Garmin 60CSx - what maps?

[quimbly]

I have a 60CSx. Bought for geocaching only (well, actually a replacement unit for an older model). But I'm interested in what you can do with actual maps on these things, and neither the Garmin site nor the Memory Map site are much help. Can you buy area maps for the 60CSx, or do you have to buy the whole of the UK? Are the maps small enough scale (1:25000) for walking?

 

Yes, I have a compass, and a big map (one of the waterproof ones). But I am thinking that perhaps I could use the GPS? Apologies if this is a FAQ, but I have really only used the GPS for geocaching, and I'd like to get the most out of it.

[+TrailGators]

I have a 60CSx. Bought for geocaching only (well, actually a replacement unit for an older model). But I'm interested in what you can do with actual maps on these things, and neither the Garmin site nor the Memory Map site are much help. Can you buy area maps for the 60CSx, or do you have to buy the whole of the UK? Are the maps small enough scale (1:25000) for walking?

 

Yes, I have a compass, and a big map (one of the waterproof ones). But I am thinking that perhaps I could use the GPS? Apologies if this is a FAQ, but I have really only used the GPS for geocaching, and I'd like to get the most out of it.

If you buy the latest version of City Navigator you can autoroute to any cache or address that you choose. It is a very powerful feature and let's you get the most out of yuor GPS!

[quimbly]

But I'm more interested in using the GPS to help me navigate the footpaths & open land of the Peak District - I would like an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map with all the footpaths on it.

[+jerryo]

But I'm more interested in using the GPS to help me navigate the footpaths & open land of the Peak District - I would like an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map with all the footpaths on it.

Topo Great Britain is good for that but it's not OS, AFAIK. Have a Google or search the forum for info about it.

[+SidAndBob]

But I'm more interested in using the GPS to help me navigate the footpaths & open land of the Peak District - I would like an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map with all the footpaths on it.

Topo Great Britain is good for that but it's not OS, AFAIK. Have a Google or search the forum for info about it.

Garmin restrict their products compatibility to their own range of maps and Topo is by far their best. Topographical data is provided by the OS. It is not quite as detailed as the OS 1:25K maps, but it's pretty close and easily the best you can get on a Garmin GPSr. It's a no-brainer.

You buy the whole of the UK on a DVD (was £145, now about half that I believe, but shop around). You can get sections of the UK pre-loaded onto a MicrosSD card, but this is generally accepted to be a bad idea and much more expensive.

Check it out at http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topogb.jsp#.

If you follow the Mapsource Map Viewer link you can see the detail for yourself.

[+jerryo]

There you go; SidAndBob's reply saves you searching around

[quimbly]

Thank you all for your help; I shall have a shop around for Topo Great Britain. I spent some considerable time earlier today fighting with a big Outdoor Leisure map in high wind & driving rain - having the maps on my GPS would have been a lot less hassle (why is the bit where I'm standing ALWAYS on a fold in the map?)

[quimbly]

Hmm. I've just had a play with the online maps, and read a few reviews of the mapping software. Nearly all the reviews were bad. Having looked at the online maps, I can't see anything to make me disagree with the reviews - the maps really aren't very nice at all. They might have lots of contour lines, but where are all the paths & bridleways? Even where they're marked, the colour choices seem very poor. I struggled to recognise the area around my own home on the map.

 

This saddens me rather - if the Garmin units are locked to this software only, I might have to investigate other devices. Perhaps I should be looking for some kind of Palm/Pocket PC - which would have a bigger screen anyway? I'm never going to go out without the OS map, but it'd be nice to have some kind of device that meant I only needed to get the map out if I ran out of batteries/dropped it in a stream...

[+jerryo]

I've got Memory Map for the pocket PC, which does support OS and I use 1:25k maps, which are great.

Topo GB runs on the Garmin and it is really very good even though I wasn't too sure at the start. It'll even navigate a route on a road/path for you and you can then home in on the cache by doing an "off road" search. The GPS unit is robust and, although you can select a "goto" option using memory map and the pocket PC/PDA/whatever, I've tried it and, while it works, I prefer the tough Garmin for the hunt for the cache itself. I do take both out with me though. All this to find TUPPERWARE!

