Multi mode operation

[Tomgol]

My job takes me to remote areas across Europe, away from the smallest of roads, where I survey routes for new pipelines. I am looking for a new GPS unit that will function in two different modes.

First I want it to offer turn by turn on road route planning to get me to my starting point for off road work. Then I want it to plot my track off road, like a bread crumb trail that I can see, and allow me to add waypoints. I also need to be able to download these tracks and WP's to mapping software on my PC. I currently use a Garmin 176C unit which does the second job very well but does not offer road route planning. I would also like a larger screen if possible.

Does anyone have any ideas or experience of units that would work in dual mode? I had considered a Garmin Street Pilot 7500 because of its large screen and good road routing but I am not sure it will allow me to plot tracks and WP's off road.

Any advice would be most welcome
Thanks
Tom

[philpugh]

A good solution to this would be a PDA based solution. You could run TomTom 6 on the PDA for auto navigation - but coverage of remote Europe may be a bit contentious. Possibly an IGo based solution is beeter here - but I have only very limited experience of IGo.

For topological navigation you could use something like OziExplorer with home scanned maps or look for a piece of s/w that does basic GPS emulation allowing you to track-log your off-road adventures.

But - to be honest - I would stick with the GPS unit you have for the second application and invest in a GARMIN nuvi (660/360) for the road navigation. I don't go to the remote parts that you do - but I do a lot of UK hill walking and PDAs aren't up to the rugged environment - yes you can buy protective boxes - but they reduce the useability of the device in practical use. I use a GARMIN GPS60 - basic GPS for this sort of outing- very rugged and excellent battery life. I use nuvi 660 for car and used to use TT6 on AXIM PDA before that.
_________________
Phil

[mikealder]

You could take a look at one of These but very little information is known about them as yet. Also the level of non-UK maps is unknown, but it will do the on road nav and off road (thats what it was intended for). - The bigest problems will be map availability for the areas you need coverage though.

Otherwise I would go with a PDA or PDA based phone with the added protection something like an Otter Box can offer - Mike

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