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3766
GPSr Units / Re: Venture Hc
« on: July 04, 2009, 11:16:52 AM »
Do you mean you have entered waypoints but your GPS does not show you at the location you expected? More likely than not, you are just seeing the limits of its accuracy and it doesn't have anything to do with settings. The specs call for 10 meter accuracy. So if you record a waypoint one day, then return to the same spot the next day, the gps could show your position 20 meters (66 feet) from the waypoint and still be within spec.
The position format just changes the way the numbers are displayed on the screen and doesn't change where it is shown on the map.
The position format just changes the way the numbers are displayed on the screen and doesn't change where it is shown on the map.
3767
General Discussion / Re: Spend my money!!!
« on: July 03, 2009, 11:04:03 AM »
Since you're inviting us to "spend your money".... it really isn't too hard to make your own map which shows the boundaries of wildlife management areas, etc. The first step is to find the data, which should be available at your state's GIS website. Try some google searches - you are looking for shapefiles, so something like "Montana WMA shapefiles" or similar queries will probably yield some hits. Alternately, start with the state's main website and look for the Geographic Survey, dept of natural resources, or similar agencies.
Once you have found the data it can be pretty simple, but here's where I'm going to spend your money. Buy a copy of Global Mapper: http://globalmapper.com/ You can play with the free demo first to see what you think. It should be able to open any shapefiles you find (files with a .shp) extension. It can even open files inside a .zip (compressed) archive... it's really quite easy to use (but also incredibly powerful).
After opening the file, just export it as "polish format" .mp file. You could use cgpsmapper to compile the result into a Garmin-compatible map, but if you want something easier to use.... spend some more of your money on Mapwel: http://www.mapwel.eu/ It can open the .mp file, display it on your computer where you can edit as desired, compile it as a map and even send it to your GPS.
Once you have found the data it can be pretty simple, but here's where I'm going to spend your money. Buy a copy of Global Mapper: http://globalmapper.com/ You can play with the free demo first to see what you think. It should be able to open any shapefiles you find (files with a .shp) extension. It can even open files inside a .zip (compressed) archive... it's really quite easy to use (but also incredibly powerful).
After opening the file, just export it as "polish format" .mp file. You could use cgpsmapper to compile the result into a Garmin-compatible map, but if you want something easier to use.... spend some more of your money on Mapwel: http://www.mapwel.eu/ It can open the .mp file, display it on your computer where you can edit as desired, compile it as a map and even send it to your GPS.
3768
Map Making Support / Re: How to find/transform a file type that is usable for my GPS...
« on: July 03, 2009, 10:50:00 AM »
Mapwel can export .img files with no problem. But you actually have to buy the advanced version: http://www.mapwel.eu/exportmap/hw_export.html
I use this myself and it works great.
I use this myself and it works great.
3769
Map Making Support / Re: Hand drawn maps
« on: June 30, 2009, 09:38:35 AM »
Yep, that's actually from instructions I posted on another site. Unfortunately you can't run it on the cheaper Tritons. The touchscreen is heavily integrated into Ozi CE and only the 1500 and 2000 have that feature. For starters, you need the touchscreen to enter your registration code.
If you want some of the nice extra features you need to install one of the "unlock" packages on the Triton. It works fine using the instructions above, but you can't do things like suspend the program or change the screen brightness. For more info, visit the Custom Software forum at TritonForum.com.
If you want some of the nice extra features you need to install one of the "unlock" packages on the Triton. It works fine using the instructions above, but you can't do things like suspend the program or change the screen brightness. For more info, visit the Custom Software forum at TritonForum.com.
3770
Map Making Support / Re: How to find/transform a file type that is usable for my GPS...
« on: June 29, 2009, 12:08:38 PM »
It depends on what's in the files, but you might have a look at Mapwel. It should be able to read the shapefiles and load them onto your GPS in Garmin .img format. That does not necessarily mean they will look nice, but it's a start and the software is pretty easy to use: http://www.mapwel.eu/
You can download the trial version and see what you think. The trial version will not export the fully detailed map, but it should display it correctly on your computer screen. Also, have you looked at the Garmin format maps here? http://gpsmapsearch.com/
You can download the trial version and see what you think. The trial version will not export the fully detailed map, but it should display it correctly on your computer screen. Also, have you looked at the Garmin format maps here? http://gpsmapsearch.com/
3771
GPSr Units / Re: Nuvi 5000
« on: June 24, 2009, 07:01:10 PM »
Why would you want to use it outside a car? 
Aside from an external battery you would also need the cradle to properly power it. You can power it through the USB connector on the back of the unit, but the maximum brightness will then only be about 50% of what you would have if using the cradle. I gather this is a "feature" and not a bug, since other Nuvi's with cradles behave the same.
Aside from an external battery you would also need the cradle to properly power it. You can power it through the USB connector on the back of the unit, but the maximum brightness will then only be about 50% of what you would have if using the cradle. I gather this is a "feature" and not a bug, since other Nuvi's with cradles behave the same.
3772
GPSr Units / Re: NUVI 5000 vs 855
« on: June 24, 2009, 06:58:50 PM »
No need to call. I have a Nuvi 5000 and it records tracks. In fact, all Nuvi's in Garmin's current lineup record track. Only the older models (which may still be on sale some places) don't track - Nuvi 200, 300 and 600 series.
In fact, the new models are always recording track - you can't disable it. You can only clear the log and choose whether or not to show it on the screen.
In fact, the new models are always recording track - you can't disable it. You can only clear the log and choose whether or not to show it on the screen.
