snowfleurys

I think we were just addressing different parts of your question(s) from different viewpoints. I have not heard that how Garmin codes elevation data in their mapsets has been reverse engineered. From a quick look at the backroads site, I did not find a reference to elevation data being in their mapsets. Garmin will not license their build software for data covering the US, I have not heard if they would for Canada, however, as they sell products covering Canada, I would expect they would not. Elevation data can be placed in a Custom 'raster' map - this works for a 3D view, but the data can be used by the pointer nor a track as the DEM data in a mapset can. Using free DEM data on the computer or via a website for some types of GPSr applications can be done; having it usable on the GPSr or for other types of GPSr applications is a different matter. I have seen information on some of the websites of professional grade GPSr makers which state the vertical 'error' is about 2.5-3 times (one stated 4) the horizontal 'error' - i.e. if GPSr has a probablily of being within 5 meters, the elevation would likely be within 12.5-15 (or even 20) meters. I would not think the 'accuracy' of Canadian data is that much less than use data. One of the methods of producing the gridded DEM data is from digitized contour lines - for most of the US these are at a scale of 24k, for Canada the basic map series is 50k; therefor, the 'accuracy' would be somewhat less as lines can only be spaced so close and printed without 'running' together.

Given the size of the basemap file, I would expect the DEM in the basemap to have a spacing of about 1km. Consider the basemap to be roughly a world map on one sheet of paper, like in a large sized world atlas. I would expect the DEM with TOPO Canada to be much more detailed and that it would be used in place of the DEM in the base map (where you had the data uploaded to the GPSr; same as the vector data does).

Actually the ability to have mapsets in more than just a single gmapsupp.img file was long awaited. Having each mapset in a different file on the GPSr makes it so much easier to add additional mapsets and/or replace one with a newer version. With a single gmapsupp.img file everything had to be resent to the GPSr each time an addition/change/deletion was made.

Take MM 102 Must be a 62 thing as on my OR300 each is listed seperately. The usual method is to send one mapset, or selected parts from it, to the GPSr (62 and other new models). Mapsource/Basecamp will name this file gmapsupp.img. Rename this to somename.img - probably best to keep this to 8 character or less; the .img extension is critical. Then do the same for another mapset; renaming it to a different name with a .img extension. Lots of useres do. Maybe if there were a lot of complaints to Garmin they would make things user friendly.

The Old Hawaiian datum is not the same as NAD27, It is specific to Hawaii, NAD is specific to North America.

Do you have a card reader? Or does you computer have a multimedia slot. If either, you should be able to read the card directly.

The 't' models come preloaded with Garmin's 100k topo on the GPSrs internal memory (which is larger to hold the mapset). Garmin's website says 'preloaded maps (U.S. topographic)' in the descriptions of the 't' models.

Transparency is a misnomer, those types of mapsets function as an overlay and display 'on top of' a base/main map. A solid fill polygon will cover up any data within its area already displayed. The map author decides at time of creation if the files are to be a base type or intended to be an overlay. Overlay mapsets usually contain information which is not in the base/main map, i.e. to display contours with City Navigator; or more detailed trail information. To have the roads, etc. of CN and Ibycus displaying at the same time would be very confusing. As you have observed, the shading works differently. The built-in world base map with shading will display when zoomed out beyond the level which another mapset was set to display to. The shading will continue to display as you zoom in even after the vector data in the world base map is no longer displaying. There is also a setting to disable the shading.

What are the number of segments and total file size for each of Garmin's 6 24k topo DVD? West - 1,814 segemnts; 3.83Gb Southwest North Central South Central Northeast Southeast

That is the normal color usage on a nautical chart. In a boat you want all the marine data to be easily visible as much of it is safety related.

I would expect there are not polygons representing the water in the OSM data base. From what I saw a year ago (and I never found any detailed information on how OSM was designed nor of the data structure and limitations), it only correctly handles polygons with a very small number of coordinates. What I was observing for larger features was similiar to issues with some of the first personal computer mapping (GIS) programs in the early 1990s.

One of the sites which provides OSM data uses the same Family ID number and probably the same mapset name for every file it distributes. Makes it easier for them, but when a user needs more than one area/file, you see the downside of doing so. Also the increase in allow mapset names, sizes and memory size is making what was of little concern on the units available two years ago not work so good now.

