OS Grid Ref software

[dwd]

[ I aksed this a while ago in a software forum and had no replies, to I am trying again in a more active forum. ]

I am looking for some simple (cheap or free) software to run on a PocketPC with GPS. The primary requirement is to display an OS grid ref, while out walking. This is so I can find a position on one of the many paper maps I have. One day I will upgrade to electronic maps :D

Also useful would be gridref based on UTM, for use with IGN maps in France etc.

Final nice to have's are to mark waypoints with notes (i.e. interesting places worth returning to) and normal compas/signal strength functions.

I have looked at GPSdash and others, but they do not support the British National Grid.

[Also, in case I am about to make a mistake, I already have an iPAQ 5550 + 256MB & 128MB SD cards, and I am about to buy a Fortuna Clip-on GPS, TomTom 3 for route planning and Arkin CM508 Multimedia mount. But I am looking for something for walking etc.]

Thanks for any help.

--
David

[BBB]

Hello David - I wonder if I may add my tuppen'orth?

For what it is worth I prefer mapping options from the PDA. There really is quite a lot of choice out there and choice (to me) seems better than being snagged into brand only software.

For example, Ordnance Survey maps are available from 2 (or is it 4?) separate suppliers. Try www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk - a very good place to start.

You will need to spend some spondoolies though - partly because OS holds the copyright and applies a fee to any software company seeking to use OS maps (I understand they apply lawyers and legal team to software companies that seek to us OS maps without paying a fee :-)

However, you will also need a case and some arrangement to keep the PDA dry. My own preference is one of those metal tight-fit cases and a transparent plastic bag.

There was one occasion when I could not see the PDA screen clearly - on top of deep and freshly fallen snow in bright bright sunshine - I could not cast an effective shadow on the screen with all of the reflected glare.

Despite that - I really much much much prefer PDA-software maps to paper maps.

Have fun, look around and I hope you find a lovely combination that you can enjoy in the great outdoors.

das bagal schrieben

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