Mapsource ?

[dakotashooter2]

I recently upgraded from a base model E-Trex to a Vista which has the capability to load data from mapsource CDs. Now there are several different CDs, Topo, lakemaps, metro guides and so on. I have not purchased any yet but am leaning toward the topo as that is what i probably use the most. Since this unit only has 24 MB of memory I'm assuming that loading more than 1 of the Mapsource  series will likely not be possible. My question is: can you pick and choose what information  off the series that you want to download to the vista, enabling a person to load portions of the topo and lake series? Or is it just an all or nothing.  I can't see having topo data for the southern US when I likely will never go there. It would be much more usefull to have as much data possible for the area 500 miles around me. I suppose I could have purchased a more advanced unit but couldn't justify the cost. If it is all or nothing can the downloaded infor be easily removed and replaced with a differen mapsource? Like putting topo on during the hunting season and lakes during the summer.

[Siskiyou]

I started out with the Garmin Legend with 8MB of mapping memory.  I have since given it to my son, so my numbers maybe off a little.  As I recalled I loaded two major areas on the unit.  8MB of memory equaled approximately 36 Map Source US Topo maps.  In your case you should be able to load approximately 3 times that amount. 

I just ran the Map Tool in MapSource over a portion on North Dakota from the Montana line Eastward past Grand Forks, and from the Canadian Border down to line running West to East from Montana, a little South of Bison to Trail City, and slightly North of Aberdeen out to Clinton.  Or it was 341 miles West to East, and 239 miles North to South; otherwise a far chunk of dirt.  I get confused with big numbers but I believe that is something like 81499 square miles.  I kind of ran into S. Dakota and picked up an edge of Minnesota. 

You can create different mapset using MapSource products on your computer.  It is easy to create new mapsets using MapSource.  I save my mapsets because as you load a new mapset on your gps unit the old mapset is removed. 

You can use the Map Tool to select whatever maps you will need.  And change mapsets to meet your needs.

The above mapset falls a couple MB short of the 24MB Vista.

[jgalar]

You can also have a combination of maps on your unit. With my old unit that had 8meg I could load all the street info for the Dallas/Fort Worth area. This includes not only streets, but most all businesses and their phone number.

If you get the mapsource city program for Garmin your unit is capable of giving you turn by turn directions.

[Siskiyou]

     eTrex Vista®
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:   4.4" x 2.0" x 1.2" (11.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm)
Display size, WxH:   1.1" x 2.1" (2.8 x 5.4 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:   160 x 288 pixels
Display type:   4 level gray LCD
Weight:   5.3 oz (150 g) with batteries
Battery:   2 AA batteries (not included)
Battery life:   12 hours
Waterproof:   yes (IPX7)
Floats:   no
High-sensitivity receiver:   no
PC interface:   serial
RoHS version available:   yes
Basemap:   yes
Ability to add maps:   yes
Built-in memory:   24 MB
Accepts data cards:   no
Waypoints:   1000
Routes:   20
Track log:   10,000 points, 10 saved tracks
Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads):   no
Electronic compass:   yes
Barometric altimeter:   yes
Geocaching mode:   no
Outdoor GPS games:   no
Hunt/fish calendar:   yes
Sun and moon information:   yes
Tide tables:   no
Area calculation:   yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):   no
Additional:   NA
I believe that Garmin recommends Metro Guide North America for the Garmin Legend because the unit does not auto-route.

http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/MetroGuideNT.jsp

jgalar is correct you can mix the MapSource products on your Garmin gps unit.