Creating custom topo maps for Garmin

[andylphoto]

This question is in response to a comment in another thread yesterday by byrdog:

 

As for TOPO, personally I see very little value in this product, the contours are metric that have been converted to ft. and are at odd intervals. I strongly suggest learning how to make your own here: http://home.cinci.rr.com/creek/garmin.htm

 

Much better results using data you already paid for. (with taxes)

 

I have read (okay, skimmed) through the page referenced. What I am wondering is if anyone has used this procedure to make their own topo maps for Garmin units? I am interested, but would also like some input from people who have done it. Is it a fairly straightforward procedure if you download the software and follow the instructions? It does look somewhat complicated. Are the maps you end up with worth the time and effort you put into it, as opposed to simply buying TOPO from Garmin?

 

Can someone post screenshots of maps they've created, vs. Garmin maps for the same area? I don't have the Garmin TOPO yet, and while I have browsed the topo collection here, you can't zoom in very much to see detail.

 

I guess I am just wondering if it's worth putting the time and effort into. I think it would be fun, but I do have other things to do with my time too. Thanks for any input...anxious to see where this goes.

[byrdog]

Here is a screenshot from Enchanted Rock state park in central Texas using Topo:

Here is a closer view of the same area:

Here is the same view (as the first) using my custom made topo map:

And the closer, second view:

 

Notice the way the two quadrangles in the first two are not continuous, this park happens to lie on the border of the USGS map.

 

Also, what value is the 1640' and 1804' contours. I got a little excessive with contours every 5 feet but there is much more infor there. My water features need a little work, I have a level problem with the imported hydro' data.

 

Is it easy? Could my mother do it? Of course not. Impossible? No, not impossible either. The webpage you referenced is clearly written and easy enough to follow. This method is much easier than the VFR flying maps I made from scratch a few years ago.

 

If you have some time, give it a try, I think the finished product is well worth the effort.

[andylphoto]

Thanks byrdog. Very nice looking maps. I think I'll give it a shot when I've got some time.

[+Sputnik 57]

IIRC, Garmin topo maps use metric data, converted to feet. 1640' is right at 500 meters. 1804 is 550 meters.

[+BigLarry]

Nice Job byrdog!!

 

I know others who have tried this but failed from standard problems - bad links, confusing instructions, too much effort, ....

 

The maps that come out look great. And another advantage is that you can add your own trails from your tracks. And the maps you get may be more accurate than the very old and outdated Topo maps from Garmin and National Geographic.

 

One issue I have is that the extra detail looks great on a computer screen, but that it may be too cluttered on a GPS. I've found the sparser detail of Garmin's maps are just right to view on my small GSP screen (eTrex Vista and 60CSx). Less detail saves on memory. And I've never had problems finding my way using Garmin's courser maps. I can use Garmin's maps to place a new waypoint within 100', by comparing to an official PDF map and matching contours, lakes, peaks,.... Is there a way to reduce the amount of detail?

 

I use National Geographic when I want something that pretty, but this seems even better.

 

The bigget issue for me is that National Geographic Topo maps are only $80, and save a lot of work.

[byrdog]

You hit the nail on the head.

 

I made a mpa of my neighborhood and made it transparent. It was too cluttered to be of use here, but, we have lots of streets and it is relatively flat.

 

I plan on taking a trip to Enchanted Rock this fall and I will tell you how they look.

[+myotis]

It took a while to figure out how to do it, but once you get it figured out, it is pretty simple and you get extremly hih quality maps. I have been amazed at how accurate they are. They also look great on my 60CSX. I really like how they are transparent. I have generally been using a 10 foot contour interval, but thing are not that tall in the midwest. You can chose the contour interval if you want less clutter, but 10 feet has worked well for me.

 

I have my maps posted at http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/

 

I hope others will start sharing thier maps too.

[+ejnewman]

I've made quite a few homemade topo maps without any problems.

[byrdog]

I have my maps posted at http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/

 

I hope others will start sharing thier maps too.

 

I keep mine installed in MapSource under a "Custom Topo" map set name. It currently has two maps in it.

 

It would be cool if someone could collect all of the custom maps people make and unite them into an easily installable mapset in MapSource. I like to keep City Nav loaded also which complicates using Sendmap.

 

After looking at MapCenter, I am embarrased that there are no maps from Texas, I'll post mine when I get home.

Edited August 16, 2006 by byrdog

[+myotis]

I have my maps posted at http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/

 

I hope others will start sharing thier maps too.

 

I keep mine installed in MapSource under a "Custom Topo" map set name. It currently has two maps in it.

 

It would be cool if someone could collect all of the custom maps people make and unite them into an easily installable mapset in MapSource. I like to keep City Nav loaded also which complicates using Sendmap.

 

After looking at MapCenter, I am embarrased that there are no maps from Texas, I'll post mine when I get home.

 

Once you get it set up, it is pretty easy to add a map. All you have to do is edit test_pv.txt

to add a line img= the newmap then you just run cgpsmapper pv test_pv.txt

 

That is all there is too it.

 

The hard part seems to be setting it up the first time. It would be nice if there was some program that would ask you a few questions and then set it up for you. I bet many more people would use the custom maps that way. I can certianly understand people being weiry on editing the registry.