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Team DeLorme

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Posts posted by Team DeLorme

    New Topo program

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I agree with O-Mega's post, if all you're looking to do is transfer geocache coordinates to your Garmin there are some good applications out there for free. Our Topo USA 7.0 application will allow you to import .gpx and .loc files from gc.com and transfer them to your Garmin Vista Hcx, but you’re actually paying for a lot more functionality than you'll use if you're only looking to upload and download waypoints and tracks.

     

    Topo USA does have some great features for planning your geocaching trips and other outdoor activities. You can create road, trail, and direct routes... you can profile your routes and view them in 3-D... there's a huge dataset of points of interest to help you find food, gear, fuel, and lodging while you're on a trip... there's even a process for downloading high resolution aerial imagery to better plan your geocaching routes.

     

    Consider all the features you might be looking for in your desktop software and go from there. If you want more details on Topo USA you can find them at our website.

     

    Thanks,

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Delorme Topo USA 7.0/ Garmin 60 Csx

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    hillse1,

     

    CowboyPapa and fratermus have it right. Our DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 will exchange waypoint, track, and route data with many different GPS recievers, including the Garmin 60Csx. If you want to see DeLorme maps, as well as USGS topo, aerial and satellite imagery, and NOAA charts on a handheld GPS our DeLorme Earthmate GPS PN-20 is the only option. Check out our forums for more helpful info: http://forums.delorme.com.

    I hope this helps!

     

    -Brian

    -Team DeLorme

    Unwanted Miles DeLorme PN20 and Others

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    My apologies for the delay in replying to this thread... we have confirmed the bug that the original poster described and have fixed the problem for the next firmware release. This update is scheduled to release in mid-summer to correspond with desktop work currently in progress. Thank you for your help in identifying the problem as well as your patience while we address the issue.

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Earthmate PN-20

    in How do I...?

    Posted

    I've been looking at 3 GPS handheld devices, and I was wondering if anyone could provide any guidance?

     

    I'm strongly leaning toward the DeLorme Earthmate PN-20. I'm leaning toward it because of the maps included in the purchase price, the quality of those maps, and the customer service levels of DeLorme. The downside here is that the maps are slow to redraw.

     

    Thanks for the thoughts. Any thoughts or comments would be most appreciated!

     

    WZRD75, it looks like you're just up the road from us in Freeport! Why don't you stop by the Map Store and check out the PN-20. Come during the work week and I'll let you use my PN-20 to find our Bears in the Bushes cache. You can try the Topo maps, USGS Quads, and some color aerial imagery. That should give you a good feel for how the device will perform. Think of it as a test drive and a chance to visit Eartha.

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Help me decide

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Lower cost Delorme

     

    Especially right now with our "March Madness" sale going on now thru March 25th!

    http://www.delorme.com/retailmatch/

    And don't forget DeLorme's 30-day money back guarantee. :)

     

    The differences are few, that is why it is a tuff call. Either unit will serve you well.

     

    There are a couple of key differences. For one, the Topo USA software is included in the price. Also, no other device gives you the ability to view many different map styles on a single device. Aerial Photography, NOAA charts, USGS 7.5min quads, and the Topo USA topo and street maps with POI's all loaded at the same time. layered as you choose. With the latest firmware you can now view the topo, street, and POI detail layered right over aerial photos. Screenshots available here: http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=13849

     

    -Brian

    Delorme PN-20

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    The PN-20 does offer road routing capability. Topo USA has the same data available in our Street Atlas product, giving you all the points of interest and the latest road data. You can create a route on the device, view turn by turn directions and see the route highlight on the screen. The info fields are customizable to show distance to turn, ETA and all the other valuable statistics while you're traveling.

     

    Keep in mind that the PN-20's primary use is geocaching, hiking, biking and general outdoor activities. It will not compare well with the dedicated in-vehicle devices that are out there. If your primary use is off-road/geocaching and your interested in all the mapping capabilities of the device then you will be pleased with the additional road routing features. I always recommend that people create their routes with Topo USA and then transfer them to the device. Your keyboard will always be faster when it comes to entering information...

     

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    MAP60Cx with Delorme Topo USA 7.0

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Team DeLorme

    Topo USA has a Custom Symbol Set feature that allows you to create a matching symbol set for your GPS device. In your case it looks like one of our forum posters has already created it! Follow the link below and download the Garmin 60CSx.dim file. Place it in your DeLorme Docs\Symbols directory and then make sure it is selected when you send and receive waypoints from your GPS.

     

    It all works because the symbols on your GPS have a unique Waypoint Symbol ID associated with them. This allows people to create a custom symbol set that maps a user created symbol in Topo to an ID that will be recognized by your GPS. The forum post has a lot of information... I can provide more details too... since the file has already been created I think you're all set.

     

    Let me know if you have any questions.

