Garmin eTrex Vista ?'s

[DMMcG]

So, guess what Santa left in my stocking?

I've gone through the manual and have started to get the hang of some of the functions. To make this thing as useful as it can be, what software ought I get for it? I've already started a grocery list that includes the dash mount and lighter outlet power supply.....

....a padded holster/case also seems like a good idea.

This thing looks like it'll be fun!

Are any of the MapSource CD's of much good for BC back-country?

[lars]

Originally posted by DMMcG
I've gone through the manual and have started to get the hang of some of the functions. To make this thing as useful as it can be, what software ought I get for it? I've already started a grocery list that includes the dash mount and lighter outlet power supply.....

If it didn't come with one, make sure you get a data xfer cable.


Are any of the MapSource CD's of much good for BC back-country?
Not really. I've looked at the US topo maps and didn't think they were very good. The Canadian Roads and Rec. CD is pretty good since it does show a fair number of dirt roads (eg: Butler Mainline near Sooke; Nickel Plate Mtn near Hedley).



...lars

[DMMcG]

Found a simple GPS mapping program that looks to be handy. You can put a bmp map image in the background (and scale the GPS coordinates using the software) - nice that it's freeware as well. "GPS Utility".

http://www.hot4x4.ca/albums/album36/aax.jpg

[Bonefish]

I wrote a script that walked the Toporama site and grabbed all the 1:50000 maps for Canada.(over 6000) This was a lot easier than the right click and save target method. However, the problem is now the size of the map data base. I pulled all of the maps into one folder and whenever you try to pull up a new map using moving map or the find map functions, it takes a long time. Has anyone dealt with this issue?

Bonefish

[Mustang]

Dale the best way to learn anything is to use it. One of the most interesting uses I have found for mine is called Geocaching.
http://www.geocaching.com

it gives you a reason to get used to the features that might save your life should it come down to that.

In a nutshell? it's a global treasure hunt. I have a cach hidden up on eagle ridge that I should pull out if I can ever get into it again. altho several people have hiked up to it.

There are several caches that are within a few min of your office. Dan and I have done a few a night for extra chalange. One right in false creek.

[Greg]

Originally posted by Bonefish
However, the problem is now the size of the map data base. I pulled all of the maps into one folderThat's cool. Is there any way you can separate the maps by province, ie. sort by filename and manually split them up? At any rate, I'd be interested in obtaining a CD (or however many CDs it requires) from you; drop me an email at your convenience.

[Bonefish]

Unless Dez Newman creates a better way of indexing the maps in Ozi, then one will have to keeps the maps "unloaded" until they are in use. The vbs script that was posted in this forum earlier indexed all 6000 maps in about 2 seconds so it is not a really problem should you need to "activate" several sets of maps. Having all of BC and AB at 1:50000 should be do-able. I am debating on whether or not to grab the orthoimages of their site..I might do if for B.C. They are pretty awesome! Only problem is size of course.

I will drop you a line. Do you still hang out at Roche Point ocassionaly?

Bonefish

[civil86]

I pulled all of the maps into one folder and whenever you try to pull up a new map using moving map or the find map functions, it takes a long time. Has anyone dealt with this issue?


Oziexplorer does allow you to specify map paths, and you can lock map searching to the current path (little red X with the map arrow keys in the top button bar). That may reduce the search time required.

[Greg]

Originally posted by Bonefish
I will drop you a line. Do you still hang out at Roche Point ocassionaly?Thanks for the email. No I don't, as Mark moved. But I do live and work in N Van so I can meet up with you sometime, maybe for coffee?

I'm going to have spend some time with Ozi to figure out how to use it. I had my maps loaded and everything was working good, then I had to delete them to make room on the hard drive, then I couldn't load them again for some reason, stupid computer. :redneck