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View Full Version : GPS Software for Wheeling - Suggestions?

Jawa
July 17th, 2008, 19:52
I've got a Windows mobile device and a GPS unit, but need to purchase some GPS software to go with it. I'm curious if anybody has any recommendations on something that works well for offroading. I'm looking for something that covers the Rockies well and has the ability to save tracks for the trails I run. Any info you have is welcome!
crazyjim
July 17th, 2008, 20:22
never used it but:

http://www.expertgps.com/

http://forums.topografix.com/index.php?
buschwhaked
July 17th, 2008, 20:45
National Geographic TOPO! software is what I use. It's pricy, but it is totally sweet. Interacts with almost all GPS's, you can save tracks, make them, set waypoints, print to scale, the whole nine. I work with a lot of mapping software for my job in the military...a lot, and I wish we had something that is so simple yet functional to use. You can build landscape profiles, do a 3d fly over, attach pics to trails, save notes, have an extensive listing of roads, shading effects, the list goes on. It's a $100 per state, but well worth the cash. I sit down with the wife, scan an area that seems pretty remote, and go exploring. You can't beat it.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj99/buschwhaked/mapdemo.png
Jawa
July 17th, 2008, 21:47
Great info, thanks! Do you use the Pocket TOPO! software then? I'm researching it now...
GI-John
July 17th, 2008, 22:11
The sad part is that most people don't know what they're looking at when they see a topo map.
buschwhaked
July 18th, 2008, 06:21
Great info, thanks! Do you use the Pocket TOPO! software then? I'm researching it now...

No, I don't use pocket topo. If you are wanting a map software that is handheld, you need to research what is available for your GPS. I have a Garmin and they have pre-loaded SD cards with 1:20,000 and up maps for various areas. Check at REI, thats where I got mine.

But do yourself a favor first, learn to read a topo map in detail. Unless I know where I am going, I always print out the map for the area that I am going to. GPS's, like anything except your brain (unless you're in a real bad way), will break, so having a paper map, protractor, and a compass can literally save your ass.

Out here in Colorado, it is easy to lose signal on your GPS and if you're facing a four-way intersection with no references, that could put you in a bad way. So GPS's are a handy tool, just don't let them replace the basic skill of map reading.