Hand Held GPS \ Topographic Maps \PC maps Advice Requested

Fraserp

Wasnt certain where to place this as it crossed over several forums. I have looked though forums and found some content but nothing that answered my questions. Key here is compatability.

I'm looking for advice on:-

1) Handheld GPS that will handle Topo maps for the UK, 1:25,000
2) Suitable topo maps that can be fully loaded on Handheld.
3) Ability to review content on PC, not like you get with TT Home where you just see a image of the device screen, but full screen maps. This to allow me to plan routes prior to upload and review routes taken.

In the past I have had a Garmin Etrex Vista, Memory Map 1:50,000 found the process rather long winded. Ideal would be a topo map that is the same for GPS and PC. Extrex vista was quality gear but at the time, screen small, was non colour and no suitable topo.

Thanks
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Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Fraserp · Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:20 am Post subject:

An update...initial garmin models suggested are:- GPSMAP® 60CSx or GPSMAP® 76CSx These then uses Garmins own TOPO Great Britain v2
Whats the opinion of these as opposed to the latest Etrex VistaC?

Issues I am now aware of with Garmin topo are: No printing & Restricted size of map detail viewing area(according to their web site).

Re OS type maps, I used to run PDA with Memory Map, but I found the use of these in bright sunlight was unworkable, unless you covered it with your jacket. OK for the PC though. Any other options?
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Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

philpugh · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:34 am Post subject:

Newer PDAs should be OK with bright light - the display is designed to use any natural light to 'illuminate' the screen. Transreflectice displays I believe they are called.

My DELL AXIM works very well in sunlight - saves battery power as well as you have the backlight off!
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Phil

Darren · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:45 am Post subject:

You could go the PDA route and use the excellent Memory-Map which has a PC client as well. Offers texture mapped 3d elevations, track and waypoint management etc.

However you would need to consider robustness, battery life and a waterproof case for it.

Alternatively there is the imminent product from Satmap which was on show at our Expo. I'm not sure if this has a PC client, I suspect not but it is a superb product and much liked by all who saw it.
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Darren Griffin

AllyCat · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject:

Hi,

You haven't said for what you intend to use the mapping (walking, cycling, etc.) but IMHO Garmin Topo is not even comparable to an OS 1:50k map. However, you can judge for yourself with the Mapsource viewer on Garmin's website. In particular, look for woodland, churches and country pubs, or differentiation between tracks, bridle paths and footpaths (if you can find them at all).

However, bear in mind that the whole of the UK at 1:25k would cost over £3,000 from Memory Map, and fill at least 12GBytes (the size of their 1:33k aerial photos).

I don't have the latest or best transflective displays on my PDAs, but find them of limited value. Yes, if you have direct sunlight you can tilt the display to improve readability, but I still find them almost unusable in bright cloud conditions.

So, sorry, I can't suggest any "ideal" device yet; the Road Angel Adventurer 7000 with Memory Map looked like an interesting compromise, but currently seems to have major User Interface limitations.

Cheers, Alan.
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Garmin GPS72H/76/60/45, Etrex H, Mapsource v6.5.
Acer N50,HP114,Loox N560,Dell x50,CF/SD cards to 4/32GB.
RoyalTek,Holux236,Navman B10 & Copilot(Globalsat) BT GPS,TomTom5/6.
Memory Map (v5.4.2 & v5.1.3 OS & Euro), GPS gate,OSGPSconverter.

Fraserp · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:09 pm Post subject:

I'm after a suitable solution for walking, so the equivalent to an OS 1:25,000 is the ideal. I agree the Garmin Topo isn't ideal but may be the best so far.

Re the screen readability, what you report is exactly what I found, bright but cloud conditions are the worst, making the PDA screens almost unreadable! It's amazing but GPS screens seem OK. I'm going to take a look at the SatMap product when it becomes available.
Thanks
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Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Darren · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:14 pm Post subject:

The SatMap product is very nice indeed. It certainly ticks most of the boxes for walkers looking for a colour full OS mapping device albeit at a price.
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Darren Griffin

mikealder · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject:

Fraserp · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:25 pm Post subject:

Latest info: ETA June 2007, despite earlier reports of March.
Cost: £300
OS Maps: £100 each
So it is at a real price! 8O

At that price, for it to be acceptable to me. it'll have to be able to accept input co-ordinates, plan intended routes, transfer actual routes out, and should have a PC client. PDA sizes are fine in the field, but useless to work with at home. I can dream! Wink

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Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Fraserp · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

RE the 1:2500, I'd hope it would be clearer and more detailed. Sorry , but I hadnt seen the review.
Thanks
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Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

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