Experienced fell walker, novice at GPS

[cecilrhode]

the map data is NOT transferable. Only the route info created on the mapping software (transferable to the GPS unit) and the track info ie where you actually walked (transefrable to the PC) is transferred. The actual map stays where it is, either on the PC or the GPS. Thats the same regardless of what unit or mapping software you use. Even if you use a GPS unit running OS maps, you do not transfer the map to or from the PC, it would take AGES. you simply transfer the info YOU create, either the route (from the PC to GPS) or the walked track (the opposite direction).

you can use all GPS units without PC based mapping software.

If you use something like the Garmin Etrex range, it gives you the present coordinates, speed etc, and a diagramatic picture of the walk you have done. if you have something garmin Topo, it superimposes that walk on the picture of the map.

If you use a unit that runs OS software, it does the same except the walk picture is put on top of an OS map, just as if you drew on a paper map. The advantage of a OS map unit is that you will see your position marked on the map as you walk, and you can use the unit to help plan your walk just like you study a paper map to plan your walk.

yes, you need a map of some sort on both the GPS and the PC - if you dont have the map software, you can't see it! as i said earlier, GPS units and PCs use diffferent processors and operating systems so the software cannot be run on both.

you can input your walk coordinates directly into any GPS unit if you wish, and many guidebooks now give GPS coords as part of the route instructions. It is however slow and laborious to study a paper map, calculate the coords, then input them into the GPS. if you make an error, you will end up in the wrong place. using mapping software allows you to study an OS map on screen, plot your walk following paths etc on the map by clicking your mouse along the route, and then transferring that route to the GPS. Thats basically the same procedure for nearly ALL gps units, mapping or not.

there is plenty of info about GPS out there, and several books about using them. have a look at the websites of the manufacturers, and see if you can go on a course because buying the wrong unit will be either an expensive of frustrating mistake, or maybe both. you are asking rudimentary questions that can be answered within minutes on a course, or by downloading instruction manuals from manufacturers websites and studying them.

[iamian16]

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