GPS Mapping Software

[Rowski]

Christmas is just around the corner!

Does anybody use or have any knowledge about mapping software for GPS? I have a Garmin GPSIIplus. I am more interested in topo maps than street maps. I do not need to have instant tracking (to lab top). Basically would like to plot waypoints and routes and also up load waypoints and routes into the GPS.

Almost forgot, were is the best deal for the software?

Thanks.

Derek

 

[gordon]

Derek you want some info on woods this may help http://www.fs.fed.us/database/gps/welcome.htm
Hope this helps
Gordon

 

[MarkV]

Gordon,

You are a fountain of information. Seems like eveytime one of us has a question, you come up with a web site. Now I have to find the time to read all of the sites you have mentioned. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[stevepio]

Since we both have garmins (I have a 12xl), you might be in luck. I use a little shareware thingy called GarTrip that lets you do some the stuff you described. GarTrip lets you up and download from your GPS in a variety of formats, and manage your waypoints. I ALSO use Microsoft streets&trips 2000 for live GPS mapping while I travel. I will try and attach the gartrip .zip fle to this e-mail. You will still need something like DeLorme topoUSA for the "real" maps.

 

[gordon]

It's amazing the stuff you find on the web when your looking for something else. Just wish the goverment would close up alittle---make things easier to find between web sites that is. I've got two or three sites bookmarked, maybe a few more than that./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

It's easy when you have a good search engine./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Just skim the site for what you need then bookmark it for future use. Thats what I do.
Gordon

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by gordon on 12/1/00 06:07 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[Bradey]

Try the following freeware. They both do GPS <-> PC with my Garmin 12XL, probably your IIPlus.

G7ToWin
http://members.home.net/crh24/gps/g7towin/g7towin.htm

Waypoint+
http://www.tapr.org/~kh2z/Waypoint/

The best topo software for the PC is MapTech Terrain Navigator, basically the USGS topo quads (1:24,000). These maps were produced fifty years ago, updated in the 70s, but the info is pretty good. They have a great demo, and the program allows GPS <-> PC. However coverage is not available for every state, and your cheapest buy is coverage for section of a state (for instance, $50 for one of five sections of Michigan); the best buy is regional coverage such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan for $150. They have great packages covering National Parks and Appalachian Trail.

http://www.maptech.com

However, if you're interested in displaying topo maps on your GPS, you might have to look for another package (and possibly another GPS, I'm not sure). I doubt the scale would be as good as Maptech's 24K. Try Ben Meadows website, doing a search on GPS:

http://www.benmeadows.com

 

[Rowski]

Thanks for all the links, freeware and shareware. I still need to get an interface cable first, then I can try the freeware and shareware out. There is a new program out National Geographic Topo made by Wildflower. that looks to be really nice sold buy regions. I'll let you know what I end up with.

Derek