[+Pharisee]

Hmm. I've just had a play with the online maps, and read a few reviews of the mapping software. Nearly all the reviews were bad. Having looked at the online maps, I can't see anything to make me disagree with the reviews - the maps really aren't very nice at all. They might have lots of contour lines, but where are all the paths & bridleways? Even where they're marked, the colour choices seem very poor. I struggled to recognise the area around my own home on the map.

 

This saddens me rather - if the Garmin units are locked to this software only, I might have to investigate other devices. Perhaps I should be looking for some kind of Palm/Pocket PC - which would have a bigger screen anyway? I'm never going to go out without the OS map, but it'd be nice to have some kind of device that meant I only needed to get the map out if I ran out of batteries/dropped it in a stream...

 

The demo screen shots on the Garmin website aren't a true depiction of what you get when you buy the software. I have it on good authority that they (Garmin) are prevented from showing all the detail available on the website by the terms of their licence from Ordnance Survey.

 

I've been using Topo on my 60CSx for some time and while it's not quite as good as OS maps, it certainly does show footpaths, bridleways and other public rights of way. They also show railways, rivers, lakes, ponds and other waterways to a much greater degree of accuracy than their road navigation software such as City Navigator.

 

Before you judge it too harshly, I would suggest that you find someone who has it installed on a GPSr and have a look at that. If you're anywhere near Luton, I'll be happy to demonstrate it for you.

 

[+SidAndBob]

Hmm. I've just had a play with the online maps, and read a few reviews of the mapping software. Nearly all the reviews were bad. Having looked at the online maps, I can't see anything to make me disagree with the reviews - the maps really aren't very nice at all. They might have lots of contour lines, but where are all the paths & bridleways? Even where they're marked, the colour choices seem very poor. I struggled to recognise the area around my own home on the map.

 

This saddens me rather - if the Garmin units are locked to this software only, I might have to investigate other devices. Perhaps I should be looking for some kind of Palm/Pocket PC - which would have a bigger screen anyway? I'm never going to go out without the OS map, but it'd be nice to have some kind of device that meant I only needed to get the map out if I ran out of batteries/dropped it in a stream...

 

The demo screen shots on the Garmin website aren't a true depiction of what you get when you buy the software. I have it on good authority that they (Garmin) are prevented from showing all the detail available on the website by the terms of their licence from Ordnance Survey.

 

I've been using Topo on my 60CSx for some time and while it's not quite as good as OS maps, it certainly does show footpaths, bridleways and other public rights of way. They also show railways, rivers, lakes, ponds and other waterways to a much greater degree of accuracy than their road navigation software such as City Navigator.

 

Before you judge it too harshly, I would suggest that you find someone who has it installed on a GPSr and have a look at that. If you're anywhere near Luton, I'll be happy to demonstrate it for you.

 

This sums it up well. It is an excellent product. Not perfect, but still excellent - and inexpensive. I often wonder if these reviewers have ever actually used it.

[+scottpa100]

I've got a Garmin60CS and the Topo software. It is good, the road maps are very detailed and other locations etc restaurants blah blah are all there. Good stuff. But the OS maps - you're right. They have the topography pretty bang on but paths etc are not all there. But to be fair - Garmin says somewhere in their blurb that they do not have all of the rights of way. Just the main ones. However, where I live in sunny (ha!) north Wales, Garmin do seem to have some pretty obscure not busy paths on their mapping data but not all. Which is why I still take an OS map with me. I like taking an OS map as well in case a farmer got difficult. I appreciate that an OS map is not a legal document but its something that a farmer can relate to if I've made a mistake navigating. Trying to get an old farmer to relate to a GPSr screen and electronic maps I can imagine would be a bit of a challenge!

 

And I appreciate you might do low-level caching. But for anyone who does high-level mountain caching, a traditional map and compass is still needed. GPSrs need batteries, and batteries run out!

[+crunchiespg]

I've got Memory Map for the pocket PC, which does support OS and I use 1:25k maps, which are great.

