Garmin Astro map updates

Norcalkyle

Norcalkyle

New member
I have been thinking about buying the Satelite Imagery program for my Astro 320, and wanted to know if anyone had an opinion.

I am in an area that has a lot of big draws and mixed cover, and I am thinking that it would be helpful if I could see exactly where my dog is from a birds eye view.

Some reviews of the product don't seem too impressed, but would like to hear your guys opinions if you have bought it.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=70144
 
I am totally happy with the birdseye on my 320 with one exception. It takes FOREVER to download the files, and it can be somewhat tricky to highlight the exact area you want to download. But other than that, I think its a great feature. I have the topo map of Oklahoma on my Garmin also, and it overlays right on top of the birdseye. It is sure nice to know when you're dogs are getting close to roads, have crossed a river, or getting near a property line.
 
You can also download your dogs track onto Google Earth after the hunt which will show you the satellite image your looking for, just not real time.
 
Originally Posted By: FullCryHoundsYou can also download your dogs track onto Google Earth after the hunt which will show you the satellite image your looking for, just not real time.



How do you do that?
 
A lot of the negative reviews I saw were in Canada which I am guessing doesn't have as extensive satelite coverage up there.

So you bought the Topo US 24K and also subscribe to the Birdseye?

I want to know if the dogs have made it to a creek and also when they get close to roads so I can pick them up. The problem is the roads we hunt on don't show up on maps, so I was thinking the Birdseye would be best.

Would you like the Birdseye without the Topo? Or do you have to have both to make them effective?
 
SWH, When you open up Mapquest and are viewing one of your track logs, look at the top of the screen where the headings are listed. There is one called 'View'. Click it and at the bottom, choose 'View in Google Earth'. I'm sure you have to have Google Earth installed first.
 
If you do end up getting it, post what you think about it. I'm still undecided. I know most of the areas I hunt and not sure it would be as useful.
 
Well I bought the Birdseye subscription. I downloaded and area that is about 10 miles x 10 miles in the "highest" defiition available. The are I frequent is in Northern California and the satellite imaging is fairly extensive, which I think is different for every area.

I would have to say I am very pleased. It shows very clear detail of the terain, highlights some roads that are just private dirt roads, and I think is going to prove to be very helpful in locating my dog.

Pro's:
Shows if the dog has made it to a creek or road
Shows the terrain and brush detail making it easier to pick a route to get to the dog
Gives an idea if the dog is in an area where he may be in trouble (cliffs, thick thorny brush, or roads with car traffic)

Con's
The limit on downloading an area in highest quality would limit houndsmen who hunt areas where there dogs may go 15+ miles in a day
It took about 5 hours to download my selected map
The quality of the images depends on the amount of satelite imagery that has been done in that area. It is really a crap shoot for people who buy it, as there is no way to preview the area you want to download prior to buying it.

Hope this helps anyone who was thinking about buying it. I am very happy and really look forward to having an easier time tracking and locating my dog in the very steep and thick terrain I spend time in. I don't use the garmin for hunting purposes as it is illegal in california. I use it for cattle location, and just locating a dog that loves to venture out and explore my property (Califoria disclaimer).
 


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