Recently, My Garmin M3 Ique was stolen and I researched, selected a Dell and provided a review here, refer to that link for the rationale and review of that equipment. To summarize, I had selected a Dell Axim X51V, Bluetooth GPS and iGuidance on road navigation software, all of which I discussed at length in the linked thread and it all worked perfectly on the 900 mile drive to the Flat Nasty TLCA event and back.
Next, I needed to find the right topo software for off road. I want to be able to follow trails on topo maps and save them so I can return at a later date. I want to be able to see elevation data while I am off-road. After a lot of research, several packages were recommended, but almost everyone agreed that memory-map is the Cadillac of topo packages. After some investigation and reading different reviews, I decided to check them out.
Besides the USA, they also have Maps of Canada, Mexico, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, France, Europe and South Africa
The memory-map package comes in three variations:
My needs don't require the professional version. The Memory-Map Navigator package is $99.95 and allows you to download 3rd party maps and then you can buy the Memory-Map maps in bundles or by state, and they are not cheap. With the Discoverer product, for $71 (Sale price) I get the software and the Colorado Map. I just can't download 3rd party maps. I can upgrade the license for $49 later on if thats something I want to do. I verified that I could later add the Utah maps and they would work seamless with the Colorado maps. Since I really only need the maps for Colorado and Utah, this was the perfect choice for me.
So I ordered the Colorado Discoverer package and it came within several days. The software and the maps are on 2 DVDs. The higher resolution maps for Colorado are broken into two files about 2.7GB each. There are lower resolution topo maps of Colorado, the USA and the world also loaded on the DVD.
The software loaded easily on the my computer and I was able to play with the full map set at one time. I noticed that there is a lot more capability for use of this software on a home computer or Laptop, then the PocketPC. The software on the pocketPC works fine, but the individual maps are limited to ~400MB. You can have as many maps on your PocketPC device as you want (memory allowing) and the maps will transition seamlessly (per Memory Map) from map to map as you change your location.
There are several maps that come with the DVD; High resolution Colorado Maps, two lower resolution, a lower USA and world map and Colorado satellite images. I focused on the high (1/24,000) resolution maps.
Another of the neat features on the PC or laptop version is you can view the area of interest in 3D map view. The below is an example showing Chinaman's Gulch. This view was captured after I returned showing the track we took.
To download a map to the PocketPC, I first used the find feature and entered "chinamans" it took me right to where I wanted to go. I adjusted the map for the widest view for the terrain I wanted. Downloading in this manner will download only what shows on your computer screen. Having a wider view (less Resolution) will not impact the resolution of the maps loaded to your mobile device, only the total area of that map. I then selected the "Mobile Device" pull down menu and sent the visible portion of the map to my Dell.
I contacted the company to see if I could make unique maps that didn't quite fit in one visible display on my screen. I received the following response the next morning:
I first tested this by downloading a metro Denver (Via the visible screen method above) map and used it on the way home from work one day. It tracked perfectly all the way home. You can not enter an address like the iGuidance SW, that's why you should have both an on road navigation package and a topo package for off road.
On November 11th, my club joined the Toyota Central FJ Cruiser Team for their final run of the year at Chinaman's Gulch near Buena Vista Colorado. The trip report for that event can be found here. This is where I tested the Memory-Map software.
I had it running with my MP3 software in the background. The display in the view below shows the max resolution, the bar shows 0.2M. You can zoom out so a slightly smaller bar shows 5 miles. You need to make sure the map is unlocked so your actual location is always in the center and the map automatically scrolls. Also, you can pick a point on the screen at any time and it will tell you the GPS coordinates and the elevation.
I found the PocketPC software easy to use. It kept up with our location, I was able to easily see our direction and I could zoom out at any time. I could also move the view of the map around to see areas I wanted to go to. I was very easy to use and automatically marked the route we took.
When I came home, I connected the Dell to my Home computer so I could see how the track would show up. Selected import from Mobile device and the track we traveled was transferred to my computer for viewing, printing and sharing. You can go in and edit and add text.
I also switched to the satellite view. This view also shows the track. I did not find this view helpful with the sat photos loaded on the disk. I am sure 3rd party photos would be more useful
On the whole, I recommend this package. The software is easy to use. The maps are well laid out, have plenty of detail and easy to follow. The 3D view on your computer/laptop is nice, and I can see how that would be helpful in other situations.
Next, I needed to find the right topo software for off road. I want to be able to follow trails on topo maps and save them so I can return at a later date. I want to be able to see elevation data while I am off-road. After a lot of research, several packages were recommended, but almost everyone agreed that memory-map is the Cadillac of topo packages. After some investigation and reading different reviews, I decided to check them out.
