+Low Bat Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Has anyone else noticed Garmin is finally releasing the U.S. 24K topos? http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/topo/topous24kcard.jsp The link says they are only on microSD cards, and only one region is available at the moment. I've been wanting this for awhile, but I was hoping for a DVD version so I can load other maps as well. Quote Link to comment
Hertzog Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Has anyone else noticed Garmin is finally releasing the U.S. 24K topos? http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/topo/topous24kcard.jsp The link says they are only on microSD cards, and only one region is available at the moment. I've been wanting this for awhile, but I was hoping for a DVD version so I can load other maps as well. Interesting development, but it will be very frustrating if they limit it to SD cards. Quote Link to comment
Team Sidewinder Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I say about time. I had recieved notice from some online ( forgot which one ) gps/software dealer of such a new product from Garmin. But could never find any such link at Garmin.com so didn't think anymore about it. I was under the impression that it was going to be the whole western US but now see from your link that in is only several states in the west. I am sure I will make the purchase when my state becomes available but wish they would have done this years ago. Just my 2 cents worth. team sidewinder Quote Link to comment
MtnHermit Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Those screenshots from a Colorado seem very dark and unappealing. With the SD cards, is it possible to view the maps in Mapsource? Either from a card reader or the GPSr connected via USB? Thanks for the thread. Quote Link to comment
+SimbaJamey Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Routeable roads AND trails!!! Quote Link to comment
+vultures Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Yay in general, but BOO for limiting it to the microSD format. Quote Link to comment
MtnHermit Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Routeable roads AND trails!!! This is significant IF, The maps are produced in house. Then they would be well on their way to eliminating Navteq from their road warrior class GPS units. I'll bet Garmin pays 100's of millions each year in map license fees. Quote Link to comment
+embra Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Kinda pricey...better converage for the buck than National Geographic, but not as cheap as Delorme. Still, it looks like $99 would satisfy the topo needs of most users for their immediate area...not many of us stray too far from home. Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 Routeable roads AND trails!!! Since we "probably" can't read (I'm only guessing) the microSD card in MapSource, it would imply the routable feature is available in the GPSr unit, unlike Topo 24K National Parks that only allowed you to route trails in MapSource. I wonder how routable it is; such as being able to navigate on the road with turn-by-turn guidance. Somehow I doubt it would have that ability or we wouldn't have the need for a City Navigator DVD anymore. If you look at the upper right in the link under "product compatibility" you'll see every GPSr mentioned has an asterisk after it (which indicates a limitation) except for the Colorado series. I don't have a Colorado unit, so would anyone care to guess what part of Topo 24K U.S. won't function on a none Colorado unit? Quote Link to comment
+coggins Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 If you look at the upper right in the link under "product compatibility" you'll see every GPSr mentioned has an asterisk after it (which indicates a limitation) except for the Colorado series. I don't have a Colorado unit, so would anyone care to guess what part of Topo 24K U.S. won't function on a none Colorado unit? Might be the feature: "3-D terrain shading on compatible units" Quote Link to comment
MtnHermit Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 If you look at the upper right in the link under "product compatibility" you'll see every GPSr mentioned has an asterisk after it (which indicates a limitation) except for the Colorado series. I don't have a Colorado unit, so would anyone care to guess what part of Topo 24K U.S. won't function on a none Colorado unit? Might be the feature: "3-D terrain shading on compatible units" The newer Nuvi's will do 3D terrain shading. From a Nuvi 255: I think it's this, I'd call this 3D modeling: Quote Link to comment
+coggins Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 (edited) I guess I thought that was was feature of the Colorado, not the maps. Here is what Garmin is saying: Limited Compatibility Some Garmin units may only access limited features when used with certain MapSource products. In these cases, an asterisk has been placed by that product. "Limited capability" may mean that a unit may be able to draw all the map features from the MapSource software, such as roads, lakes, nav-aids, depth contours, wrecks, etc., but the interactive capability of the maps may be limited. For example, you may not be able to "find nearest marinas" or look up additional text about a specific mapping feature. We encourage you to e-mail cartography@garmin.com if you have any questions about the compatibility of certain units and MapSource products. Those are some pretty weak screen shots they have provided. Edited June 30, 2008 by coggins Quote Link to comment