3773
Map Making Support / Re: Hand drawn maps
« on: June 20, 2009, 03:16:29 PM »
Have a look at Mapwel, it would do pretty much everything you need (including "rubber sheeting"). You can play with the free version to see if you like it: http://www.mapwel.eu/features.htm
Mapsource is really not the right tool for making this kind of map. But for that matter, a Garmin GPS is really not the right tool for this application either. OziExplorer is a program specifically designed to work with scanned maps (raster images) on the PC, and it has a companion program, OziExplorer CE which runs on Windows CE based gps'es. Raster images can consist of just about anything - scanned maps, satellite photos, USGS quads. I am using it on a Magellan Triton 1500 and it's very impressive. It assumes a certain amount of technical/computer knowledge to get everything working though so it's not for the average consumer. See their site here: http://www.oziexplorer.com/
Mapsource is really not the right tool for making this kind of map. But for that matter, a Garmin GPS is really not the right tool for this application either. OziExplorer is a program specifically designed to work with scanned maps (raster images) on the PC, and it has a companion program, OziExplorer CE which runs on Windows CE based gps'es. Raster images can consist of just about anything - scanned maps, satellite photos, USGS quads. I am using it on a Magellan Triton 1500 and it's very impressive. It assumes a certain amount of technical/computer knowledge to get everything working though so it's not for the average consumer. See their site here: http://www.oziexplorer.com/
3774
General Discussion / Re: Opinions of Accuracy/Completeness of Logging road data
« on: June 08, 2009, 09:32:17 AM »
More likely than not, maps on this site will have used TIGER road data. I assume you are the same person who asked about this at GPSFileDepot and you are looking for Oregon maps. Since the maps here are free, why not just download one for your area and have a look yourself?
I believe the OpenStreetMap project has also used TIGER data (please correct me if I'm off base here!). You can browse their maps here: http://www.openstreetmap.org/
I believe the OpenStreetMap project has also used TIGER data (please correct me if I'm off base here!). You can browse their maps here: http://www.openstreetmap.org/
3775
GPSr Units / Re: Can I pop the hood on my Nuvi 500?
« on: June 01, 2009, 12:27:35 PM »
Assuming the 500 is like other Nuvi's, here's how to save a favorite to include the coordinates. Press Menu > Where To > Coordinates. You will get a screen which shows your current coordinates. There should be a Save button at the bottom of the screen. Tap that and you will save your current position as a waypoint with coordinates.
This is just from memory and I don't have a Nuvi here at the moment. So it might be slightly different but this is the basic concept.
This is just from memory and I don't have a Nuvi here at the moment. So it might be slightly different but this is the basic concept.
3776
GPSr Units / Re: Garmin 855
« on: May 21, 2009, 12:23:59 PM »
Some of the maps on the site have Macintosh installers. If not, then you would have to install on a PC and run Garmin's mapconvert program.
3777
GPSr Units / Re: Screen size
« on: May 21, 2009, 12:22:34 PM »
The widescreen Nuvi's are really pretty awkward for handheld use. They are just too wide to carry and view comfortably. All of the widescreen Nuvi's have 480x272 pixel screens. The regular ones are 320x240. The Oregon screen is in between at 400x240.
On the larger side, the Nuvi 5000 has a 5" screen at 800x480. But not suitable for handheld use because no battery!
On the larger side, the Nuvi 5000 has a 5" screen at 800x480. But not suitable for handheld use because no battery!
3778
GPSr Units / Re: Removing map from Nuvi
« on: May 02, 2009, 08:09:43 AM »
If you don't know how to use mapsource, how did you install the map?
In almost all cases, maps which a user installs on the Nuvi will be named gmapsupp.img. Connect the Nuvi to your computer and open it up like a disk to view the files. Open the Garmin folder. You should see a file named gmapsupp.img. Just to play it safe, copy that file to a location on your computer in case you want it again later. Then delete the gmapsupp.img file from the Nuvi. DO NOT change any other files on the Nuvi!
If you really want some cheap insurance, before touching anything on the Nuvi, copy the entire contents to your computer. That way you will have a backup which can be restored later if needed. Most Nuvi's have USB 1.0, so it may take quite awhile to copy its contents to your computer (45 minutes?). It will also consume over 2GB of space on your disk, but it could save you a lot of trouble later on if there's a problem.
In almost all cases, maps which a user installs on the Nuvi will be named gmapsupp.img. Connect the Nuvi to your computer and open it up like a disk to view the files. Open the Garmin folder. You should see a file named gmapsupp.img. Just to play it safe, copy that file to a location on your computer in case you want it again later. Then delete the gmapsupp.img file from the Nuvi. DO NOT change any other files on the Nuvi!
If you really want some cheap insurance, before touching anything on the Nuvi, copy the entire contents to your computer. That way you will have a backup which can be restored later if needed. Most Nuvi's have USB 1.0, so it may take quite awhile to copy its contents to your computer (45 minutes?). It will also consume over 2GB of space on your disk, but it could save you a lot of trouble later on if there's a problem.
3779
GPSr Units / Re: Garmin 200 not showing Florida Topo map in county menu
« on: April 18, 2009, 01:50:31 PM »
After you drag the map into view, you could tap a location and save it as a favorite. Then the next time you want to "visit" Florida you could just pull up the favorite or use the "recently found" function.
3780
GPSr Units / Re: Got City Navigator update for Nuvi how to install it on Laptop fort Map Sour
« on: April 12, 2009, 06:39:34 AM »
Really, the easiest way would be to just download the update again using the laptop. The link you used the first time should continue to work for awhile. AFAIK, there is no limit to how many computers you can install the maps on, but you can only install them on one GPS.
Otherwise, you could try copying the files directly but you might run into some issues. I believe the location of the files may vary with your version of Mapsource. On my computer they are located in \Garmin\CNNANT2009
Otherwise, you could try copying the files directly but you might run into some issues. I believe the location of the files may vary with your version of Mapsource. On my computer they are located in \Garmin\CNNANT2009
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