I was hoping you all could fill me in on some websites you use for getting topo maps, and also up to date arial maps.. Much appreciated!
I like Google maps and MSN maps for arial photos, Im interested in finding a good TOPO map website though,
mapcard, for $20 per year you can make up your own maps and save them to your computer. It may not bee the most recent aerials but I'll just jump on 2 or 3 others to verify what has changed and mark it on my maps. I could send you a map to show you what I do...??? Send a PM if interested
If you're CHEAP, ACME MAPPER is great... Check this out.... http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=38.83429,-107.07456&z=14&t=N You can get aerial views, MAP views, terrain, and topo, all out of the same window.
It may cost more than some want to spend but it is extremely versatile and prints high quality maps. http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=29367§ion=10050
You can upload/download waypoints and tracks but the topos can only be downloaded to their gps, PN-40. Also, the waypoint images don't directly transfer to my garmin: Let's say I have a blue flag on the map and transfer that waypoint to the garmin. It may translate to a different image. I do all of my map work in delorme and then transfer any wp's and tracks to the garmin. Then, if I feel the need to, I transfer those to garmin's mapsource and change the wp images to what I want and send them back to the garmin. Sounds complicated but it only takes a couple of minutes and I save maps in topo 8 and mapsource anyway. Topo 8 is great with the 3d looks, the aerials and usgs map data and more. I have been using it for years now. edit: Yes, it is for the enitre USA but you can only load pertinent areas if you want of all of it.
Jeff, There is a box that says "Mark" and if you center the cross-hairs on what you want, and click that box, it will mark that location. I also double checked it vs. areas in NW PA, SE OH, and NW Ohio, and it's right on with my GPS. I'll print maps (have to use Internet Explorer), and piece them together. Not sure you can "save" them per se, other than to "link" them, which is what I did with the specific area in Colorado I'll be in.
Not that I am aware of. I have a PN-40 that you can do that with but I have only found it useful for scouting. Once I have all of my wp's and tracks set then I use the 60csx and paper maps. Also the screen redraws when using aerials and topos seem to suck the life out of the batteries faster than I would like.
our county maintains a GPS site that is awesome! Ariels and topos are available - and can layer many features like property lines, ownership info, roads, road names, water ways, etc. They also just re-flew the county for updated pics and should be up soon with even better zoom in capabilities...it's kind of cool to be able to zoom in on our property and see such detail as the picnic tables at the cabin and dock in our lake.
I have a question for those of you using Google Maps: How on earth do I get an aerial photo saved or even printed? When I click on print, the plain-jane map comes up. I am in need of the aerials. Are you all using a screenshot application to take a screeny and then going from there? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
If you use alt+print screen you'll get the active window and not the rest of the screen. Google Earth view - full screen or F11 and then alt+print screen will get you a full screen shot. Then paste in your favourite Graphics Program.
Jeff, there is a program that exists to put raster images on your 60 cx (despite the Vector only preached by Garmin). It is called Moagu. You must make your own maps with this program, but it DOES allow aerials to be loaded to your vector GPS unit. Be aware that the file sizes are much bigger and slower to load than the vector counterparts. If you want to save maps off of Acme Mapper, all you do is center the map where you want, and hit print screen in the top right corner of keyboard. Paste the image somewhere (anywhere really) and save image as ___________. You can then reopen it, crop it, mark on it, etc. I am going to look into this Mapcard, sounds interesting!
