Author Topic: gps software, toposend in particular (Read 663 times)

rvtrav · « **on:** June 07, 2006, 10:11:26 AM »

hello to everyone,

I am hoping that you all may have some answers about maps and data software for gps units. a lot of this is all new to me, and I'm hoping that someone else has found solutions to a lot of the same problems.

I have a magellan meridian gold gps. I purchased their toposend program and a sd memory card as well.

the topographic features are really neat, and I am estatic about the (on a computer) 3D graphics, it sure helps when planning a hunting trip in mountainous country, or showing hunting partners the passes, draws and lay of the land when talking about different areas.

however one thing that I have found lacking, and that I wanted the most was roads, dirt roads, trails, and such, so that you could have better guide markers and travel abilities...most everyone is using the ATV to get around nowadays, or at least a 4WD.

are there additions/updates to this software that have roads and trails for the toposend? or is there another software or source that is better?

Also, toposend shows a lot of the improved roads and streets etc. but it doesn't allow you to see the names and these features on different scale settings, is this unique, or are most products similar? or is there a default setting that I am unaware or of that allows these to be shown on all scales or on demand?

Thanks in advance, Rvtav

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2006, 05:41:59 PM »

I just loaded two 250 MB regions for my Magellan Meridian Gold from MapSend 3D TOPO USA on a 512MB SD card for my trip to North Carolina and Arkansas. I will have to switch regions near Louisville, Kentucky on the way to North Carolina. The software uses the NAVTEQ maps which should have most trails shown on a USGS topo quad. However, you are right about the weakness of this product for showing newer trails and there is no way currently to update the map with those features. If enough people ask for those features maybe they will be put in subsequent versions. There also is no other map software I know of that will upload to the Magellan units. However, there are other programs for mapping on a PC that might have more complete trail information. One could create routes for those trails and upload those to a Magellan unit. Your GPS has some flexibility in how road names and other details are shown. However, to reduce clutter on the display, you will often not get all the street names at smaller (larger area shown) scales.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:17:53 AM »

3-d? Really? Seems Magellan has "leap frogged" Garmin. Sounds like really neat stuff........even if it doesn't have unmarked trails and logging roads.....can you down load a tracking log back to the mapping software? I know this would require you to make at least one trip down them.......

I've always been a Garmin fan, but I'm going to have to start looking at Magellan.......

rvtrav · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2006, 03:08:33 PM »

Thanks for the posts guys, I do appreciate it!

esoxluciuos, thanks for the info, thats pretty much just what I wanted to know.

victorcharlie, I handled one of the garmin extrex for a short period, I suppose that the other units may be easier but I didn't like the little joystick, I guess I just have to fat of fingers.

I chose to get the magellan for the bigger screen and buttons, but the 3-D graphics on the toposend software are really cool, like I mentioned it is so much better to 'show' a canyon or mountain to a hunting buddy than it is to describe it, however, other than printing a picture of it, it is only on the PC at home (at least with the meridian series units).

Siskiyou · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2006, 07:19:16 AM »

Most topo software from manufactures X, Y, and Z is modified from the USGS data base. Much of this information has not been updated for years. The land management agencies create their own in house topo maps with updated road systems and other changes. They need this current information for timber sale contracts and other activities.

Navigation software for developed areas is being updated by a number of enterprises because there is a "large" market for product$. But the market for updated back country mapping software is not as great. Even when driving logging roads I have my gps unit in track mode. I save the tracks on maps. There have been a few surprises over the years.

I still fall back on using a Forest Servic or BLM map along side my paper topo map. I also draw new roads on my USGS paper topo from the agency recreation map. While not exact, it is close.

If you want an updated trail map for an area check with the agency that manages the map. Most agencies have web site that list phone numbers, and even tell you how to order a map. Most likely you will have to pay for the map.

A friend of mine owns property above a steep canyon. One topo mapping program shows a road on the canyon wall. That side of the canyon is so steep it is almost a cliff. There is no road there. I have hike all over it deer hunting. Both the topo product from the company and the stand road software shows this non-existing road.