Paperless mapping

[+RV CREW]

What is the procedure for paperless mapping? I picked a used etex Venture Cx and a Tungsten C. I am still using Mapquest to get me near the cache. Is there a way for me to have the GPS map give me the same info that Mapquest does?

[Neos2]

These two articles give a wealth of information on paperless caching.

 

Florida caching article: Paperless caching

 

Geocaching U article on paperless caching.

 

The amount of information about the location of the cache will be limited to the amount of information on the map you are using in your gps. If you have only the basemap installed, you will get less information about nearby streets, businesses, and water features than you will if you have a more sophiticated map installed.

 

We use Garmin products (a 76cs and a 60cs), and have both City Select and Topo maps that we can load into our units. City Navigator is another option for urban caching (and would be used instead of the City Select).

 

Once we run a PQ, we load the caches into the gps. The caches overlay onto the maps we have installed. I load both types of maps on my 76 because it has more memory space, my husband usually loads only the Select maps onto his so he can keep detailed info on a larger area on the gps.

 

I know there are ways to load the maps onto the PDAs as well, although we don't use that method, because we prefer to use our geocaching mode on the gps units we have (FInd a cache and click the button to say we found it and it automatically sets itself up to find the next nearest cache).

[+Old Salty Dog]

I'm just getting into the paperless caching and I'm going far enough to try to combine all of my caching "tools" into one device. Santa dropped off a new wireless/bluetooth Pocket PC yesterday and since I had an idea of what I was getting, I have been doing some research into what I'll need.

 

The first is to set up pocket queries, something I've been using for a long, time now as it makes caching trips much easier.

 

I've used several applications for organizing/managing those .gpx files and my favorite is GSAK because it lets you do so many things with the file before you push it to the handheld.

 

On the handheld, I'm using GPS Sonar. Although I'm using Windows Mobile 5.0, it runs just fine.

 

For GPS interface/mapping, I'm doing a trial with Bee Line GPS (http://www.visualgps.net/) and I'm happy with it so far - it's got geocaching features built into it so your GPS nav data and waypoints are all integrated into one happy package. I don't have street level maps but if I need those, I can use pocket streets and export street level maps to the thing and navigate with those. I like the challenge though.

 

My GPS rcvr is a bluetooth unit that sits on the dash (creatively designed holder in word) while in the car and clips right onto my camelback/geostash bag when I'm out of the car. In addition to the GPS holder, I'll be getting a Pocket PC holder and then both devices can be on a charger while in the car if needed. So far, my battery life has lasted longer than I can on a winter caching day.

 

No more three ring binder and GPS (verion 1), no more GPS, Palm Pilot and notebook (version 2) and finally, no more GPS and Pocket PC (version 3). Now it's the pocket PC and my hydration pack and I've got all that I need. No more papers to loose and before long, GSAK will have a better macro that will allow me to push my cache notes directly to GC.com when I sync the Pocket PC!

 

It can be done, it just takes some time to figure out what software meets your needs.

[+Old Salty Dog]

An update on the paperless caching I've been trying out. I like it!

 

The PPC is a Dell Axim X51v that is wireless/bluetooth enabled. That allows me to surf the net to the GC website, tailor my pocket queries or grab a single coordinate and download it directly to the PPC. That's a really nice feature to have if I'm away from the house and need some info.

 

The GPS is a Holux GPS that's bluetooth and about the size of a matchbox. Sync's so fast it'll amaze you and it's got good battery life.

 

Only one software package now. Beeline GPS software gets the job done well. It uses the GPX file to show the info you downloaded with the PQ and gives you navigation cues. Notes are build right into it and it has all of the "usual" GC icons.

 

No real issues with battery life in either device but having the extended battery for the PPC or at least a second standard battery will be a good backup. I carry the PPC in a rhinoskin aluminum case but I'm looking for a better option.

 

I'm sold, paperless caching is for me.