Re: gps recommendations?
- From: "Nigel Cliffe" <me@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:17:10 -0000
gr wrote:
> I am going to update some trail maps of a local park, and have seen
> examples of gps units and software that talk to topo maps and merge
> waypoints to the map, etc. What are these features called? What would
> be a few minimum models I should look at?
> gr
You're opening up a big can of worms...
Simple way.
Most GPS units will record a "track" or "trail" of where you have been, and
you download that onto a computer for subsequent re-use.
Most will let this trail be overlaid on a Map held in the computer (though
you'll need the map from somewhere to start with), which can subsequently be
printed out.
Tools such as GoogleEarth will let you view and print the trail overlaying
an aerial photograph.
If you save the track, you can then load it into another GPS and display it
on the GPS' screen (overlaying whatever maps that unit might have, or as
just a trail if the GPS is not a mapping unit). There are a few issues
translating tracks from maker to maker, but its not overly difficult.
( In this context Most = GPS with computer interface. There are a few models
around which lack the option of computer interface, avoid those.).
Advanced way.
Make transparent map layers which can be loaded into a mapping GPS unit,
overlaying the maker-supplied maps with your trails.
This gets you into quite heavyweight computing. I'm reasonably OK with the
basics for a Garmin device, and I believe there are similar methods for
Magellan. If you've a lot of stuff, or are just interested in doing it, the
results can be very useful.
Essentially, one needs to record the track (above), then use various bits of
public domain software to edit the trails and finally compile a map. That
map can then be uploaded into a mapping device. Start by looking at
www.cGPSmapper and www.Geopainting.com . The learning curve is steep.
--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/
.
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