Posted 2010-12-16 11:10 AM (#128075) Subject: GPS revisited
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A while back I asked about what GPS unit to buy for my wife. Several Garman products were suggested. I ended up purchasing an "Oregon" 450T. This was chosen for its large touch screen, ample memory, many features and it was preloaded with a topo map of the US. I didn't choose the 550 because we don't need the photo feature.
My question is: Is this map detailed enough to show the various riding trails around the country? Will my wife be able to use it as is for trail riding? Or will I have to purchase other, more detailed maps? Are they available and from what sources? Supposedly this GPS can accept computer downloads as well as preloaded programs with micro chip memory. Is this difficult to do?
Sorry for all the these questions. I'm computer and GPS illiterate. Having some basic knowledge before my wife gets this for Xmas, should help me better explain its functions. In the reviews I read about this unit, it was noted that the supplied instruction booklet is lacking in details and how to use its available features. My wife will be the primary user of this GPS while trail riding in several states. I would like her learning curve and access to information to be as easy and efficient as possible.
Any comments? Thank you for any ideas you can offer.
Posted 2010-12-18 1:14 AM (#128160 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Member
Posts: 25 Location: Sedalia, Colorado
"Is this map detailed enough to show the various riding trails around the country?"
Probably not. The preloaded map Topo US 100k is comparable to those found in an Atlas. The Garmin Topo 24k Series is available in regional sets and is more detailed similar to a USGS Quad. Also, ridiculously expensive to get full US coverage. US TrailMaps, Equestrian is an easy and inexpensive option with somewhat limited coverage and unknown detail.
Creating Garmin Custom Maps allows you to load raster map images (i.e. images of REAL USGS Quads) but requires a reasonable amount of computer savy. To get the best results some GIS software and skill are handy.
Perhaps the best and easiest route for beginning is to stay with the preloaded Topo US 100k and load trails / tracks as needed to the sd card in the vector format (.GPX files). These will display on top with the preloaded Topo map showing under. Sources of desired trails will require searching the Web, most trail data in the west is available from the USFS in various formats (most requiring GIS software to convert to GPX ) .
There is a learning curve to GPS, but once your wife records her own track of the trail she just rode and displays it in BaseCamp or Google Earth she (and you) are likely to be hooked.
Posted 2010-12-19 10:46 PM (#128199 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
I have a friend using that very model for endurance riding, I will forward your question to her, and see what she thinks..She has done 1000's of miles with it
Posted 2010-12-19 10:55 PM (#128201 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
Well, this was quick, and not sure if it will help or not. She said:
It already has the topo maps they'll need and it's easy to zoom in and out to see where you are. If you go to Garmin Connect you can sign up and download any tracks from rides and view on a map. You can also create routes ahead of time and put onto the GPS.
Posted 2010-12-20 5:31 PM (#128217 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
I found it easy to use "out of the box" and also easy to use with the laptop. Garmin Basecamp is free from them, and does well, and also Garmin's MapSource program works really well, if you are just getting going with GPS they are really fine, she and you will enjoy this! The topo info is detailed enough for the recreational riding work, I feel....
Posted 2010-12-22 9:17 AM (#128259 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Sundancer's Sidekick, Trot On and Flying Farm, I greatly appreciate your responses. Because much of what you replied is above my pay grade, I'm going to print out your threads and give them to my wife with her GPS for Xmas. She and my daughter work with computers all day long, and will have a greater knowledge of how your suggestions can enhance the ownership of her navigation aid. They will be using the unit while trail riding, hopefully in new surroundings, with new experiences, and better navigational information.
Thank you for taking the time to enlighten us with your knowledge.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, quick to make friends. And may you know nothing but happiness.
Posted 2010-12-23 12:04 PM (#128271 - in reply to #128075) Subject: RE: GPS revisited
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
Gard, I have a Garmin Legend that is a hundred years old and still works... my husband has a Lowrance with a big screen/color/etc... it is wonderful. Really wonderful. We have it in the truck and on his saddle... it has never let us down. It also has a NOAA weather warning alert on it... it cost about $200. at Bass Pro Shop. It is so nice to venture out of your comfort zone and be able to get back to camp.
GPS revisited
