GPS and mapping software

[mlb231]

Help! I want GPS to both document epic rides and plan out routes in unknown territory (then download the route into the device so I don't get lost). I am looking at the Garmin Legend with their MapSource US Topo mapping software vs. the Magellan SporTrak Map with Topo 3D USA. Info here:

http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=98
http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1044

vs.

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegend/
http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topo.jsp

Anything you can offer that will help me make the decision? Even if not on the specific models, but word about the companies in general? Customer service? Mountain bike emphasis? I assume both give accurate info and the printable maps are very important to me, so I assume we are really talking about the software differences.

Do you know/have you heard anything that may help?

Thank you very much!

Mike

[Dirt]

I "borrowed" Jason's Garmin Legend and software last fall. (I promise I'll return it someday, Jay.... HONEST!!! ;) )

I like the way the GPS works. It is easy to use and the plots are pretty darn accurate. I really don't like Garmin's software and maps that much though. They're fairly low resolution and not that useful. You get the basic idea of topography when you load them into the GPS, but it isn't as nice as the Magellan that I played with in a store.

For map output, I use National Geographic TOPO!. The maps look much better, though I wish the resolution was a bit better. I'd love to zoom in more and get a clear shot of things.

When I finally return Jason's GPS and buy one of my own, I'm going to get the Magellan that has the continental US Topo maps already loaded in the GPS. It is a little more expensive, but I hate having to load and unload maps into the GPS all the time.

As always, this post is useless without pictures... (Most of my posts are useless even with photos... you just get some variety for your eyes when I post photos).

Here is a photo of Kimpossible.

http://www.peterbeers.net/photo/misc_photos/KimPossible.jpg

Here is a map put out by the Garmin software:

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/Elizabeth_Furnace_12-26-2004/Elizabeth_Furnace_Route.jpg

Here is a similar map done by National Geographic Topo!

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/mbrt/5Elizabeth_Furnace/2005-02-12/Elizabeth_Furnace2.jpg

Here is a photo of my 2 cats:

http://myroadtrips.peterbeers.net/photo_album/Kitten/I_MG_2432.JPG

Hope that is of at least some help. Let me know if you have more questions or if you want more photos of my cats. I've got plenty. Sorry. that's the only Kim Possible picture I have.

Pete

[Snot-Rocket]

Peter, great info...I just was puzzling over this detail myself trying to figure out the best option...I'm stuck with my GPS (Garmin) for now...but the Topographic E-data was the bigger questions...

Thanks!

[ezraw]

You might want to check out GPS Visualizer software online -- it's free, which is hard to beat. You can use USGS topo maps or sat. photos from a number of different sources.

http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/examples.html

I've used it with a Garmin (wristwatch style) Forerunner 201 and gotten some decent results. The Forerunner is more suited to speed-distance display than mapmaking, but it will work. It has a bike or run mode, and the next model up has a built in HRM. I got it for running, but it's fun to have on the bike. If you are a runner it makes doing speedwork much easier, esp. if you don't happen to live near a track.

Garmin has responed to user input and updated the firmware to add features over time. I reported an early bug and they posted a fix within a week. Overall, my experience with Garmin has been solidly positive.

Unfortunately, this model is serial only, and my new laptop has no serial port. Once I get a Serial-USB adapter (on order) I will post some new images.

Here are a couple views of the Ft. Dupont trail I did last year using GPS visualizer:

http://photos.yahoo.com/ezraw

[dmofot]

Well I think it's also important to note that Garmin seems to have a much larger user base, at least users that create mapping programs or little program extensions to port the Garmin data. Your also more likely to be able to do 3D mapping...

Check out http://www.earthquakemap.com/

Gary has been using it for a bit, not real extensively, but he likes what he's done so far. I myself don't have a GPS, but I'm hoping to change that in the coming year.

DT

[gaz]

Gary has been using it for a bit, not real extensively, but he likes what he's done so far.

Excuse me?!

[dmofot]

Excuse me?!

Sorry, other Gary - Gary Ryan. The OG.

More fun GPS links:
http://www.gpstrailmaps.com/map3d/index.html
http://www.buster.co.uk/gps.htm
http://www.fugawi.com/docs/fugMOA.html
http://www.oziexplorer.com/

DT

[mlb231]

You rock! I spent the last 2 weeks agonizing over this and in very short order you cleared a number of things up. Two items you may find interesting if you didn't already know:

1. trails.com apparently offers detailed trail info and guidebooks:
http://www.trails.com/explore/maps.asp?mscssid=RDLCT1MN5R7D8P5J5V 2SDF3CJQ8V2T6A

better explanation (scroll down):
http://www.tigergps.com/magmaptop.html

Sounds like there would be a lot of overlap with the mapping software (assuming you buy it, the freeware mentioned is always priced right) but the trail guides would be great to have before you go somewhere new. Just pointing out the topo tie-in

2. www.tigergps.com has extraordinarily low prices! (50% of suggested price of software, for example)

If I knew how to paste them I would include pictures of my 2 cats, H.I. and H.I. Jr. (Raising Arizona reference), but I enjoyed the pictures of yours :)

Thanks again!!!

[skiandmtb]

Anybody have any experience with the Garmin Rino? I may do a bunch of hiking and biking in WV this summer, and maybe the radio would be worth it, should I get mauled by a bear!