Re: Which GPS for ..

From: Andy Hill (andy_hill_at_hp.com)
Date: 06/15/04 

Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 15:42:28 -0600

GSV Three Minds in a Can <GSV@quik.clara.co.uk> wrote:
>Bitstring <yuOdnW1U0YOlyFLdRVn-ig@comcast.com>, from the wonderful
>person Peter <prathman@comcast.net> said
>>GSV Three Minds in a Can wrote:
>>
>>> Want a handheld (or wrist fitted) GPS unit for walking in the UK. As
>>>far as I can tell there are none of them which are going to have maps
>>>any useful level of detail ('major towns' and 'motorways' are not
>>>much interest .. the whole point of the exercise is to not come within
>>>20 miles of either).
>>> Field boundaries, footpaths, ditches .. that would be useful (and is
>>>all recorded on the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 maps), but I see no way of
>>>putting it in a GPS receiver (short of dragging a PDA or Laptop along
>>>with me, plus the 10lbs of batteries to run it for a reasonable time).
>>>Is that a correct assessment?
>>
>>There are a couple work-arounds, depending on how much effort you're
>>willing to invest. First is that people have developed tools for
>>creating maps in Garmin-compatible format. See:
>>http://gps.chrisb.org/gps_mapper.htm But there is substantial work
>>required to generate a usable map. The second method is to create
>>tracklogs on your PC that cover the planned trails for your trip and
>>upload these to the GPS. Most Garmins provide for up to 10 'saved'
>>tracks which I've usually found to be adequate for displaying the
>>trails in the region where I plan to hike. Lowrance's iFinder is even
>>better in this regard with 10 tracks of greater length and which can be
>>differentiated with various line types.
>>Programs like OziExplorer and GarTrip let you use scanned maps and
>>trace the desired paths with your PC mouse to create the tracklogs.
>
>I think I'll go with just loading the way points and tracklogs for the
>critical features .. life's too short to go re-mapping obscure corners
>of the UK in Garmin format. I used to know of some raster->vector
>converters, but the ones I'm thinking of (from the IC design world)
>would have a nervous breakdown over curved dotted lines, pictures of
>trees, and suchlike.
>
>>> Recommendations please. I have no particular axes to grind about
>>>manufacturers, although I notice Garmin want to stiff me £25.95 for a
>>>PC data cable (that's about $45 guys!), which puts their sanity into
>>>question.
>>
>>The original equipment manufacturer is rarely the most economical
>>source for accessories. In this case there are plenty of other sources
>>for cables. Check the pfranc website for both ready-made cables and
>>connectors.
>
>Thanks, will do .. although I still object to being 'gouged', which is
>what it feels like, by the manufacturer. If someone can make/sell (good)
>alternatives for half the price, then Garmin is being a bit too obvious
>in their over-pricing (IMO).
>
>So .. what GPS do we suggest then??
>8>.
>
Assuming it's still available in the UK, the Garmin Venture isn't a bad choice.
Good battery life, and comes *with* the data cable. Heavier and bigger than
the Geko series (mainly because of the use of AA batteries vs. AAA), but I
consider the display to be far superior to those used in the Geko line.

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