Is Software Necessary?

[+4obyrnes]

I'm a neebie and soon plan to purchase my first GPS. I am planning to buy a Garmin Etrex Legend. Do I have to purchase software or does some come on it? It says basemaps are on it - are they not enough?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

4obyrnes

[+TotemLake]

I'm a neebie and soon plan to purchase my first GPS. I am planning to buy a Garmin Etrex Legend. Do I have to purchase software or does some come on it? It says basemaps are on it - are they not enough?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

4obyrnes

Typically, base maps provide major roadways and towns. Anything small or rural tend not to be included. The software you get for your GPS (which is proprietary by brand), will add to it. Do you need it? No. Will it help? As you get more involved with this sport, yes.

[+ejnewman]

Basemaps are pretty worthless. If you want to use the GPS as a roadmap you will have to buy maps for it, typically on the order of $80-100.

 

You don't need any maps to geocache though, just something that tells you how far and in what direction to go.

[+4obyrnes]

Thanks so much!

 

[+Miragee]

Although you don't need maps to find Geocaches, the Topo (or older Roads and Recreation) maps would be a nice addition to your GPSr.

 

In addition, you might want to download some of the helpful software available for transfering the waypoints from the website to your GPSr. GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) is very useful, as is Cachemate if you happen to have an old Palm somewhere.

[+BlueDeuce]

I love the Legend, but I would not recommend buying mapping software for a low memory, B&W, non auto-routing gps. Topos? No idea. I've never used it so I have no input.

[+Jurgen & co]

I would advice the topo because the legend is non routing. Then you have al the small walking roads etc. Also i would look at GSAK in combination with a premium Memberschip at GC.COM