player

"It is missing major streets that have been around for 10 years in my area. My parents entire neighborhood is missing, and it has been there for at least seven years." I have MapSend Top. Email me and I'll give you directions to your parents house.

I find that many of the answers that we get on this web site are mis leading for people who are just starting out with a GPS unit. I recently got my Platinum and purchased the MapSend topo based on recommendations. The unit was absolutely correct and I thank everyone for their advice. I am totally satisfied. I find however, that unless people who are so willing to give you answers ask you about your needs first, then take everything said with a grain of salt. I am using my GPS for geocaching and metal detecting sights. I could have done without the mapsendTopo. There are to many mapping sites available (easygps) that have much more detail and far superior to the MapSendtopo. The base map for my needs is just fine. When I go out on a hunt< I will depend on other sources for my hard copy maps to get me there and use my GPS for the final pin pointing for caches and saving spots for metal detecting. In my opinion, and I am new, you don't need the topo and you don't need the SD card and reader. If your dealing with wants it is a differant story, but from a needs stand point, you can do with out. In time I may prove myself wrong, but for now I would recommend the unit and outside vendors.

quote:Originally posted by peter: quote:Originally posted by player:I am new so take this with a grain of salt. I am going to use my Platinum (when I get it, it's on order) with MapSend Topo. No, I do not intend to get an SD card right away. I have a computer and I get more pleasure out of looking at a topo map on my computer then a 3 inch screen on my GPS unit. ... I will plot my course on the computer. I will determine how to get to where I am going with the topo on my computer. I will enter the co-ordinates for the cache on the computer and the GPS unit. When I get to the cache site I will use the GPS unit. (and probably play with it along the way). That's it. What am I missing? You can do the above, but you may be rather disappointed by MapSend Topo which is based on USGS 1:100,000 maps and further compressed to be more suitable for downloading directly to the GPS rcvrs. While usable on the PC, there are much better topo maps available for that purpose such as those by Nat'l Geographic/Wildflower, MapTech, or over the internet with ExpertGPS. Any of these will give you much more detailed USGS 1:24000 scale maps on your PC screen - and you can also use them to send waypoint data to your Magellan GPS. So if you're really only going to use the maps on your PC there's not much point in using MapSend maps. But they are quite usable for those who want to have the topo information appear right on the GPS rcvr. screen. "and you can also use them to send waypoint data to your Magellan GPS." Can you really load waypoints to the Magellan without a SD card?

I think that every ones needs might be different and before asking ones needs every one seems to make all kinds of recommendations that might or might not be appropriate. I am new so take this with a grain of salt. I am going to use my Platinum (when I get it, it's on order) with MapSend Topo. No, I do not intend to get an SD card right away. I have a computer and I get more pleasure out of looking at a topo map on my computer then a 3 inch screen on my GPS unit. I will be using the unit for metal detecting and geocaching. I will plot my coarse on the computer. I will determine how to get to where I am going with the topo on my computer. I will enter the co-ordinates for the cache on the computer and the GPS unit. When I get to the cache site I will use the GPS unit. (and probably play with it along the way). That's it. What am I missing? Thanks to all that reply.

I have the MapSend Topo and I really agree with JoeyBob. I think that if you have the topo and your unit that is all you need. Please correct me if I'm wrong. For your needs why spend the extra money?

I have the MapSend Topo and I really agree with JoeyBob. I think that if you have the topo and your unit that is all you need. Please correct me if I'm wrong. For your needs why spend the extra money?

With all the third party software available by third parties (from what i am reading better) , why would anyone one consider the software offered by the manufacturer of their GPS unit? Ordering the Magellan Platinum and can't decide if I should order they're Mapsend TOPO, or consider other mapping software from other venders that I understand cannot be downloaded to the unit, but can be used on my computer. If I download waypoints etc., why do I need more then the basemap provided in the unit. Hope I have made this question clear. Thanks fo all replies.

With all the third party software available by third parties (from what i am reading better) , why would anyone one consider the software offered by the manufacturer of their GPS unit? Ordering the Magellan Platinum and can't decide if I should order they're Mapsend TOPO, or consider other mapping software from other venders that I understand cannot be downloaded to the unit, but can be used on my computer. If I download waypoints etc., why do I need more then the basemap provided in the unit. Hope I have made this question clear. Thanks fo all replies.

I was told to also get a Flash Card reader for the flash cards. It is inexpensive ( around $20. ) Acts as a removable disk drive.

I was told to also get a Flash Card reader for the flash cards. It is inexpensive ( around $20. ) Acts as a removable disk drive.

Trango, Thank you for your reply. I think it's starting to sink in. When I receive my magellan I'm sure it will all come together. As I see it now for more detailed maps (streets, POI etc.), I am forced to get the manufacturers more detailed offering in Mapsend whatever. If I use waypoints, routes etc . created with outside (compatable) mapping software and download it to my base map housed in the unit, what will I be giving up. Do most people buy their maps from their GPS manufacturer or will the process previously, described be satisfactory. (I Will use the unit for metal detecting, geocaching and some travel.) Thanks to all who respond.

I'm a little or perhaps alot confused. The confusion starts with infosponge's response to a very simple question. I was under the impression that mapping software that can be uploaded to our units was only available from that being offered by GPS manufacturer. As an example, I am in the process of purchasing a Magellan Platinum unit. I understand the only mapping software available is their (mapsend) programs. Am I correct? Why do people always talk about these other software programs if they can't be used by they're units. I've seen plenty of good looking maps that seem to be faily detailed on other web sites. Can those be printed and used in conjunction with the basic GPS unit as shipped, and forget about the software manufactured by Magellan?. HELP! Thanks