GPS Topo software .... what do you use?

My new Garmin will have the Garmin topo in it, since that's all that can be loaded into the unit. However, I use Maptech software on my computer at home. Maptech uses USGS topo maps, so they are quite detailed. If the GPS unit can be hooked up to your computer, you can upload/download waypoints, tracks, etc. to your GPS unit. It's a very versatile program with a lot of features.
http://www.maptech.com

MI VHNTR
 
Check out a software package called expertgps at expertgps.com. It is very inexpensive, and uses the same USGS topos, and also aerial photos, that the more expensive programs use. Once you view an area while at home on your laptop, it saves the image files, and you can then go to the field, and show your position in real time on both the aerial and topo maps. You can create waypoints, tracks, routes, and upload or download to/from the GPS, and do a zillion other things with it. It was created by a genius name of Dan Foster, and any future upgrades are free to current users. I use it a great deal in both my forestry work, and for hunting. I'd hate to go to a new area without it!
 
I own a Magellan Meridian Gold, and I installed Mapsend TOPO in the US.

For serious mapping, I purchased National Geographic Topo California Series. http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/state.cfm

NatGeoTopo is very user friendly with my GPS. I can upload waypoints, and hand created routes, very easily.


My primary use for my GPS is for geocaching, and the topo programs make rugged land navigation far easier.

Here is an example of the track or "bread crumb" feature of the GPS, when combined with NatGeoTopo. This was from a hike I made to the top of Burnt Peak
http://img.groundspeak.com/cache/log/a130fbbd-ed7d-448c-83f7-dd662d8359ca.jpg
 
I've used Delorme TopoQuads and TopoUSA, as well as Garmin's own Topo program. Garmin's is required for loading the topo maps into the GPS, but it isn't as useable as TopoUSA.

TopoQuads is a much more expensive option, but only if you need actual bitmaps of the USGS 7.5 minute topo maps. Interface is pretty much the same with TopoUSA.
 
I also use the Magellan Mapsend software with my Meridian Platinum.
It's very user friendly and makes finding your routes much easier.
Micah
 
I've been using Delorme's TopoUSA for a couple years now and for the most part it'll show you everything right down to the wash you're driving in that you thought was a road.

The satelite imagery that you can get and split screen into the program is awsome. Shows clear cuts, farm land, even houses.

The biggest gripe I have with it is that if I leave it on too long my laptop slows to a crawl. Then it's time to close it down and re-aquire the gps satelites again. No big deal, just a pain in the butt.
 


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