Ignorant GPS Question

[78Crusher]

I would like to purchase a GPS but dont know wich one will suit my needs.
What I want is a GPS that I can plot a trail on then bring it home and download the trail onto a topo map for print-out.
This way when I go to new trails I can map them and keep the topos for later or sharing.

Does this exist?

Thanks

[pappy]

Yep, just about any Garmin, if not all of them, will allow you to do that. I'm sure other manufactures do too. Easy stuff. You can even download to Google Earth Plus and show your route from space.

[78Crusher]

Thanks
I am looking at the Garmin Etrex
It comes with topo map software but I thought that was just to download into the gps not retreave the route and display on a topo
Thanks again for the info
Dunhams has one for 200$

[Brindleboxer]

Crusher,

If I read and understand your intent from your original post, the Etrex is not the unit for you.

I believe you will need to step up to the next level (e.g., the Venture Cx, Legend Cx, Vista, etc.) to meet what I believe you are wanting/needing out of a handheld unit.

Also, have you run a search for these units, I can find them from $113 (Legend) to the stated $200 (Vista Cx).

Another good entry level unit is the 60 or GPSMAP 60, these offer another option for mapping and still have the ability to load topo maps.

If you would want to spend a bit more cash there are several other options but it is like anything the more money you can spend the more the options grow. Hope this helps with your decision.

Glen

[pappy]

I have the basic Garmin 60 and you can't upload maps. Step up one notch in the Garmin 60 line and you can. I really wish I bought the 60 cx, or the 60csx.

[ginericLC]

I thought the Etrex Legend allowed download and upload of maps?

I'm in the stone ages. I have a Garmin GPS V and I'm using their Mapsource mapping software. It will also transfer the maps over to Google Earth which is nice sometimes.

I don't use one, but a friend uses the Lowrance software. He's a techno geek and has had the Garmin software in the past. He swears the Lowrance is better. But since I haven't used it I can't say that it is.

This is the year to get a GPS. That is the hot item of Christmas 2007.

[ginericLC]

One more thing. Find one that can be hooked to your computer via a USB port. the serial ports are a PITA. And the serial to USB adapters I've used are even more frustrating to deal with. They work one time and then not the next.

[CruiserVT]

I've done a lot of research and work with GPS's. I have owned a Garmin Etrex for about 6 years now and have been happy with it. I have recently purchased the Garmin 76CSx and could not be happier. It is a bunch of money, you will have to buy the extended topo map set for the USA to make it worth your while.

The 76CSx has a memory card that you can remove and upgrade. It will store a lot of tracks with really great resolution. It was painful to spend all that money but I really like the results. I recently spent nine days overseas and carried it with me at all times to track my trip. Anytime I was outside I had it on, I had to change the batteries once.

The mapsource application allows you to add and modify waypoints on your PC, so much easier than using the GPS to do it. The resolution on the extra topo maps is pretty good. I have not used it much in the hills but on the water and in the urban canyons it is quick to fix and full of information.

You can import the tracks into Google Earth, but I have not tried that. I have been trying to import the tracks into Google maps to allow the tracks to be updated on a website with a few mouse clicks. It has proven to be quite difficult but once I figure it out i'll publish the steps on the site so people can do it themselves if they want to.

I was going to buy the black and white version of the GPS but the resolution is not as good although the B&W version has a larger screen.

It always comes down to money, if you have the cash, get the best one you can afford. The Garmin Etrex can tell you where you are and the tracks can be downloaded but it's just not as good a tool as the Garmin 76CSx

I have not used the Lowrence or GPS's from any other companies but I bet they offer similar features.

I have used Garmin's for about 13 years now and have always been happy.

Garmin GPSMap 76CSx Mapping Handheld GPS

[pappy]

We just had our xmas tree run. Here is the JPG of the map route, and the kmz for Google Earth.

Map with track

Google File with Track

This was done with my Garmin 60.

[retrofive]

I recently bought a Garmin 60CSx. Gasp at the cost, but I did my research, and for what I wanted it was right. Mobile, Color, and general function. I didnt like the interface/buttons/navigation of the eTrex, Vista, etc. So bit the bullet and got the 60csx.

being a techy person i found I can upload, download, create, save, pretty much anything I want. The Garmin MapSource is a good start. I didn't buy any of the Garmin maps stock for it.

So after poking arond and googling, I was able to find various applications for the interchange of maps, routes, tracks, etc.

Its alot of fun. I spend my evening looking at online topo's and google earth of place I want to go find. Convert'm, upload, and then have a mobile gps in my glove box if I happen to have some time for a drive or hike.

Here is a quick rundown of apps I use with my unit.

CGPSmapper
MAPedit
SENDmap
OziExplorer
GPS Utility 4.9
Google Earth
MapSource (came with my garmin)

And pretty much any .gov .org site for satelite imagining.

If you want more details, reply. Im trying to make a walk thru, but it takes time and between work and a 8mo preg wife, Im lucky to learn what I have with my time.

[Senor Aguas]

Any Garmin will do what you want. I had the bottom of the line Etrex (less than $99, no map capability) for a couple years and did exactly what you're wanting. My dog broke it, so I had to buy another. I ended up with a GPSMap 60csx and love it. I would recommend not buying the cheapest model, but it will do what you are wanting (and nothing else). After a trail ride, you simply hook up the GPS to a computer (serial cable with the older ones) and transfer the waypoints and track logs to your software. There are free programs that will do this (USAPhotoMaps, etc).

Again, although it will work, I think you should save your money and buy one that you can load topo's and maps before you go on the trail.

Here's the old one that i had (which will do what you want but nothing more):
Garmin Etrex Handheld - eBay (item 200209991834 end time Mar-29-08 17:48:41 PDT)

[gex2113]

I would have to say the 60csx is a great handheld. It is a little more expensive then the vista or such but far better singal reception once you get off the beaten path. The resoution is great on it also.
~Carl

[Bogo]

Originally Posted by gex2113

I would have to say the 60csx is a great handheld. It is a little more expensive then the vista or such but far better singal reception once you get off the beaten path. The resoution is great on it also.
~Carl

The 60CSX uses the SiRF Star III chip set which is excellent in heavy tree cover, and canyon type situations. It is a couple years old, but still a fine performer.

I have it in a small puck with magnetic base from US Global Sat Model BU-353 which is cheap in USB version at $55 plus shipping. I'm not happy with how the USB is handled. It is only a USB to serial translation and the driver causes lockup when coming out of hibernate mode. With my laptop and Topo USA from Delorme I can use Topo USA to keep a log of my track then display that later and even print it out. This of course requires a laptop and it being on all the time you are wanting tracking done. For a car/cruiser unit this is fine. Otherwise, forget it.