On this side of the pond, Garmin's Birdseye refers to areal (photo) imagery not vector lime maps. You can download small areas of your choice at no cost, so you can decide for yourself if you think they are worth it to you. They are not routable as the data is source pixel images and not refined vector lines.

If you do not remember it taking that long (hours) for your home location when you first got, I agree with eusty - send it back while you can.

Ofcourse topo maps have roads, and hydro, etc. What makes them topo maps versus planimetric maps are the contour lines. Most mapsets at gpsfiledepot do not have the routing capability. It can take a lot more time to get the source data properly formated and the version of the software used to compile the files was more costly. For routing see the above mentioned garmin.na1400.info site. Which a year ago did not include contour lines, has flawed polygons and was populated with data which is now 4 or 5 years out of date.

Happy with it or not; I would bring it to Garmins attention. Either something went wrong in their distribution network or the manufacturing factory made an error. There may be other differences that may cause you problems at a later date if the unit was meant for a Slovenian market.

Easy caches, but what size? You might trip over an easy large/normal sized cache but would have to do some serious looking for a easy micro. What type of terrain? GPS signals are reflected off building and cliffs. What was the satellite configuration (circle of error size)? Few satellites and/or all off to one side can greatly increase the error size; as can heavy vegetation cover on the older units. "Hold level" is a message I see when calibrating the compass. Have you calibrated the compass? Often?? I have my 76csx in the cup holder between the seats of a Jeep. It needs to be recalibrated every time I leave the Jeep. The turning of the drive shaft a few inches away probably creates a magnetic field which affects the GPSr's compass calibration. 'Proper technique' is to head for the cache and at perhaps 40/30 feet stop and make a mental note of the line and approx position of the cache's location. Then move off to the side 60 or 90 degrees and do the same. Perhaps do this a third time. Then go to the intersection and start looking for the cache. The 'sport' is to use your intelect and observation skills to find the cache. Yes a few times I have walked toward the cache, stoped at 1 foot, looked down and there was the cache. Also found a few 100 to over 200 feet from the supposed location. Remember, not only is there some 'error circle' when using your GPSr, there was also some in the GPSr when the cache was hide - and unlikely that they are offsetting. Sure the new units are more sensitive and have software routines to try to compensate for reflected signals, vegetation, etc. however, the 'sport' is about seeking and finding not about using an electrical device to take you to within inches. Some of the newer units offer paperless caching which could be worth it by itself if you intend to do a lot of caching. Even with the latest and best GPSr, the coordinates of a cache hidden 3,5,7 years ago will be off as much today as when the cache was hidden (unless someone has updated them). Enjoy.

I do not have that model GPSr; however, on the more expensive units you can access the unit's memory as an external device (i.e. hard drive, DVD drive, etc). If you can do so, delete the gmapsupp.img file. Do not delete any other files, as you could delete the built-in base map.

You do not need a map(s) to use a GPSr. The more detailed a map you have, the more likely you will be to enjoy your GPS use expierence, within your limits of map reading. The GPSr should have a basic world map 'built-in'. This will be very general, like a world map on one page for printed maps. As eusty mentiond, talkytoster has free maps of GB. The OpenStreetMap project has free routable maps for most areas of the world (garmin.na1400.info) - quality and detail depend on user input. Mapsets for Garmin GPSrs are available from various other websites - do a google search and see what you find.

Some of these 'enchancements' seem to cause as many problems as there are those who find them useful. Not at all helpful that Garmin's documentation is close to non-existent. Now that your GPSr can once again tell you up-from-dowm, enjoy the vertical world.

If the 100k topo (and 24k topo) does not show contour lines, there is something very serious wrong. Why would a topo map not show contours, by definition a topo map has contours, thats what makes it a topo map. Are you zoomed-in enough, say to the 800ft or 500ft display level? Are you using a profile which is supposed to display the mapset? How can you be happy with the 100k topo for the past year if you have not been seeing contours?

The OR450 will recognize a mapset named somename.img. MapSource only creates a gmapsupp.img file. Simply rename that file. MS will write over an existing gmapsupp.img file the next time it creates a gmapsupp.img file. Vector mapsets go in a Garmin folder. Garmin uses the custom folder for raster image data.

Depends on what you 'need' in a map. Only Garmin knows how they include address searching and 3D elevation data.

Free non-routable topo maps at gpsfiledepot.com Free routable non-topo maps at garmin.na1400.info

My MSTK is also 1.77, cgpsmapper is 100d (free); however, my gpsmapedit (free) is older than yous. Expect that would make the difference.