     

    http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=6214

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    DeLorme Topo Maps for Canada?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Point,

    Not quite that simple. You scan the map into your computer. You use the software to "register" the map, matching locations so that that scanned map is put into its proper geographical location. You would then "cut" the map into a package that can be sent to the PN-20. It is definitely more than just "taking a picture" it would be a custom raster data layer that you have created.

    You could digitally trace the roads on your scanned map to create a routeable road layer and then it would be routable in both the software and the PN-20.

    Not sure about plans for a Topo Canada. We have Canadian street data, but no topo at this time. It would be wrong of me to speculate. :anicute:

    Check out some of the threads on this topic on the DeLorme forum. There are many expecienced users there as well.

    I hope this helps!

    -Brian

    DeLorme Topo Maps for Canada?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Point,

    DeLorme does not have a standard topographic database for Canada at this time. In order to view Canadian maps on the PN-20 GPSr you would want to use the DeLorme Xmap software, which would allow you to import almost any map data that you could find on the internet (depending upon file type) or scanned paper maps and then transfer that data to the PN-20.

    I hope this helps. :D

    -Brian

    Im so confused

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Based on the three activities you described you should check out the Earthmate GPS PN-20. It costs $299, comes with all the Topo data for the entire US, and includes a $100 certificate for maps like Nautical Charts, USGS Quads, and Aerial Imagery. The device will float with our LiIon battery or the Energizer e2 battery... they are lighter than alkaline and tip the buoyancy scale in our favor. If you are still researching devices the maps make it worth checking out... and there's a 30 day money back guarantee if you decide to try it.

     

    http://www.delorme.com/

     

    Let me know if you have any questions.

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    GPSr accuracy test

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted · Edited by Team DeLorme

    There was a good discussion on accuracy and averaging techniques with consumer GPS devices earlier this month. Check out this link...

     

    http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...mp;hl=averaging

     

    I would suggest the following test while you have devices in hand to gather results...

     

    From the previous post:

    We recommend putting your GPS device to the test... use a benchmark with a known location. Create a waypoint for your known location, download it to your desktop application, draw a circle around it with radius equal to the error... if the waypoint error covers the known location then the device is reporting an accurate error value. Repeat this test over multiple days, at different times of day, and you will see the intersection of these circles begin to define a smaller area that represents the average of your readings.

    If you don't have access to a benchmark (we have lots of snow here in Maine) you could use software or a website to view high resolution aerial imagery and create a waypoint at a visible location like a manhole cover or a drain grate. Go to that location and record what each of your devices thinks the coordinates are, along with the accuracy reading. Bring that information back to the application where you got the original coordinate and see how they agree with the aerial imagery.

     

    The key is to run this test over a few days, at different times of day. That will do a better job of removing any outside influences on your test and give you nice random data to evaluate your devices.

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Which GPS do you recommend?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I have 1' and 6" resolution aerials in Mr. Sid format...does that mean with this XMap 5.2 Pro I could load them on my PN-20?

    The $99 upgrade to XMap will give you the ability to load MrSIDD and GeoTIFF imagery into your desktop mapping application for planning and then move it to your PN-20 for use in the field.

     

    Keep in mind that XMap also comes with two-point image registration so you'd be able to load any digital image and move that to your PN-20 as well. I've seen several examples of people scanning paper trail maps for local parks and then using them to hike with their PN-20s. Very exciting stuff!

     

    Regarding the sale on DeLorme 3DTQ (USGS Quads by state) datasets, I thought that was still going on... drop me an e-mail and I'll track down an answer on Monday.

     

    Let me know if you have any other questions...

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    PN-20 or Colorado 400t?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    What would really be great, Chip, is to have the ability to open an entire new screen when clicking on the geocache icon.

    I created a post on our forum with images of the new Comment Details page that will be available in a week or so. There are lots of great suggestions coming in... We are very pleased with all of the feedback we've gotten from our forum and from the gc.com forum. Thank you all for taking the time to pass along your ideas.

     

    http://forum.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?p=64972#64972

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    PN-20 or Colorado 400t?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I am able to mark the caches as found both on the Treo and on my 60CSX and find the next closest cache. [A feature prominently lacking on the Delorme].

     

    Don't get me wrong the Delorme unit is a nice feature packed unit with decent enough maps. For power cachers not being able to mark your finds is a severe drawback in my opinion.

    The Find Geocache option that you are describing is very nice... For those using a PN-20 the following steps are available:

     

    -Press the Find button

    -Show: Waypoints, Symbol: Geocache

    The list will populate with the geocaches closest to your current location, showing Bearing, Arrow, and Distance.

    -After you find the nearest cache, change the waypoint symbol from Geocache to Geocache Found.

    The list will update to show the next closest geocache that you need to find.

     

    A few more steps than what BANDA described, but something that might be helpful to PN-20 owners. I will post screenshots at forum.delorme.com for those interested...

     

    A fast transition from one cache to the next... great suggestion, keep them coming. We're listening!

