GPS mapping software question

[Bigbeast]

I am looking into upgrading my handheld GPS for one that I can download maps into to. Specificallay topographical maps.

It looks like you have to use the manufactures map software to down load the maps.

The Garmin software is equivalent to a 1:100,000 map. I am looking for more like 1:24,000 (7.5' map).
Does anyone know the resolution of the map software for the Lowrance and Magellan?

Are there any other options (3rd party) for downloading maps into a GPS.

Thanks
Ken

[esh]

Ken,

The issue is going to be memory. Realize that the state of Oregon takes 8 CDs.. or roughly 600MB/CD (factor in software "fluff"). For the state that is nearly 5GB.. now the largest flash card I know of is 8GB which in theory could hold a state and a half or so.. but if you take a region, say NW Oregon, it works out to maybe 1GB.

I don't know of a manufacturer that a) allows outside data sets b) can handle that much data or c) even has 7.5' data sets available. Most of them have 100k or 500k stuff with VERY limited 7.5' sets for junk like public parks (which already have good paper maps and are "known").

Which is why a lot of folks use a computer of some sort to do that type of thing. I use a mini tablet so I don't have a huge screen and no keyboard (pen works like the mouse, which is just about all you need for mapping-related stuff). PDAs work great, and so do laptops if you decide you can sacrifice space for the footprint they take up.

I hope someone hacks a GPS someday, similar to what rockbox has done with Archos and Ipod MP3 players, to allow data sets to be loaded into GPSs, but I haven't seen it yet nor have I seen a manufacturer step up and start thinking this way. Maybe some have but I have been happy enough with my crappy GPS III+ and tablet (they both don't seem to want to die...) to not keep up with research to see what is new and coming on the horizon.

[cruiseroutfit]

Ken nailed it... as of late, the GPS manufacturers still control the software that can be downloaded onto the units. So 7.5 min. map software suites like Nat.Geo Topo, AllTopo, etc still won't help you if you need to have them on your unit.

Our local Cruiser club (Wasatch) has a GPS tech night a couple weeks back, the instructor mentioned that Nat.Geo. has been talking to Garmin about allowing their more detailed software onto the units... but I wouldn't hold your breath. Both companies stand to lose too much I guess??

[snowcruiser]

What you want is actually available but for a $$$$. You will need a Trimble or Thales, mapping-grade GPS unit or a Palm handheld computer or equivalent running Windows CE. With one of these units you would then need to purchase ESRI's ArcPAD software. This would allow for data importation and manipulation on the hand-held but to gain the full use of the software you will need a license of ArcGIS Desktop (ArcView). For a little more cash you can have ArcPAD Application Builder which allows you to create customized applications, software and data collection tools where the only limit is your imagination. Setups like this are used to inventory all sorts of environmental features, helath risks, infrastructure, utilities etc, however, this software is extremely complicated and usually requires some hands on training.

Rough cost breakdown follows:

Mapping Grade Handhled GPS unit running Windows CE $500-$10000
ESRI ArcPAD Software ~$500
ESRI ArcPAD Application Builder $1500
ESRI ArcGIS Desktop (ArcView) $1500

[SteveLCetc]

Does the Magellan handheld give better topo definition than the Garmin? How about roads, trips, etc.?

[2mbb]

Garmin has 24K topo maps, but for national parks only. I used this for Death Valley and it's OK. However, the screen size on my 60gsx is pretty small and it makes route finding a little more cumbersome.