer first. Then download the free update. When you finish the process, the City Navigator maps will be automatically installed in Mapsource. I did this myself and was pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect it.
1. Buy the City Navigator DVD
2. Load it onto your computer
Unfortunately, the map stored on the Nuvi (this applies to all of the Nuvi line) cannot be copied to the computer in the correct form to use in mapsource. If this is important to you, call (do not e-mail) Garmin support and tell them what you want to do, and that you are surprised and disappointed you can't just copy the map to your computer.
People report varying results from this, depending on how nice you are and the luck of the draw. They may offer to send you the DVD for $15 to cover shipping/handling. Some people have actually gotten it for free. Others have gotten nowhere and had to buy at full retail.
One other possibility. If you just got this unit, you may be eligible for a free map update when you register it at garmin.com. If so, be sure that Mapsource is installed on your computer first. Then download the free update. When you finish the process, the City Navigator maps will be automatically installed in Mapsource. I did this myself and was pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect it.
3762
GPSr Units / Re: Affordable Garmin unit that can use land Ownership Maps from this site
« on: February 17, 2009, 02:46:16 PM »
Keep your eyes open... I have seen the 60csx drop in price to ~$170 at both WalMart and Amazon, but you need to catch it quickly!
Either unit is probably OK, but I am not such a fan of either due to the screen which is very low resolution - 160x240 pixels and only 256 colors. I have a 60csx and used to have a Legend C. The 60csx is a real classic, but showing its age in terms of screen quality and redraw speed. It is also a very poor choice for any sort of automotive use.
If you just want something cheap and functional, take a look at the Nuvi 205. You can find it for $130 or so on sale at the big box stores. It include the US City Navigator maps which would cost about $80 by themselves. It should work fine with any of the maps around here - I got one to test my own maps in fact. Screen is 240x320 which is twice the number of pixels on the model's you're looking at, and it supports millions of colors.
Downside is that it doesn't have as many menu choices to customize the map as a "real" handheld. But the touchscreen interface is nice and it has a sliding lock switch to disable the screen while carrying it around. Of course it isn't as waterproof or shock resistant as a real handheld either, but it's kind of a fun and handy unit if you want to use in the car as well as short hike. Voice guidance is also a plus for auto navigation and it comes with a car charger and mount which would be extra $$$ with the other models you mention.
Either unit is probably OK, but I am not such a fan of either due to the screen which is very low resolution - 160x240 pixels and only 256 colors. I have a 60csx and used to have a Legend C. The 60csx is a real classic, but showing its age in terms of screen quality and redraw speed. It is also a very poor choice for any sort of automotive use.
If you just want something cheap and functional, take a look at the Nuvi 205. You can find it for $130 or so on sale at the big box stores. It include the US City Navigator maps which would cost about $80 by themselves. It should work fine with any of the maps around here - I got one to test my own maps in fact. Screen is 240x320 which is twice the number of pixels on the model's you're looking at, and it supports millions of colors.
Downside is that it doesn't have as many menu choices to customize the map as a "real" handheld. But the touchscreen interface is nice and it has a sliding lock switch to disable the screen while carrying it around. Of course it isn't as waterproof or shock resistant as a real handheld either, but it's kind of a fun and handy unit if you want to use in the car as well as short hike. Voice guidance is also a plus for auto navigation and it comes with a car charger and mount which would be extra $$$ with the other models you mention.
3763
Map Making Support / Re: Is Mapwel worth the cost?
« on: February 17, 2009, 08:15:33 AM »
Mapwel has ~70 user defined polygon types available for you. For Garmin maps, you will always be MUCH better off using vector instead of raster data. You will probably find the same information available as shapefiles if you dig around. Try googling but include the keyword "shapefile" in your searches. LULC and LU/LC are also good keywords to search for (Land Use Land Cover).
Once you have the shapefiles you should be able to import directly into Mapwel, although I have never done that. I build my source files with Global Mapper, then export a .mp file to Mapwel for finishing and compiling.
Once you have the shapefiles you should be able to import directly into Mapwel, although I have never done that. I build my source files with Global Mapper, then export a .mp file to Mapwel for finishing and compiling.
3764
Map Making Support / Re: Processing Contours w/ Global Mapper
« on: February 15, 2009, 12:44:41 PM »
This is pretty much what my experience has been as well. Try to break the project down into smaller chunks. It can take a LONG time to process and will look like it has crashed. FWIW, I have a Core 2 duo/2.4hgz machine with 4GB of RAM.
3765
Map Making Support / Re: Is Mapwel worth the cost?
« on: February 15, 2009, 12:38:51 PM »
I have the advanced version and think it's great for my purpose, which is creating custom polygon types for use with landcover shapefiles. It is also very fast to compile .mp files into .img files. It can take awhile (a few minutes) to open a big .mp file, but compiling it as an .img file is probably 5x the speed of cgpsmapper even when you include the extra time needed to initially open. Once you have opened a .mp file, save it as a .mpw (Mapwel) file and it will then open quickly.
If you want to make raster maps for Garmin, I'm not so sure. I have not tried this yet myself - guess that I should when I have the time. But this general approach is a bit of a "kludge" and has limitations. What kind of GPS are you using? The newest version of the Colorado and Oregon firmware contain native raster image support and Garmin has released one product (GB Discoverer) which uses this. Unfortunately I have not yet seen any "reverse engineering" of this new format yet. But I'm sure it's coming. Once it does, this will surely be a better solution than Mapwel or MOAGU.
If you want to make raster maps for Garmin, I'm not so sure. I have not tried this yet myself - guess that I should when I have the time. But this general approach is a bit of a "kludge" and has limitations. What kind of GPS are you using? The newest version of the Colorado and Oregon firmware contain native raster image support and Garmin has released one product (GB Discoverer) which uses this. Unfortunately I have not yet seen any "reverse engineering" of this new format yet. But I'm sure it's coming. Once it does, this will surely be a better solution than Mapwel or MOAGU.
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