GPS newbie question(s)

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  • kwc
    loser
    • Apr 2004
    • 1300
    #1

    GPS newbie question(s)

    okay .... I rec'd a Garmin Legend for Christmas ... and so I need to ask ...

    should I purchase the Garmin MapSource software ... and do I need to purchase the NG Topo software as well (for accurate waypoints?)??

    I've looked over quite a number of the various posts on here and I'm a bit confused about what I really need for the GPS. Any recommendations, etc., would be greatly appreciated!!

    Thanks!!
    sigpic

    Once a year, go some where you've never been before.
    Tags: None
    • Mavs00
      I am the sith
      • Nov 2007
      • 46
      #2
      Yes, Purchase the Map Sorce software, It'll turn your legend into a whole new machine.

      Read -THIS-

      Scroll down to GPS Technology and handheld GPS units --> The handheld GPS receiver and read that portion. The software will turn your currently single level "dumb" GPS into a 2-level "map enabled" unit.

      I like the NG software better, so I bought it. You don't need it though.
      "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. It makes you stronger. " Supreme Chancellor

        Comment

        • Kevin
          **BANNED**
          • Nov 2003
          • 5857
          #3
          Topo! will allow you superior map tinkering. But in order to load complete topo maps onto the GPS (assuming yours has that functionality) you'll need Mapsource because it's made for the garmin units only, and the garmin gps units will only accept complete maps from Mapsource.

          If you're just creating and loading waypoints the latest Topo! software works fine with most of the GPS units out there.

          What Tim says ^^^

            Comment

            • JJW
              Member
              • Jan 2005
              • 282
              #4
              Congrat's on the Garmin Legend!

              kc ask: should I purchase the Garman MapSource software ...

              Reply: I use the MapSource "United States TOPO" detailed maps in my Garmin GPSr. I need the added map detail that you just do not get with the built-in basemap.
              MapSource is the only mapping software that you can use to load topographical detailed maps into a Garmin.

              kwc ask: and do I need to purchase the NG Topo software as well (for accurate waypoints?)??

              Reply:The waypoints can be loaded from MapSource "US TOPO" or National Geographic TOPO!. (Same accuracy)

              Keep an eye on REI, EMS... to buy the software, they sometimes have 20% off coupons etc...

              Good Luck,
              John

                Comment

                • Mavs00
                  I am the sith
                  • Nov 2007
                  • 46
                  #5
                  By the way. MapSource has 2 versions. It's TOPO US, which is older and the entire US comes on 3 CD's. Or you can by one of the newer US TOPO 24K series (like the US Parks East, which includes the ADKs).

                  I personally find that the older one suits my downloadable mapping needs fine. But the newer one touts more detail. I've never used it, so I wouldn't know. Like I said. I download basemap with Mapsource and route data with NG.
                  "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. It makes you stronger. " Supreme Chancellor

                    Comment

                    • Neil
                      Admin

                      • May 2004
                      • 6129
                      #6
                      Get NG Topo!

                      Once I loaded Mapsource into my gps I never even opened the program again.
                      A good money saver if you have a highspeed internet connection is Topofusion. Not as good a NG but better than Mapsource IMO.
                      The best, the most successful adventurer, is the one having the most fun.

                        Comment

                        • redhawk
                          Senior Resident Curmudgeon
                          • Jan 2004
                          • 10929
                          #7
                          It all gets down to detail. Mapsource gives enough detail in the gps for a person to see what's around them and stay out of trouble so the scale is fine for the gps.

                          However, for planning a route you can't beat the software that gets into the same detail and scale as the USGS Quads. That's Topofusion, Terrain Navigator and National Geographics Topo!. In my opinion (nothing humble about it) NG Topo is the best, based on overall balance of Features, Ease of Use and Accuracy. Navigator is nice but I don't like the way I have to save the data and I don't like the interace on Topofusion although I do like it's ability to co-ordianate digital photos with the track log.

                          The only reason I have Mapsource topo is to be able to upload maps into the GPS.

                          I would steer clear of Delorme's Topo USA because there are inaccuracies as well as a user interface that leaves a lot to be desired. There are also inaccuracies in Mapsource .

                          I have all of the above programs and if anyone wants to compare, just email me and come on over.
                          "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. Johnson

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