jcc123 Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 At those prices, the entire U.S. in 24K would cost around $1000! I think I'll stick to my regular Topo for $80. I'll also add the 24K for parks which is a lot cheaper. Quote Link to comment
bmirak Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Routeable roads AND trails!!! Routable trails are awesome for hiking, but the trails provided in the Topo 24k NP maps are very inaccurate. Makes it difficult to follow a route when the trail is in the wrong place! I doubt that the trails will be any better in the new U.S. Topo 24k. I'm also kind of surprised by the card-only release. Quote Link to comment
snowfleurys Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Anyone know if they used an 40 ft or 20 ft contour interval? Quote Link to comment
+cethomas Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 At those prices, the entire U.S. in 24K would cost around $1000! I think I'll stick to my regular Topo for $80. I'll also add the 24K for parks which is a lot cheaper. Mind telling us what topos you are using for $80. And will they work with the 400t? Quote Link to comment
jcc123 Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) At those prices, the entire U.S. in 24K would cost around $1000! I think I'll stick to my regular Topo for $80. I'll also add the 24K for parks which is a lot cheaper. Mind telling us what topos you are using for $80. And will they work with the 400t? Yes it will work, it's what everyone else here is using. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MapSource-Top...1754&sr=8-1 Edited June 30, 2008 by jcc123 Quote Link to comment
snakyjake Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Garmin may have the contour at a 24k resolution, but will it have the detail of a 24k quad? The one thing I liked about quads is the detail, including building, roads, streams, etc. The only thing 24k vector maps ever gave me was more contour lines. And many times the roads on vector maps were not accurate. Quote Link to comment
+g-o-cashers Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 At those prices, the entire U.S. in 24K would cost around $1000! I think I'll stick to my regular Topo for $80. I'll also add the 24K for parks which is a lot cheaper. Mind telling us what topos you are using for $80. And will they work with the 400t? Yes it will work, it's what everyone else here is using. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MapSource-Top...1754&sr=8-1 cethomas is also using these maps as well if he's got a 400t, Topo2008 comes preloaded on that GPS. GO$Rs Quote Link to comment
+g-o-cashers Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 It is interesting that Garmin does not list the 400t as a compatible unit (all other CO flavors are). I wonder if they are just assuming that people wouldn't want to spend the extra for the 24k maps if they already have the US or if there is some incompatibility with Topo2008? or its just a mistake! GO$Rs Quote Link to comment
s20055 Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Someone buy it and give us a review...I too, am interested in why the 400t is left out of the compatibility list. Do you think Garmin will offer upgrade pricing if you currently have TOPO 2008? Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 Someone buy it and give us a review. That would help answer many questions. Maybe when the California/Nevada region goes on sale in July I'll pick one up and test it. Quote Link to comment
+cethomas Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 At those prices, the entire U.S. in 24K would cost around $1000! I think I'll stick to my regular Topo for $80. I'll also add the 24K for parks which is a lot cheaper. Mind telling us what topos you are using for $80. And will they work with the 400t? Yes it will work, it's what everyone else here is using. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MapSource-Top...1754&sr=8-1 cethomas is also using these maps as well if he's got a 400t, Topo2008 comes preloaded on that GPS. GO$Rs Yes I have he 400t. Can I download the Topo2008 from my GPS to my Trip & Waypoint Manager? Or do I have to buy the CD? I assume the 24K for parks is not preloaded on the 400t and have to be bought seperatly. Right? Quote Link to comment
+g-o-cashers Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Preloaded Topo2008 from the 400t cannot be viewed in Mapsource. 24k parks is not preloaded on the 400t, just Topo2008 which is 100k scale topos. GO$Rs Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 3, 2008 Author Share Posted July 3, 2008 Ok, I placed a pre-order with GPS City for the California-Nevada (West) microSD. When it arrives I'll try it out and post my findings. Quote Link to comment
+cethomas Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 Preloaded Topo2008 from the 400t cannot be viewed in Mapsource. 24k parks is not preloaded on the 400t, just Topo2008 which is 100k scale topos. GO$Rs Ok. My Topo2008 and 24k parks west will be here today. I have read that they can be pretty hard to install. So what is the best way to install them in Mapsource. The 24k parks west is the only one that I need to install on my 400t. Right? How do I do that? Quote Link to comment
