Newby here needs topo map advice

[latinoguy]

Hello, recently I've been playing with a buddy's Garmin Etrex Vista (the older B&W bersion with the built in 24mg of memory) and am considering it buying from him as I think this little unit would be a good first GPS to familiarize myself with GPS technology, for a very reasonable price.

To maximize it's benefits, I plan to add a mapping software program to be able to plan trips, input waypoits, then export the maps into the GPS, and or be able to sync with my laptop on trails when needed to see a bigger map picture. I don't have immediate plans of getting the lap top mounted. I would also would like to be able to save travelled trails.

Can I still download tracks and waypoints from my garmin to my computer withouth having Garmin's Mapsource topo software? Am I limited to Garmin's Mapsource topo or can I use other topo brands like the ones stated here.

What are your opinions on the following mapping software and what are the particular strengths of each?

1. National Geographic Topo
2. Mapsource topo
3. Oziexplorer

As far as wheeling locations, I generally stick to Cali, Baja and have done Mexico's mainland. I am leaning towards the Mapsource Topo or the Oziexplorer...(oziexplorer seems a bit tech for me...but maybe because I've never used it...or any mapping software for that matter) Where do you get the most bang for your money? and future software upgrade support?

 

[1leglance]

I am pretty sure you will have to go with the mapsource topo to put maps into the gps...but I could be wrong.
I use Ozi and while it will import/export waypoints to the garmin it won't put any maps on it....really you will just use the garmin as the gps unit to drive ozi which you will need to get maps for www.whitethaiger.net is a member Uwe here and he is the sharpest crayon in the box that I know when it comes to ozi

 

[latinoguy]

Thanks for the reply. I am curious what others have to say as well..

Off Garmin's website
"The Vista's basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads and coastlines... you can add even more map detail with data from Garmin's entire line of MapSource® mapping products."

 

[whitethaiger]

This question comes up every so often, so you may find some answers by searching previous posts. Here some comments:

Generally GPS units use proprietary map formats and you have to use the software that goes with the GPS to get maps on the unit. For Garmin there are some ways to create your own maps.

The mapping programs for the PC's work with all the popular GPS units and you usually can up/download tracks and waypoints from the GPS.

OziExplorer is very powerful and has the advantage over the others you list, that you can get free maps for it. With the powerfullness comes some complexity and people often feel overwhelmed by all the options, but it looks harder than it is.

It all comes down to what you want from the program. All of them have their pros and cons. All of them give you the basic features of up/downloading tracks/waypoints and showing those on the maps.