GPS baseline maps vs downloading maps

[+spyder8]

I only have an old Garmin 12XL that I use - and it's great for Geocaching,

But a friend was asking about units with maps.

 

So, how detailed is the included baseline map in most GPS units ?

I'm just wondering, when the newer GPS models

have a "map" just how detailed are they...

do they just have the very major streets or expressways,

or do they have say the actual streets in a sub-division ?

They may not have turn by turn,

but could they be used to at least see where you are located ?

 

I happen to have the Trimble Outdoors software

loaded on my Nextel phone,

and it can download - realtime - street, topo, & aerial views

of my location...

 

Anyway, I know you can purchase & download GPS maps,

which would imply that the GPS only has a

very basic major highway type of map.

 

Also - are the loadable maps unique to each GPS vendor,

or is there a standard software mix that can be loaded

on most of the GPS vendors....

[DogFleazJR]

 

Anyway, I know you can purchase & download GPS maps,

which would imply that the GPS only has a

very basic major highway type of map.

 

Also - are the loadable maps unique to each GPS vendor,

or is there a standard software mix that can be loaded

on most of the GPS vendors....

 

Spyder8,

 

you are correct, the base map is very basic - major bodies of water (e.g. oceans, great lakes), Interstate hiways, US hiways. The renditions are rudimentary straight-line, point to point. If you want to auto-nav, you will need to purchase detailed maps that are auto-nav capable such as Garmin's City Navigator. You can see the levels of detail on Garmin's web site.

 

Also correct, the map sets are unique to each vendor, although there are ways to "hack" maps to make them auto-routable.