s20055 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 How about some feedback? Are the maps everything that Garmin advertises and more? Quote Link to comment
s20055 Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 uuuhhhhhhh, what do you think of the 24K maps....do they measure up? Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 17, 2008 Author Share Posted July 17, 2008 GPS City just emailed me that my Topo 24K West (Calif/Nev) shipped today, and I should have it by Friday. I also checked the Garmin website and they now say, as of today, that the West microSD is available. I guess today is the day that 24k West is being released nationwide. Quote Link to comment
+storm180 Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 (edited) Its been available through Garmin since the beginning of the week. My friend ordered the cali-nevada monday from Garmin. Its weird they have not highlighted which states they are working on next. Edited July 17, 2008 by storm180 Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 19, 2008 Author Share Posted July 19, 2008 (edited) Well I got the microSD chip and gave it a quick test on my GPSMAP 60CSx. It looks like what Garmin did was combine City Navigator with these new 24K topo map sets. I can route just as I can with City Navigator, although this version corrects for some of the navigation errors I get in my City Navigotor version 8, so this version is probably based on the latest updates. Besides being able to route by address, I can also route along the trails. Basically the trails are treated like streets and can by added to a street route or used as trails only. One thing I quickly noticed is the active route line and the topo lines share the same color (purple) which can be confusing. It would be nice if the active route line color could be changed, but I don't see a setting for this. Comparing the overlapping areas of 24K Topo National Parks West with the 24K Topo West the detail appears to match which is as expected. I do notice that the map setup menu is slow to access. All other functions appear to access without any additional lag time. The microSD is labeled SanDisk and looks like a generic 2GB microSD with an adapter. It woud be nice if Garmin would make a label for it. My first impression is this is a good product to get if you only need the mapping for your home state. Having both street navigation and 24K topo information combined on the same screen without having to hide mapsets is a real plus. You won't be able to use this with MapSource, but then again you also don't have to worry about entering a lock code or not being able to transfer your maps when you upgrade to a new GPS receiver. Edited July 19, 2008 by Low Bat Quote Link to comment
+rkelso Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 I just got a Colorado 400T and I haven't added any other maps to it. I'm trying to decide if I should get these maps or City Navigator. I don't venture out of Washington/Oregon much so the coverage of the 24k maps would be fine, I think. The question is, would the topo maps add anything to what comes standard in the 400T? Mainly interested in campgrounds and trails. To make a case for City Navigator over the Topo 24k with routable roads, would CN include more POIs such as gas stations and restaurants? Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 I've been using this new microSD more and so far it's CN appears to be the full version (limited to two states) as the regular CN DVD. I haven't compared the POI's in detail, but I'd guess the amount of POI's are the same for the each state. I was in error earlier about the active route color being the same as the contour lines color. They are close but not exact. The shades of red and purple can be a little confusing when following an active route on a trail with a lot of contour lines. I don't hear the arrival alarm with this version (I do with turns), and I'm not sure if that's a setting on my GPSr or if this version of CN doesn't support it. I'll have to test it some more. BTW, the 2GB microSD for CA/NV is almost completely used up (1.9GB used). The data is locked to the permanent ID of the chip so even if it is copied to another card it won't work. The microSD card can however be used on another GPSr. I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this new product. Combining 24K topos with City Navigator is about as good as it gets in my opinion. Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 The question is, would the topo maps add anything to what comes standard in the 400T? Mainly interested in campgrounds and trails. To make a case for City Navigator over the Topo 24k with routable roads, would CN include more POIs such as gas stations and restaurants? I don't have a 400T so I can't be sure, but I think your included topo maps are 1/100th scale. Maybe somebody else could confirm this. Quote Link to comment
s20055 Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I don't have a 400T so I can't be sure, but I think your included topo maps are 1/100th scale. Maybe somebody else could confirm this. The Colorado 400t is 1:100,00 scale. Quote Link to comment