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    PN-20 or Colorado 400t?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    I guess the way in which it unlocks is unusual and a good number of people have broken a tab off in doing it wrong.

    Just remember to push down on the SD card latch tab, don't pry up on it... let us know if you have any questions. It seems like the forum posters here and at the DeLorme forum know more about the device than we do now... you'll be in good hands if you have any questions!

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Averaging

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    But I create the waypoint first, then use the averaging option to fine-tune the coordinates.

     

    I'm missing something here. Just how do you go about "fine tuning" a waypoint after it is created? What is the sequence?

    The key is in returning to the same location over several days, at different times of day, to update your GPS average. Returning over several days increases the random nature of your readings... reduces the influence of the constellation pattern and the atmospheric interference. Taking one reading or multiple readings within the same visit means that the error associated with the constellation and atmosphere are the same for all readings.

     

    The Earthmate GPS PN-20 keeps track of the total number of readings as well as the change in accuracy as new data is collected. After creating the initial waypoint just return to the location, view the Waypoint Details page and press Menu to select the Average Waypoint... option. This will continue averaging the location you previously recorded. Keep in mind that this process is only as good as the data collection pattern used.

     

    We recommend putting your GPS device to the test... use a benchmark with a known location. Create a waypoint for your known location, download it to your desktop application, draw a circle around it with radius equal to the error... if the waypoint error covers the known location then the device is reporting an accurate error value. Repeat this test over multiple days, at different times of day, and you will see the intersection of these circles begin to define a smaller area that represents the average of your readings. I’ve done this test using the PN-20 and high resolution aerial imagery from our area and have been pleased with the results.

     

    Here is a link to some very informative GPS accuracy and averaging research by David Wilson, a mathematician from Kent State University...

     

    http://users.erols.com/dlwilson/gps.htm

     

    Let me know if you have any questions about getting the best location information for your geocaches...

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Averaging

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Yes my DeLorme PN-20 dose. and I used it for the same thing.

     

    Make sure you get the 1.4 firmware update; we just improved this feature so that you can return to a location you have averaged and gather new data on a different day. You will see the number of readings continue to increase and the accuracy estimate update. This is valuable since the GPS constellations change with time and your best averages are gathered over multiple visits.

     

    For those using our XMap GIS software you will also find averaging tools within the GPS tab in the software.

     

    Let me know if you have any questions...

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    PN-20 or Colorado 400t?

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    PN-21? Chip from Delorme? You there? Spill it for us?

    Forum rumors created by stringing together little bits of information... very exciting stuff...

     

    We announced the LT-40 at CES.

     

    http://www.engadget.com/tag/DeLorme/

     

    This is our Lap Top GPS antenna that runs with Street Atlas USA. Some of our forum posters started sharing feature requests and ideas for future products... Some posters labeled their ideas the PN-40 and the PN-60; others referenced the PN-21...

     

    They were all good customer suggestions... you can read about them on the PN-20 forum and are welcome to post your own ideas. We are always looking for creative suggestions. Unfortunately, the forum posters haven't shared their release schedule with us yet...

     

    If anyone is looking to try out the PN-20 I'd recommend taking advantage of the sale price. It's not a permanent price reduction; it's just a good deal for a limited time. Remember the 30 day money back guarantee and let me know if you have any questions.

     

    Thanks!

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

    Help! Loading caches (wapoints) into Magellan Topo

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Hi Westbrooks,

     

    The simple way to do it is to transfer the points directly from the GPSr into Topo USA. These instructions are for Topo USA 7.0. If you have an older version the instructions are very similar, but ask if you get confused.

     

    Open the "exchange wizard" in the software and connect the GPS to the computer.

     

    Click "select device" and choose GPS.

     

    Click "device settings" and choose Magellan(w/wpt) from the dropdown menu.

     

    Select the correct Com port or USB from the "Com port" dropdown menu.

     

    Click OK.

     

    Check the circle next to "recieve from device"

     

    From the "object type" dropdown choose "waypoints"

     

    Click Next.

     

    Name your new waypoint file.

     

    Choose your waypoint symbol (the default is for whatever the last symbol you used in Topo USA. If you choose the symbol you want from the Draw Tab before doing the exchange it will help.).

     

    Click "Recieve from Device" NOT "Finish"

     

    After the exchange is complete, click "Finish"

     

    I hope this helps! :lol:

     

    -Brian

    Mapping GPS receivers

    in Benchmarking

    Posted

    Don't forget about the color aerial imagery that is available on the PN-20. Combine that with the USGS Quads and you've got some powerful data to help find your benchmarks.

     

    You might also consider loading the high resolution color imagery from your local GIS department for free through our XMap software. I was using six inch imagery for our building and parking lot to conduct accuracy tests with manhole covers, drain grates and parking space lines in the software and on the PN-20. Having searched for a few benchmarks, the more map data the better...

     

    Chip Noble

    Team DeLorme

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