Questions about GSPMap 478

[HeftySmurf]

So I purchased a GSPMap 478 and really like it. However I have some questions I can't find on the net & manual. First off I'm using an Apple and have downloaded the free base map & road trip. So here are my questions:

1) I cannot create detailed routes on the computer. I can only create the straight line routes.

2) What other detailed maps can I use?

So far these are the only ones I have. I appriciate the assistance.
R:sombrero:

 

[dms1]

Are you trying to make routes on roads or trails? It will make a big diffrence.

First I recommend you get a copy of City Select or Topo 2009 ( I prefer Topo 2009) - both of these programs will let you create a route either by selecting a starting and ending waypoint and then selecting "recalculate", and the gps will figure out the route for you - however the gps does not alway take the roads you want to take, so often you will need to add additional waypoints between your starting and ending waypoint.

When it comes to dirt roads and trails, you normally have to make a bunch of waypoints to get away from the straight lines, however Topo 2009 includes autorouting for many trails, this is a new feature for Topo.

I just skimmed over the basics of creating a route in Mapsource - if you are using the new Basemap program, I recomend you get mapsource.

 

[mountainpete]

Are you trying to create a detailed route for on-road travel or off-road? I ask because you should be able to export from Google maps to your 478.

Pete

 

[HeftySmurf]

I'm mostly working on roads now but will eventually work with trails.

The problem I'm having is the "recalculating" of the GPS. When I'm in the planning stages I can't seem to find how to get the "recalculated" route to save. What I'm doing is creating a route, lets say with 6 waypoints. The computer creates a straight line route and is saved. Push that to the GPS as a straight line route and then get it to navigate or recalculate it. The GPS provides me with it's detailed recal route. But I cannot save it and I can only work on it in the GPS???

I thought it would be the other way around, be able to do detailed work on the computer and push that info to the GPS. I keep wondering if I'm looking at this wrong? The mac programs (Base Camp and Road Trip) just don't seem to be friendly or useful.
Thanks again for all the help. R

 

[winkosmosis]

Garmin Topo 2009 has dirt road data?

 

[Bogo]

Garmin Topo 2009 has dirt road data?

I have a copy from a few years ago and it does. Connectivity in some dirt road areas is poor. Many roads are just missing. It will also route them, but you have to let it use them.

 

[dms1]

Garmin Topo 2009 has dirt road data?

To my surprise Yes, It also does auto routing on streets - I don't even use city select any more.

Here are three examples of auto routing - the first two are trails in the Monache Meadows area I created - the third is the route from my house to Sherman Pass via Lake Isabella.

 

[dms1]

I'm mostly working on roads now but will eventually work with trails.

The problem I'm having is the "recalculating" of the GPS. When I'm in the planning stages I can't seem to find how to get the "recalculated" route to save.

Hefty Smurf, I make the routes in Mapsource and then upload them to the GPS - I also upload the "Maps" I am using to create the route, this might be your problem. In the images I posted above - I created the routes with Mapsource and Topo US 24K West 2009 map set and uploaded the route and all Topo US 24K West 2009 maps along the route and surrounding areas I might explore.

 

[HeftySmurf]

I think the big problem is the difference between Map Source and the mac programs. From what I can see map source will not work on a mac and that is why garmin came out with base camp and road trip.