Besides the USA, they also have Maps of Canada, Mexico, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, France, Europe and South Africa
The memory-map package comes in three variations:
Memory-Map Discoverer (works only with Memory-Map or eTopo brand maps)
Memory-Map Navigator (works with third party maps)
Memory-Map Professional (Shapefile import/export, AIS, tracking and API for customization)
Memory-Map Navigator (works with third party maps)
Memory-Map Professional (Shapefile import/export, AIS, tracking and API for customization)
My needs don't require the professional version. The Memory-Map Navigator package is $99.95 and allows you to download 3rd party maps and then you can buy the Memory-Map maps in bundles or by state, and they are not cheap. With the Discoverer product, for $71 (Sale price) I get the software and the Colorado Map. I just can't download 3rd party maps. I can upgrade the license for $49 later on if thats something I want to do. I verified that I could later add the Utah maps and they would work seamless with the Colorado maps. Since I really only need the maps for Colorado and Utah, this was the perfect choice for me.
So I ordered the Colorado Discoverer package and it came within several days. The software and the maps are on 2 DVDs. The higher resolution maps for Colorado are broken into two files about 2.7GB each. There are lower resolution topo maps of Colorado, the USA and the world also loaded on the DVD.
The software loaded easily on the my computer and I was able to play with the full map set at one time. I noticed that there is a lot more capability for use of this software on a home computer or Laptop, then the PocketPC. The software on the pocketPC works fine, but the individual maps are limited to ~400MB. You can have as many maps on your PocketPC device as you want (memory allowing) and the maps will transition seamlessly (per Memory Map) from map to map as you change your location.
There are several maps that come with the DVD; High resolution Colorado Maps, two lower resolution, a lower USA and world map and Colorado satellite images. I focused on the high (1/24,000) resolution maps.
Another of the neat features on the PC or laptop version is you can view the area of interest in 3D map view. The below is an example showing Chinaman's Gulch. This view was captured after I returned showing the track we took.
To download a map to the PocketPC, I first used the find feature and entered "chinamans" it took me right to where I wanted to go. I adjusted the map for the widest view for the terrain I wanted. Downloading in this manner will download only what shows on your computer screen. Having a wider view (less Resolution) will not impact the resolution of the maps loaded to your mobile device, only the total area of that map. I then selected the "Mobile Device" pull down menu and sent the visible portion of the map to my Dell.
I contacted the company to see if I could make unique maps that didn't quite fit in one visible display on my screen. I received the following response the next morning:
If you are loading to a Pocket PC, you will be limited to about 400 MB per map. This is due to limitations in the way the Pocket PC processes the image file. To create these areas, use the ROUTE tool to create an enclosed route (start and stop on the same point). Then, right-click and select OPERATIONS > SEND ENCLOSED ROUTE TO MOBILE DEVICE. This will tell you how large the file is prior to sending and will give you the opportunity to give the file a custom name. You can send any number of 400 MB maps and the program will automatically load each as you leave one to enter another. The maps can be any shape.
I first tested this by downloading a metro Denver (Via the visible screen method above) map and used it on the way home from work one day. It tracked perfectly all the way home. You can not enter an address like the iGuidance SW, that's why you should have both an on road navigation package and a topo package for off road.
On November 11th, my club joined the Toyota Central FJ Cruiser Team for their final run of the year at Chinaman's Gulch near Buena Vista Colorado. The trip report for that event can be found here. This is where I tested the Memory-Map software.
I had it running with my MP3 software in the background. The display in the view below shows the max resolution, the bar shows 0.2M. You can zoom out so a slightly smaller bar shows 5 miles. You need to make sure the map is unlocked so your actual location is always in the center and the map automatically scrolls. Also, you can pick a point on the screen at any time and it will tell you the GPS coordinates and the elevation.
I found the PocketPC software easy to use. It kept up with our location, I was able to easily see our direction and I could zoom out at any time. I could also move the view of the map around to see areas I wanted to go to. I was very easy to use and automatically marked the route we took.
When I came home, I connected the Dell to my Home computer so I could see how the track would show up. Selected import from Mobile device and the track we traveled was transferred to my computer for viewing, printing and sharing. You can go in and edit and add text.
I also switched to the satellite view. This view also shows the track. I did not find this view helpful with the sat photos loaded on the disk. I am sure 3rd party photos would be more useful
On the whole, I recommend this package. The software is easy to use. The maps are well laid out, have plenty of detail and easy to follow. The 3D view on your computer/laptop is nice, and I can see how that would be helpful in other situations.