Memory-Map placed 1st in Trail test

MikeB

Trail votes Memory-Map software number 1 GPS application

The February 2005 issue of Trail Magazine votes Memory-Map software as the number one GPS application, closely followed by Anquet with Magellan Mapsend Topo in third place.

Unfortunately for those of us with PDAs the test criteria were somewhat flawed as they did not take into consideration anything to do with PDA capabilities. Indeed one of the critisisms of both Memory-Map and Anquet is that you cannot send the maps to the GPS device.

The full result of the tests were:
1 - Memory-Map
2 - Anquet
3 - Magellan Mapsend Topo
4 - Tracklogs 1:50k
5 - Fugawi UK Digital Maps
6 - ISYS Outdoors Mapwise

Although the tests claimed to review 16 software packages it really was varieties of the 6 systems mentioned above. I am not too sure why Fugawi was marked down so much as it's capabilities are much on par with Memory-Map and Anquet.

Do you agree with the findings? Cast your vote in our Topo Mapping poll.
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Mike Barrett

icsys · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:09 pm Post subject:

Anquet and Trail Magazine work in association to supply Trail routes so I am surprised that they suggest that Anquet cannot download routes to a GPS.

I don't suppose there is an online version of this mag to read the results?
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Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

MikeB · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:37 pm Post subject:

It is not routes they say cannot be exported, but maps.

This is not a big suprise as all the PC/PDA based products in the UK are based on Raster image mapping (ie pictures). Those GPS handhelds that do support map downloads are vector based and only support their own propriatry formats.
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Mike Barrett

icsys · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:52 pm Post subject:

Right! I think I'm with you now.
They are criticising them based on the limitations and differences between PDA's and GPS devices which is a little unfair.
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Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

BrianA

BrianA · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:44 pm Post subject:

Ah sorry just realised the review is referring toGPS rather than PDA devices (otoh whywould you want to d/l to a GPS - they have their own built-in maps for better or worse no?)
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Brian Abbott

Go 520 + Navcore 8
(was a happy PDA user until TT stopped updating the software)

MikeB · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:01 pm Post subject:

Brian,

Not that I have used them but some of the top of the range GPS receivers from Garmin and Magellan support the download of mapping data. In particular Magellan are the first to offer OS map data which is supposed to be quite reasonable.
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Mike Barrett

BBB · Regular Visitor Joined: Feb 24, 2004 Posts: 206

Hi - I wonder if I could add my 2c?

It may have been grand if the poll allowed for best and worse with reasons for the choices.

I elected Anquet after trialing various option and purchasing one (since returned with great response from the retailer).

The return was based on faulty data and dodgy install (it referred to links on the compilation machine at the point of compilation).

I went with Anquet not just because of cutting edge but because it goes out of its way to support those gold nuggets called "customers".

I suppose at 20% rating retaining customers is important - they have my vote and will continue to do so.

Why? Do I hear you ask? (you should...)

The software is less than a year old and gps (like all IT) moves on at a really fast rate. You can guess how disappointed I was after plugging in my new GPSMAP60CS, firing up Anquet software only to realise the USB port was not supported - wan't even recognised.

A quick trip to Anquet's website and another down memory lane (username & password) and now after a free download or 2 yup! Anquet software talks to my gps 60CS

That was the reason I went for Anquet and that will probably be the reason why I stick with 'em

Mutuality of respect is important IMHO - they respect my custom & I respect their service

I guess providers 1t over 40% relying on turnover don't need to depend upon customer retention?

BBB

yearnslow · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 8:18 pm Post subject:

Although not brilliant, I'm not suprised that the mapsend topo-uk came third, as the software in conjunction with a sportrak colour or meridian colour, is the only package available in the uk that offers walkers an alternative to a PDA/MM etc set up. It's also a more robust system and battery life is longer. The only problem with the mapsend stuff is the price, and the level of detail, but, it's the only one, so they can charge pretty much what they like for it, until someone comes up with an alternative.

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