Re: GPS where no maps are available

<GlobeTrotter@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> > To use raster maps a PDA is recommended. You can build your own vector
> > maps - but thats not the right task for beginners.
>
>
> Being that I've never had a GPS unit before, I'm not really
> sure I understand all of this.

Quite sure - but your knowledge will increase with every step . . .

> What are raster maps?

raster maps are just pictures in digital file format like .JPG where
every pixel has its coordinates (lat/long or UTM). The process of giving
every pixel the right coordinate is called "calibration" or
"geo-referencing".

> Can a Garmin GPSmap 60CS load
> them? (this is the model I am now considering, since everyone
> seems to love mapping over non-mapping systems).

Unfortunately not - the only models from Garmin which can display raster
maps is the iQue series, like iQue3600 or iQueM5. A Garmin GPSmap 60CS
only loads vector maps in Garmin's *IMG format.

> What are vector maps? Where can I learn to build them?

vector maps are databases of position information. These information is
displayed on the screen as a map. Many map developpers use cGPSMapper -
and MapEdit as GUI, see:
<http://www.cgpsmapper.com>
<http://geopainting.com/en>

hth
Anton

.

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