Back again for yet another question !

[johnnyw]

 I have a mowing business on the side and was wondering how I could use my 76csx to mark each yard and then maybe create a map some how so it would be easy to show someone else exactly where each one was.


Thanks, Johnny

[snapcrackpop]

Use google earth and then add placemarks to each location.
You wouldn't even need the GPS, then print the map or have it on a laptop.

[Siskiyou]

Snapcrackpop suggestion has a lot of merit.  And I like using the place markers that he suggests.

Google Earth gives you a couple of options:

If you are a user of Google Earth Plus which cost $20 a year you can connect your 76CSx directly to your pc and download your waypoints to Google Earth.  This will generate a top down view of the waypoint (property).  Google Earth does not guarantee the accuracy of their product so you need to review your work product for accuracy.  In response to your post I examined the Free version of Google Earth and the Plus version on two different computers.  In this comparison Google Earth Plus came out the winner.
Google Earth Plus works with Magellan and Garmin Gps units.  Plug your 76CSx into your computer loaded with Earth Plus and you can download your waypoints to your computer.  Suggest that you create your waypoint back from the property line 20-30 feet from center so that you have some wiggle room with satellite accuracy when the waypoint is established.  You can use the Google Earth Place Marker or your waypoint.  Suggest you incorporate the address number in the name. 

The down side with Google Earth is that you are looking from the top down.  You are not seeing a yellow house.  You are looking at a roof.  A lot of roofs.  Other issues are the quality of satellite photos for some areas.  The product is not good in those areas, or in some cases the photo was taken during a forest fire and large areas are covered with smoke.

I next experimented with City Navigator v8.  I looked at a number of waypoints that marked addresses in different communities.  I believe this is a better option.

For me the best option is to create a map book using both Google Earth Plus and City Navigator, or for hunting US Topo.  I print the satellite photo from Google Earth Plus and insert it into a clear plastic sleeve designed to fit into a 3-ring binder.  I then print a map from the appropriate mapping software be it City Navigator, or a Topo product.  I normally print these on photo paper.  For photos and maps carried in my daypack I will print them on standard paper or map paper.  I have found that most hold up for a season on standard paper when stored in a baggie.

All mapping programs are subject to error so it is important that you proof your final product.  I just looked up an address using Microsoft’s Streets & Trips software.  I lived at the address a few years.  The search function put the address on the wrong side of a key intersection.  In most cases I have found this program to be workable.  I have tried a number of street mapping programs and I have found that they put the address out in the middle of the street.

Before and after Google Earth came along I downloaded waypoints from my Garmin gps to mapping products and created usable maps.   In some rural areas fire departments and S&R folks are creating map books with property descriptions including a photo from the street.  These tools expedite emergency aid.  If you went down a like tool would be helpful to your employees.  They could use the map and photograph to know that they are servicing the correct property.

[Siskiyou]

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,115803.0.html

While these two views of using Google Earth Plus and Garmin Gps are from high up, on a pc you can scroll in.  One is of Northern Cal mts. and the other is NE AL.  I used these two because they are in the system.

[victorcharlie]

You also might want to check you county's web site and see if they use GIS mapmaker.

Here's the site from my county:  http://gis.hamiltontn.gov/

Gis, at least in my county, lets you search by street address and shows a plot plan as well as areal views.  You can zoom, measure distance and area, and tell who owns what property, when it was sold, and how much it sold for.  you can scroll the map, shade streams, etc.  really good software IMO.....

Not every county has it installed yet, but a lot do.

I stopped by the local tax office and a fellow was good enough to give me a 30 minute overview of how to use it.........