dualcore Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 (edited) I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this new product. Combining 24K topos with City Navigator is about as good as it gets in my opinion. Not really not interest. As someone like me who already owns city navigator and 2008 topo map, I'm more interested in knowing if the 24k map has more trails, that is the only value added part. Waiting for more reviews. For the record, topo 2008 map contains barely any trail. the few trails it has are the wide open fire trails we hikers rarely take (or at least don't need GPS for such case). [edited to correct typos] Edited July 22, 2008 by dualcore Quote Link to comment
+Low Bat Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 I'm more interested in knowing if the 24k map has more trails, that is the only value added part. Waiting for more reviews.The trails appear to be present for the national parks just as in the Garmin 24K Topo National Parks West DVD. The trails for other places I'm familiar with (such as state and county parks) are not present in most of what I've looked at so far. Some of the trails I know of are shown as an "unpaved road". If you're looking for really good trail data I'd say this isn't it. Hopefully Garmin will soon have a viewer on their website so you can review this product just as they've done with most of their other mapping software. Quote Link to comment
dualcore Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 The trails for other places I'm familiar with (such as state and county parks) are not present in most of what I've looked at so far. Thanks a lot for the answer. I also have the shaded 24K national park (version 3.02, latest) from garmin, so I think I might skip this map, but I do think for anyone who has no city navigator or any of the topo map, this product is really appealing and cost effective. Quote Link to comment
+Team Chinook Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 What value does the 24k provide over the base map in the 400T? Quote Link to comment
dualcore Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 What value does the 24k provide over the base map in the 400T? Read the first post, and the link in it Quote Link to comment
+Redwoods Mtn Biker Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 The Utah/Colorado card is now available. Of course there are also free ones of those states. Quote Link to comment
Teleho Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 You should check this out for an almost complete coverage of trails for the Northwest and British Columbia Quote Link to comment
Teleho Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 You should check this out for an almost complete coverage of trails for the Northwest and British Columbia Here is the link to the Northwest Trails http://www.switchbacks.com/maps/NW_Trails.html Quote Link to comment
Teleho Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 When is the CD coming out. What is up with those guys at Garmin? SD is no bueno. Quote Link to comment
yogazoo Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming are now available. These three states are combined into what is called the "Mountain West-North". Currently available from REI and various online retailers. Quote Link to comment
+Redwoods Mtn Biker Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 It's not at REI.com yet, or Amazon either, as far as I can tell. But that makes sense for it to be the next one released. Quote Link to comment
yogazoo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Oops, You're right. I was looking at the Topo2008 cards and NOT the 24k cards. Sorry. Quote Link to comment
yogazoo Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Hopefully someone can answer this question. Is the new 24K map shading based on 30meter Dem's (like Topo 2008) or is it more detailed such as a 10meter DEM? With all of the freely available topo maps that already include 24K resolution (20-40ft contours) I would only be buying for the better, more detailed terrain shading for my Oregon300 that could potentially come with this product. Anyone know? If you dont know but have the product and would like to guess, open your Mapsource and switch between Topo2008 and the 24K products and look for any changes in the level of detail in the shading. I know the 24K National parks maps had better shading detail. How about the new 24K product? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment
+geodarts Posted December 26, 2008 Share Posted December 26, 2008 I just got the 24k West (California and Nevada) maps for Christmas and was excited to try it. I ended up very disappointed. I had been looking forward to the extra detail and routable trails, but the fire roads I was hiking on were not included on the map. I made sure that there was sufficient detail and that other maps were turned off. This was surprising because the roads were included on the topo 2008 map. After getting home, I checked other areas where I often hike -- the trails and roads that were on the 2008 map were not included on the 24K. The street routing worked fine, but what good is the routable trail feature if the trail data is so limited? Quote Link to comment
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