Re: Beginner Needs Mapping Help
From: Mark Illingworth (millingworth_at_cwcom.net)
Date: 09/14/04
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Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 23:30:25 +0100
"Guinness Mann" <gmann@dublin.com> wrote in message
news:ci7fsr011ug@news1.newsguy.com...
> Greetings,
>
> I am a beginner in the GPS/mapping world, although I've long been
> looking forward to the day when a useful mapping/routing device was
> affordable enough, small enough, and had a long enough battery life to
> be carried in a pocket. I'm still eagerly awaiting the day when gps
> features are built into every cell-phone, pda, laptop, walkman and
> automobile.
>
> I've solved the first problem with a Garmin GPSmap 76CS. I love it to
> death, but since I purchased it I find that there is a whole world of
> knowledge and applications just waiting to make it even more useful.
>
> For instance I found GARtrip, loaded a few tracks into it, generated an
> elevation plot at the bottom, discovered that I could do screen captures
> of my Mapsource maps and (after calibration) display the maps behind my
> track files. Cool.
>
> The problem is that I am overwhelmed with all the learning that I must
> do to become facile at the format-conversions, tool-chaining,
> data-sourcing and general duct-taping necessary to get the most out of
> this hobby.
>
> So I was wondering if there is some commercial product that would
> encapsulate a large portion of this. I am well-aware that there is a
> large body of free data and utilities, but for right now I need
> something really easy that will support my habit while I learn enough to
> be effective with the free stuff.
>
> For instance, how about Maptech Terrain Navigator? Would that simplify
> the process of generating an annotated map showing where I've been? How
> about a 3D flyover? Is it appreciably better at post
> processing/analysis of my data than a combination of Mapsource and
> free/shareware products?
>
> Or to ask another way, what would be a good beginner starter kit of
> software for someone with a budget of, say $200? (As I mentioned, I
> already have Mapsource and the Garmin maps for my location.)
>
> Thank you for any comments.
>
> -- Rick
>
> ----
> Sierra Vista, AZ, 84°F - 27%, Partly Cloudy
> Wind Variable at 6 mph (11:54:38)
> ICBM: N31° 34.015' W110° 14.717'
> Now Playing: Blue Oyster Cult - This Ain't The Summer Of Love - 1976
I suggest that you fully exploit your MapSource software before you look for
anything else. You can download the tracks from the GPS receiver to a PC
with MapSource (see Transfer menu) and then see where you went with no need
for screen captures. MapSource can also show you the elevation profile of
your tracks.
In Europe the limitation is that the Garmin map data CDs are intended for
road users and there is no topographical information for hikers and
cyclists. Some national mapping agencies sell CDs of topographical maps that
allow download of tracks from Garmin units, but these CDs are quite
expensive at present.
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