GIS map/data capable other than Delorme?

[+huntindawg]

Some variation on this question is almost always on the first page of this forum. There is no perfect GPS and the one that's perfect for you is terrible for someone else. The threads tend to be charged with facts that may be irrelevant to you. (The inability to get maps in Elbonian don't matter if you don't foresee traveling to Elbonia.) Still, most geocachers have a relatively shared set of wants from a handheld GPS and can benefit from prior discussions. Here we'll try to have a collection of some of the best existing discussions.

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=228850 Oregon or PN-40

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=228348 CO/Dakota or PN-40

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=228705 Vista HCx or 60CSx

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=228663 Dakota vs PN-40

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=229784 Oregon vs. PN-40

 

I'd like to keep this pinned thread short of actual discussion (and will use moderator superpowers to keep it that way) but instead include links to other existing threads.

Check out the Delorme PN-40.Great value on Amazon.com and I luv mine.

[Bow Lake]

PN-40 and XMAP?

 

Hi All,

it looks like the PN-40 gets good reviews. Has anyone tried the Delorme XMAP software to allow loading of state GIS maps and air photos? The XMAP software is very expensive ($810) and only runs with Microsoft "Professional" operating systems, which does not seem justified with the PN-40 which Delorme tech support refers to as a "consumer grade" GPS.

 

Has anyone found a sub $600 GPS that will load open source GIS maps and air photos? (most states now have GIS web sites with all kinds of free downloadable maps and georeferenced air photos down to half-foot resolution)

[+Rockin Roddy]

PN-40 and XMAP?

 

Hi All,

it looks like the PN-40 gets good reviews. Has anyone tried the Delorme XMAP software to allow loading of state GIS maps and air photos? The XMAP software is very expensive ($810) and only runs with Microsoft "Professional" operating systems, which does not seem justified with the PN-40 which Delorme tech support refers to as a "consumer grade" GPS.

 

Has anyone found a sub $600 GPS that will load open source GIS maps and air photos? (most states now have GIS web sites with all kinds of free downloadable maps and georeferenced air photos down to half-foot resolution)

 

I think you can get Xmap at a considerably lesser price, especially if you're a PN owner...I could be mistaken. I think, and again could be wrong, that you could likely acquire the PN/Xmap combo for under the $600 you're talking...

 

Not 100% on this though.

Edited November 26, 2009 by Rockin Roddy