+Zen Cooker #1 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I was using NatGeo's Topo software to view my waypoints, tracks, etc. and foolishly upgraded to TopoExplorer which, as far as I can tell, is just an online application. I don't like it at all. I can do a system restore to get back to the Topo software, but before I do... What mapping software do you use for your geocaching, as well as general hiking (waypoints, tracks, POIs, etc.) I would like something that can handle 1:24000 quads, but not the quads that ExpertGPS/Geobuddy use. I like the 1:24000 Garmin maps -- I use a Garmin 550t -- but their software (Base Camp and MapSource) is too primitive. What do you like/dislike about the mapping software that you use? Thanks for your input. Quote Link to comment
+Zen Cooker #1 Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Gsak Thanks for the suggestion but as far as I know, GSAK can't do general mapping. You can locate a cache on geocaching.com, but I'm looking for a general mapping program where I can see my waypoints and tracks. Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I use Google Earth - literally thousands of overlays are available out there to fullfill lots of needs. Quote Link to comment
+Panther&Pine Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I use GSAK macros onto Google Earth. Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Gsak Thanks for the suggestion but as far as I know, GSAK can't do general mapping. You can locate a cache on geocaching.com, but I'm looking for a general mapping program where I can see my waypoints and tracks. Well, I guess you have a bit of learning to do, now don't you? Quote Link to comment
+Panther&Pine Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Gsak Thanks for the suggestion but as far as I know, GSAK can't do general mapping. You can locate a cache on geocaching.com, but I'm looking for a general mapping program where I can see my waypoints and tracks. Well, I guess you have a bit of learning to do, now don't you? There is a warm and fuzzy place in my heart for GSAK. Now if only I could sign up for a few hour training course on it I would be happy. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I use National Geographic Topo mostly. Also DeLorme Topo 9 when I need to interface with my PN40. I also have Garmin Mapsource Topo (both 100K and 24K)and Magellan's Topo on my desktop but don't use them very often. Quote Link to comment
mtbikernate Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I use GSAK, but haven't gone into macros. For more general mapping purposes, I use Topofusion Pro. Comes with several overlays pre-programmed into it, and you have the capability to add more from IMS overlays. Plus, you can overlay essentially unlimited GPS data from multiple file formats, as well as shapefiles. It will geotag photos from a GPS track. It has some nice analysis and display features, too. Quote Link to comment
+dbrierley Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I use TopoFusion Pro and National Geographic Topo (sample maps); I don't like Topo Explorer, as well. Quote Link to comment
+sword fern Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Like starbrand said, Google earth. I sometimes use google maps, but its not the whole 3D experience. Quote Link to comment
Tahosa and Sons Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 TOPO is the way to go. For backcountry travel learn how to use UTM's also. Quote Link to comment
+Mr. Wilson & a Mt. Goat Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I'm a cheapskate so I don't use GSAK. I just use good old Garmin Mapsource with handy dandy free OpenStreetMaps from Free Worldwide Routable Garmin Maps and Norwest Trails from switchbacks.com. I use these mostly on my GPS for on the go directions to geocaches. When I'm just looking for caches on a map I use the Google Maps on the site or occasionally Google Earth. Exactly what I do! I occasionally use the GSAK to map things out of GE, but not often. Quote Link to comment
Keystone Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I am moving this thread from the Geocaching Topics forum to the GPS and Technology forum. Quote Link to comment
+The Jester Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 My two primary programs are MS Streets & Trips and Garmin Mapsource with NW Trails/NW Topos. I also have NG Topo! (Washington State and Back Roads Explorer) that I use occasionally. I use S&T to see cache placements and plan routes. I use different colors and shapes for the types of caches. I like the URI support that links the caches back to GSAK. NW Trails/Topo I use for detail route planning for hiking caches and storing/editing tracks (I do a lot of trail mapping for NW Trails). Quote Link to comment
+The Jester Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I am moving this thread from the Geocaching Topics forum to the GPS and Technology forum. That happened while I was trying to post a reply - it sure gave a strange error, but did allow me to save what I'd typed. Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I like the URI support that links the caches back to GSAK. How do you do that ? Quote Link to comment
Andronicus Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 oziExplorer. It has a Windows Mobile app, so I can load topo maps onto my phone. I only need these for backcountry caching though. Usualy my phone can just get maps from google or OpenCycle Maps. Quote Link to comment
+The Jester Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I like the URI support that links the caches back to GSAK. How do you do that ? I should be insulted! You were sitting in the front when I talked about this at Geowoodstock last year. First thing, on the GSAK export dialog for S&T make sure the URL Link is filled in: After you import the file to S&T you need to double click on the file name in the Legend and Overview pane (left side) to bring up the Properties dialog. On the Hyperlink tab tick the "Use hyperlinks from your imported data:" and select URL from the list: Then when you cntrl-click the cache icon on the map, GSAK will select the right DB and that cache in the grid. I use FlagSet so I can later filter to User Flag (F8) to select all the caches I wanted. If you add ":silent" (without quotes) to the FlagSet ("FlagSet:silent) in the GSAK dialog, GSAK will not become active with each selection on the map, but just set the flag behind the scene. See the GSAK help file URI Support for more info on possilbe selections. Quote Link to comment
jholly Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 I should be insulted! You were sitting in the front when I talked about this at Geowoodstock last year. You have every right. But I'm not sure I was awake but I know I did not have note paper and with a one bit memory it is hard to remember. Thanks! Quote Link to comment
seldom_sn Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Not sure I understand the topic, since I don't geocache, but nobody here mentioned the maps at GPSfiledepot. You need to run them from inside MapSource or BaseCamp, but they are every bit as good as Garmin's non-routable products. Quote Link to comment
Grasscatcher Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Here's my combination..... Maps from GPS File Depot Old MapSource (ONLY)for sending mapsets to GPS (IMHO Basecamp is a PITA) Best digital maps for printing are NG TOPO! either State Series or Trails illustrated ....NOT "Topo Explorer" which is totally worthless. I use Expert GPS for all data conversions and editing, uploading / downloading Waypoints, Tracks, and Routes. Topo Fusion Pro is good also and has some later Aerial Photos. Unfortunately, there is not one single program that does everything "best" Quote Link to comment
+dbrierley Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 All National Geographic mapping software, including TOPO!, is on sale at 25% off at REI through May 30. Quote Link to comment
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