Topo GB runs on the Garmin and it is really very good even though I wasn't too sure at the start. It'll even navigate a route on a road/path for you and you can then home in on the cache by doing an "off road" search. The GPS unit is robust and, although you can select a "goto" option using memory map and the pocket PC/PDA/whatever, I've tried it and, while it works, I prefer the tough Garmin for the hunt for the cache itself. I do take both out with me though. All this to find TUPPERWARE!

why not just get a good map case and fold the map to the area you are walking. if you have a bit of thought how you fold it its very rare you will walk far enough to need to unfold it more, especially if you use a two sided map case..

then use the gps as a lazy mans navigation tool in co operation with the maps.

 

i personally dont think you can beat os 1:25k maps, and its the thing i will miss most when i leave the uk to live in canada in the next few weeks.

[quimbly]

Thank you all for your help. I'm still dithering... Pharisee, thanks for the offer, but I'm a long way from Luton. I think I'm going to stick to paper maps for the moment. I know the Topo maps are only £70, but I've just bought myself a new camera, so I can't quite justify them at the moment. If I meet someone on my caching travels with the Topo maps, I will ask them if I can have a look.

[+Team Sieni]

I own an ancient Garmin 76S that's not compatible with Topo maps. However, I had a long chat with a Garmin rep about Topo and the 60CSX at an outdoor show a while back.

 

Based on this discussion it would seem to me that, having shelled out for the 60CSX, then if you are not getting the best out of your (not cheap) unit if you turn down the option of the Topo maps, even if they are extra £££.

 

Again, from memory (someone correct me) the Topo maps enable you to do snap-to-route route planning, which may well not be available if you choose an alternative based on a pocket PDA thingy.

 

(This is the typical sting - I remember how depressed I was at the quality of my basemap, when I realised I had to by Mapsource to get proper decent maps).

 

Must emphasise this is not from private experience but is from playing with a 60CSX under the guidance of a Garmin rep.

[quimbly]

Hmm, interesting. I do remember being rather disappointed when I got my 60CS (the original model) and seeing the dreadful base map. I'm wavering again. I might see if the birthday elves would be willing to bring me the Topo maps later this month...

[+jerryo]

I've got Memory Map for the pocket PC, which does support OS and I use 1:25k maps, which are great.

Topo GB runs on the Garmin and it is really very good even though I wasn't too sure at the start. It'll even navigate a route on a road/path for you and you can then home in on the cache by doing an "off road" search. The GPS unit is robust and, although you can select a "goto" option using memory map and the pocket PC/PDA/whatever, I've tried it and, while it works, I prefer the tough Garmin for the hunt for the cache itself. I do take both out with me though. All this to find TUPPERWARE!

why not just get a good map case and fold the map to the area you are walking. if you have a bit of thought how you fold it its very rare you will walk far enough to need to unfold it more, especially if you use a two sided map case..

then use the gps as a lazy mans navigation tool in co operation with the maps.

 

i personally dont think you can beat os 1:25k maps, and its the thing i will miss most when i leave the uk to live in canada in the next few weeks.

 

Because, quite simply, I like the technology. I recently did this cache up one of the highest peaks in its area without a proper map – I gave my paper map away to some people who were so lost it was unbelievable – and I managed great. I reasoned that I had two electronic map resources and plenty of batteries. Using a map is good fun but using a little map with a screen showing you in seconds exactly where you are at any given moment is brill: I like cooking properly but sometimes a microwave oven is a must!

[+crunchiespg]

I've got Memory Map for the pocket PC, which does support OS and I use 1:25k maps, which are great.

Topo GB runs on the Garmin and it is really very good even though I wasn't too sure at the start. It'll even navigate a route on a road/path for you and you can then home in on the cache by doing an "off road" search. The GPS unit is robust and, although you can select a "goto" option using memory map and the pocket PC/PDA/whatever, I've tried it and, while it works, I prefer the tough Garmin for the hunt for the cache itself. I do take both out with me though. All this to find TUPPERWARE!

why not just get a good map case and fold the map to the area you are walking. if you have a bit of thought how you fold it its very rare you will walk far enough to need to unfold it more, especially if you use a two sided map case..

then use the gps as a lazy mans navigation tool in co operation with the maps.

