Re: non-mapping, mapping GPD, chartplotter compare
- From: Jack Erbes <jackerbes@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2006 11:12:21 -0500
Ted wrote:
<snip>
Those are all good sources of information above. You definitely want a mapping GPS.
If you want to start learning about mapping GPS for a minimum amount of cash, I recommend a remanufactured Emap for $125 from www.tvnav.com
http://www.tvnav.com/remanemap.htm You also need a memory card for the Emap. Get at least the 32 megabit card for $38.
Consider this recommendation carefully, I don't view it as a good choice. The eTrex uses a inordinately expensive proprietary data card that is only available in smaller sizes and is already aimed at or approaching obsolescence. And the smaller memory cards in an eTrex may have some issues with the larger segments in the more recent MapSource (detail map) products if you decide to use those. The eTrex is a little too far off the leading edge for me.
If we are going to recommend specific brands, with cost considerations being a factor, I would shop used or closeout GPS equipment on the internet and on eBay. As an example, look at the Magellan Meridian. Those have unlimited memory expansion through the use of SD cards. That is arguably the GPS that made Garmin develop their "x" series models with microSD cards for expanding the memory.
If you are willing to spend a little more to get better portable GPS then I would recommend the GPSMAP 60 for $250
The Garmin 60 has built in map memory.
http://www.tvnav.com/map60.htm
But the 60 does not have enough built in memory for many users and purposes. The memory problem was purportedly solved in the new 60cx ($482.13) and 60csx ($535.70) models.
I am beginning to suspect that, although Garmin appears to have solved the expansion memory issue in the "x" models, they have not given the users the same latitude for when and how the expansion memory can be used as is found in the Magellan models that use SD cards. And they did it with the microSD card which is new on the market and not as cheap or capable (yet anyway) as the SD cards.
So models that are comparable to the Garmin 60 recommended above would be the Meridian Platinum, Meridian Marine, or Meridian Gold models. Some of the Meridian models are now discontinued but they are still good usable equipment.
The maps can be found here:
http://www.tvnav.com/emapacc.htm
http://www.tvnav.com/map60acc.htm
And if you elect to buy another brand, you can find comparable offerings for the Garmins MapSource detail mapping packages and accessories in the Magellan and other lines. As always, if costs are a consideration, shopping for deals and closeouts on the internet and eBay can save some money.
I use the cheaper land maps mostly for shoreline detail on my Emap while boating. Any points on the water I need come from getting the lat/lon coordinates from:<snip>
http://map.marineplanner.com/mapping/chart/chartindex.cfm
You can find your favorite marine chart here and click on the map to get the lat/lon for entering into your gps.
Another option for marine use is to download the free NOAA Raster Navigation Charts (RNC) from these sites:
http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/ (info on NOAA electronic charts)
http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/Index.htm (RNC chart page)
Those charts are, for all practical purposes, the widely used commercial MapTech BSB charts. They are up to data and can be viewed and/or used with a number of chart viewers and navigation softwares. A good freeware for using the NOAA RNC charts for navigation is the Seaclear II software:
http://www.seaclear.net/
NOAA also offers the Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) as free downloads:
http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/MCD/enc/index.htm
The ENC are S-57 vector maps. As far as I know, you need to purchase a commercial navigation software like use the ENC for navigation. A list of viewers and nav softwares is here:
http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/enc/resource.htm
If you use the RNC and SeaClear II on your PC you can create much more accurate placed waypoints and routes on the PC and then upload those to a handheld GPS like the Garmin and Magellan models discussed above (I'm not sure about the eTrex).
That will give you accurately placed waypoints and routes on the GPS that can be seen relative to the detail in the basemap. In a boat, it can be a little nerve wracking when you route occasionally appears to take you over land masses on the basemap. But if you are using (as you should be) a chart, your eyes, visual landmarks, etc., it can contribute to better and safe navigation.
If you want to see detail maps on your handheld GPS that contain detail (shorelines, buoys, soundings, lights, etc.) that is comparable to that seen on the RNC charts on your PC you would have to consider the MapSource BlueChart or MapSend BlueNav marine charting packages.
Jack
--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
.
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