Topo Software For Non-mapping GPS?

[Bill Roberts]

I just got a Garmin Geko 201, which is a non mapping GPS.

 

I would like some topo software that will allow me to create waypoints and routes, and save them as .loc or .gpx files that I could then upload with EasyGPS.

 

Which software allows you to do this if any?

[+Renegade Knight]

None.

 

But National Geographic Topo is good software lets you make waypoints etc.

 

It can upload and download directly to your GPS (check to make sure you are updated for the Gecko) including routes. If if you really need the GPX or LOC files you can use GPSBabel to convert. Otherise your GPS can act as waypoint central.

[Bill Roberts]

Thanks for the reply,

 

I went to the NG website, and they have the TOPO maps for $99 per state !!!

 

they also have Backroads Explorer for $45., and covers the whole country.

 

the difference appears to be the TOPO is 1:24,000 (7.5') maps

 

where the Backroads is 1:100,000.

 

Do I need the 1:24,000 to draw accurate routes?

 

Thanks,

 

Bill

[+Renegade Knight]

Good question.

 

The only time I've used routes is when the off-road trails get convoluted. For things like that the 1:24,000 maps can not be beat.

 

The 1:100,000 maps just don't have the trail information to where you could even draw a route.

 

You can do better than 99 bucks on eBay.

Edited December 24, 2003 by Renegade Knight

[+Hemlock]

Have you looked at ExpertGPS?

[+embra]

I second the ExpertGPS nomination. It's great for waypoint management and route creation. You have to download the topo maps and aerial photography from the internet, but you've got the whole country.

 

I've got two kinds of MapSend programs, Street Atlas USA, and NG Topo for two states, but ExpertGPS still fills this particular niche in a way that none of the others to. Trial version available.

 

Hmm, come to think of it, I seem to have acquired a lot of maps on the hard drive. Is there a 12-step program for map software users?

[+Renegade Knight]

I'll third it as worth a look It has a trial period and arial photo's. The price is much lower than Topo.

[+SandRaven]

What do you guys think of Maptech products?

[Larry H]

I use easyGPS along with USAphotomaps It gives topo as well as photo maps.

Both are free or donation ware .

Edited December 24, 2003 by Larry H

[+CycleGuy]

I bought Mapsource Topo for my Gecko 301...still waiting on its shipment...but have been impressed with its detail. You can also upload your developed routes and waypoints into your Gecko 201 and 301.

 

cg

[+CycleGuy]

I use easyGPS along with USAphotomaps It gives topo as well as photo maps.

Both are free or donation ware .

Larry, thanks for the share on the mapping program!

 

CG

[+GeckoGeek]

I use easyGPS along with USAphotomaps It gives topo as well as photo maps.

Both are free or donation ware .

I second the looking at USAPhotoMaps. I have connected it directly to my Geko and transferred tracks from it. I haven't tried created and then uploading, but I see the functions on the menu. Hey, for free, all you have to loose is your time finding out!

 

The only downside to USAPhotoMaps is that it has to download everything. If you're on dial-up and want a big area that can take awhile. A little inconvenient if you happen to be on the road and need another area. But what do you expect with a media-less product?

[+headmj]

To answer a couple of questions:

 

I have the Maptech programs and like them. I also have TOPO USA 4.0 eastern region. It is also very nice. Both programs have their strengths. NG TOPO is VERY overpriced for the service provided.

[gilbertf]

I tried Fugawi (trial version) and Mapsource (a friend had it). I really did not like Fugawi because it had too much buttons and was just painful to use. Mapsource has very less buttons, and is quite easy to use, though its search function just sucks. I can move to anypoint in Europe, grab a city name and the dadgum Mapsource can't find anything if I type the City name in the search window. I got the Mapsource with Europe routes and I use it to find faster and shorter routes to places I go. I insert waypoints, then I check the best route and I mark waypoints on it, and upload it to my eTrex Venture. I found that very often I could have better ways of going to my various's friends houses

 

I like Mapsource a lot. The first one I bought was the worldmap one. It's not fantastic but has main roads for most countries and is interesting to learn more about world's geography. The Europe Roads and Recreation (especially the "roads" part of it) is great.

 

Fugawi seems quite good when it comes to marine maps though

[capt caper]

Any Mapsource product will send waypoints routes tracks back and forth to your unit. Just maps which your unit will not allow.

 

Mapsource won't allow you to draw a track. NG Topo won't send them back.

 

Mapsource is the smoothest program I've used to load info back and forth to my Garmins.

 

Also GPSTrackmaker is a free ware and works well with Garmins.