 

i personally dont think you can beat os 1:25k maps, and its the thing i will miss most when i leave the uk to live in canada in the next few weeks.

 

Because, quite simply, I like the technology. I recently did this cache up one of the highest peaks in its area without a proper map – I gave my paper map away to some people who were so lost it was unbelievable – and I managed great. I reasoned that I had two electronic map resources and plenty of batteries. Using a map is good fun but using a little map with a screen showing you in seconds exactly where you are at any given moment is brill: I like cooking properly but sometimes a microwave oven is a must!

sorry, i didnt mean to quote you, i meant to quote the OP from the post above yours.

 

yes electronic maps are nice, but for what the OP was saying i cant see any reason not to jsut use paper ones.

[+jerryo]

sorry, i didnt mean to quote you, i meant to quote the OP from the post above yours.

 

yes electronic maps are nice, but for what the OP was saying i cant see any reason not to jsut use paper ones.

 

No need to apologise!

[The Toughs]

I have topo on mine, and while its not perfect (some paths not shown) it is infinitely better than the crappy base maps it comes with. It is great for navigating on road when setting out for the cache, and the contour lines are useful when off road. That said, I use memory map for planning cycle rides, then export the route to my GPSr

[+The Hungry Caterpillars]

Have used a garmin 60csx and topo map for some time. Topo is now available for about £70.

Topo is not a patch on memory map and in my area misses lots of features.

The fact that topo has suddenly halved in price suggests that garmin are about to produce a new gps that can run the equivelant of memory map perhaps with their own chip?

There is competition coming onto the market in the way of a device called "satmap" which runs the equivelant of memory map and could become a very strong competitor from information I have recieved.

[SteveThePirate115]

The GB Topo deos look good enough for my needs as a cacher, but look at the coverage map on the Garmin Topo GB page. There's no coverage for poor me over in Northern Ireland! Still part of the UK I might add!

[+stingray67]

Thank you all for your help; I shall have a shop around for Topo Great Britain. I spent some considerable time earlier today fighting with a big Outdoor Leisure map in high wind & driving rain - having the maps on my GPS would have been a lot less hassle (why is the bit where I'm standing ALWAYS on a fold in the map?)

 

Hey Quimbly.. The proof is in the testing. I used the 60CSx and MapSOurce UK Topo extensively and its EASILY good enough for Geocaching as many users’ could tell you. As one user has already said, its a no-brainer, the UK Topo is your only choice but the map is derived from 1:25k OS maps. OK, not as good or as nice looking as the original OS Maps but they are quite detailed pretty much across the UK. I've never once been let down by the mapping and in some instances has surprised me with its level of detail! As far as the 60CSx goes.. well having used the newer Garmin units too, I still think the 60CSx is the best GPS (all factors considered) to date PERIOD! i.e Power lasts all ever two or more; Rugged, Good functionality, Ergonomics etc.

 

Get the UK Topo, Buu a 2GB microSD (DONT USE SANDISK - there have been issues) bung it in yer 60CSx and you can walk around UK with the Entire UK Topo DVD on yer 60CSx. SORTED!

 

If your interested and want to know about using 3rd party s/ware with the 60CSx such as route planning, I just made an Instruction Video and put it up on YOuTube as requested by some users.

 

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=koLez0mA3Ws

 

Happy GeoCaching/Walking/GPS'ing!

[+jerryo]

<snip>

Get the UK Topo, Buu a 2GB microSD (DONT USE SANDISK - there have been issues) bung it in yer 60CSx and you can walk around UK with the Entire UK Topo DVD on yer 60CSx. SORTED!

I thought the problem with SANDISK had been resolved? Aaaagh!

[+SidAndBob]

It was only ever Sandisk Ultra II that were a problem. I believe it was fixed via a firmware update shortly after I blew one up, but that was well over 2 years ago!