Garmin GPS

[Guest]

I recently received a Garmin GPS for X-mas and have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer for me.

While zooming in; I can get so far where I can see major interstates and highways, but am wondering with this unit if it's possible to zoom into more detail; such as on a lake to mark spots. I can see the lakes, but I was assuming that I could zoom in a lot closer to see more detail on the lake. Am I wrong in thinking this??

Thanks!

[email protected]

[rmrakt]

What kind of Garmin GPS is it? I have the eMap and can help you if you have this one.....

[Guest]

RM,

I have the Garmin eMap too. Version 2.52 I believe.

[rmrakt]

Did you get the eMap Deluxe which contains an additional memory card? If not, good idea to get one. To get the detail you want, you need to buy the U.S. Roads and Recreation software from Mapsource. The detail is great with this software. You will see what restaurant, gas station, points of interest (etc.) is at the next exit. Also with the lakes, you will see named islands, markers and public accesses. I use mine all the time on lakes which references your waypoints to the shape and features of the lake. The software downloads the info to your eMap from a PC (need cable). Garmin also updates the system software as does Mapsource. Check the Garmin website out for all the accessories and information available. I've had mine since they came out and have really enjoyed it. Possibly look at eBay for someone who might be selling the software or you might have to shell out ~$80-$90 (still worth it to me). Good luck and enjoy the new toy!

[Guest]

I also own an EMap, Rmrakt is definetly right when reccomending the accesories, I couldn't imagine using my GPS without them. Although the software seems spendy at first it pays off in the long run.

[Guest]

RM,

Thanks for the information, makes a lot more sense to me! Another question for you, after you bought the cd and downloaded it; do you need it anymore for any reason? Once it's on the GPS, why would one need it anymore? Or do you use it on your computer too?

Thanks!

[rmrakt]

You do need to keep the CD handy for the times you need to update the system software or when you want to change your saved mapset. Your eMap system is currently at 2.52. Garmin has improved the system to 2.73. Again, you need to go to their site to download. They also list what improvements they have had in each iteration. The same holds true with the Mapsource software. You can download only so much of the detailed map to your eMap (certain amount of counties) based on the size of the memory you install (I believe Deluxe comes with 8M?). You can save each set of maps/waypoints on your computer and retrieve as necessary (need CD here). The software on your computer is also great. Full color detail. I'm impressed with Garmin and the continous improvements they offer. This all sounds kind of busy here but it's very simple. Best thing to do is read the Garmin site info...Have fun!

[Guest]

Just purchased the cd for $85.00 and now need to buy the cable and I'll be all set! Pretty expensive...

Happy New Year!

[BradB]

Once you get familiar with using your GPS and MapSource check out a freeware program called USAPhotoMaps (available here: http://jdmcox.com/ ). This will allow you to overlay your waypoints and tracks over aerial photographs from Microsoft's Terraserver. It will also allow you to find the waypoint location for something interesting you notice on the aerial photographs.

Using the MapSource software I estimated the property corners of the section of land our deer hunting land is in. I uploded them to my GPS and set routes between the corners. Walking about the land the routes show up as property lines. Cool!

I then overlayed this (with USAPhotoMaps) atop the aerial photo which I was able to freely scroll about in. It was dead nuts on with a few fixed waypoints that were objects visbile in the photo.

In the aerial photograph I noticed an old logging road in a bog on the land. With USAPhotoMaps I then found various waypoints along that old road and downloaded them to my GPS. I was then able to walk through some horrible swamp and, lo and behold, we suddenly popped out on an old road. Some old timers in the area said they didn't think anyone had been back there for 20-30 years. I never would have known it was there, and I certainly wouldn't have easily found it without this technology.