Does anybody have any experience with the topo maps available, either from DeLorme, or MapTech? Not sure whether to go with the 6 region version from DeLorme (entire U.S. coverage) or the single statewide for Washington only from MapTech. I assume the MapTech goes into much greater detail, as it is the same cost ($99) for just the single state, as opposed to the entire U.S. from DeLorme?

I'm looking for something that will go to the greatest detail, mostly for hunting/camping/atving, but also for marking and establishing various corners on and across my property. We have over 1,200 acres, with many cross-fences, of which I'd like to locate, re-build, and establish coordinates for. Which one, if either of these would be best for my needs, or is there another to look at?

Also, has anybody used that hunters special cd package thing from cabelas? Something about mapping an area, allowing for pinpointing things such as tracks, rubs/scrapes, game sightings, etc. Think is was like $30 or so?

Oh, I'm using a Garmin Map 12 if that makes a difference.

Thanks for any and all help!

Mike

 

I use a Garmin GPS 48 and upload them to DeLorme TopoUSA 2.0 for the Southeast and have had pretty good luck with it. I got the software from Cabelas for $ 50.00. www.cabelas.com
Be forwarned, DeLorme's customer service isn't the quickest on the planet... An E-Mailed request may take a couple of days for a responce. A telephone call is about 10 to 20 minutes on hold paying long distance charges the whole time.

 

If you are using a Garmin GPS, you can only upload maps from Garmin software to the GPS. You can use any software to transfer waypoints and trips, and view them on your computer on a topo map. Only Garmin mapping software can be used to send maps to their GPS. I use Garmin Topo Mapsource USA, I am quite pleased with it, I use the maps mainly for hunting. If you need any additional informaion try the sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup, it is very informative.

 

I use the DeLorme TopoQuads software pretty frequently(I work in GPS surveying). The version that I use at work is for all five regions of Illinois. I'm assuming that you can buy state-specific disks from them as well.
Another idea is to buy the Atlas from Delorme that has the exact same thing as the software, only in book form.
P.S., if you buy the TopoQuads software and use Windows 2K, I strongly advise buying the "Print Tools Kit". The DeLorme we have is 95/98 compatible only. I don't know if they have a newer version out, but I'd definitely check before buying.

 

Mike,
Another option you might consider is OZI Explorer (www.oziexplorer.com) I don't work for them, but I do use a registered version of the software. OZI allows you to scan in your own maps or download any topo (from places like www.gisdatadepot.com). So, the maps are FREE. OZI interfaces with most all brands/models of GPS recievers. There is a shareware version you can try.
Enjoy!
Doug Adomatis
Webmaster www.waypointwherehouse.com
"Every now and then, look behind to see where you've been"

 

GPSmapster, thanks for the tip. I've been debating on getting the TOPO maps from Garmin but this looks like a cheaper alternative. I'll check it out over the weekend and see how it is.

 

Man, thanks to everybody for the great info. I didn't realize there were soooo many options for topo sources. And, thanks especially to GPSMaster for the FREE tip there from that Ozi place. Another forum member sent me an email for a place at topozone.com, which is also a pretty neat place for maps-I thought anyway, not sure if you guys have seen it or not. But, it did have free downloadable maps, and I was able to find significant information on my hunting areas, as well as my own property up north, so it was a big help. I think with this new knowledge of the free software, I may skip buying the $100 maps for a while. They sell the Delorme Wa,Or,Ca,AK,?, all over around here but I haven't found anybody who has actually used one. Kind of thinking I might wait and see if I run into somebody with a GPS that actually uses the stuff to see what kind of results they get, if it's better than the free stuff, enough to justify spending the money.

Anyway, thanks again, greatly appreciated!

Mike