GPS Training www.gpstraining.co.uk Maps for your GPS - Maps for your PC Before we move on to discussing the use of Maps - both paper & digital with a GPS - it is worth saying that many walkers have no wish to use GPS beyond a basic level, simply keeping a GPS in the Rucksack for use in an emergency or for simply confirming a position with a paper map is all that they require. We agree that for many users it is a perfectly valid stance to take, and at the end of the day how we go about navigation on the hills is all about what works for us and personal choice. However even if you do take those extra steps and decide to use either Maps on your PC or in your GPS you should still ensure that when on the hill you should always take and use Map & GPS or Map,Compass and GPS and know how to use them, as you never know when you may get caught out and have to revert to traditional navigation. Digital maps for your PC & GPS - The early days Historically many early users of GPS were disappointed when they purchased a device and found that there was little or no map on the screen; so how did GPS users navigate without a map? other questions were; how can I get maps in my GPS and how do I transfer my routes & trails to the unit? In the early days (and we're only talking early 2000's here) even with a top of the range GPS you would only get an enhanced basemap which would be little or no use to walkers as there was no detail other than perhaps main roads like say the M6 or A6. It would be several years before technology provided the tools like colour screens and additional memory that a GPS needed to display colour mapping like OS Landranger and Explorer became available. At the same time as Garmin launched the first greyscreen eTrex range; companies like Memory-Map launched Ordnance Survey PC based software. This meant that GPS users could purchase an area of OS mapping at either Landranger and Explorer scale for their PC and use it to plan routes, manage files and send user data like routes etc via a cable to their GPS (early cables used serial connections which were clumsy and slow to transfer data). However it was a huge step forward as users could now create routes & trails on their PC, send them to their GPS and then follow use them to navigate in the GPS mainly by following the directional arrow on the compass page of the the GPS. Many users found that as well as sending a route to their GPS they could print off a paper map showing the route. Basic; but it was the best available at the time! Most users dreamed of having a full OS map it would be many years before the dream was realised. The use of PC based OS mapping combined with GPS in this way became very popular and companies like Memory-Map grew ever more powerful demanding premium prices for OS mapping. Typically whole GB 1:50k was £200 and Explorer 1:25k Lakes was £100 a lot of money for just maps on your PC with no possibility to send the maps to a GPS a continual source of annoyance. All this was about to change. The first big changes came with the advent of Colour Screens, USB connectivity & increased internal memory; initially internal memory offered aroung 30/50mb and could only accept very small areas of limited detail mapping like Topo GB (based on OS map data but the footpath data was based on aerial photography rather then the ROW data from OS). The maps were transfered to your compatible device using Garmin's MapSource software, which was better than no map but still not a full OS map. Here in the UK there was another factor limiting the pathway to full OS mapping; it was Ordnance Survey themselves as they were not keen on releasing map
Transcript
GPS Training www.gpstraining.co.uk
Maps for your GPS - Maps for your PC
Before we move on to discussing the use of Maps - both paper & digital with a GPS - it is
worth saying that many walkers have no wish to use GPS beyond a basic level, simply
keeping a GPS in the Rucksack for use in an emergency or for simply confirming a
position with a paper map is all that they require. We agree that for many users it is a
perfectly valid stance to take, and at the end of the day how we go about navigation on
the hills is all about what works for us and personal choice. However even if you do take
those extra steps and decide to use either Maps on your PC or in your GPS you should
still ensure that when on the hill you should always take and use Map & GPS or
Map,Compass and GPS and know how to use them, as you never know when you may get caught out and have to revert to traditional navigation.
Digital maps for your PC & GPS - The early days
Historically many early users of GPS were disappointed when they purchased a device
and found that there was little or no map on the screen; so how did GPS users navigate
without a map? other questions were; how can I get maps in my GPS and how do I transfer my routes & trails to the unit?
In the early days (and we're only talking early 2000's here) even with a top of the
range GPS you would only get an enhanced basemap which would be little or no use to
walkers as there was no detail other than perhaps main roads like say the M6 or A6. It
would be several years before technology provided the tools like colour screens and
additional memory that a GPS needed to display colour mapping like OS Landranger and
Explorer became available.
At the same time as Garmin launched the first greyscreen eTrex range; companies like
Memory-Map launched Ordnance Survey PC based software. This meant that GPS users
could purchase an area of OS mapping at either Landranger and Explorer scale for their
PC and use it to plan routes, manage files and send user data like routes etc via a cable
to their GPS (early cables used serial connections which were clumsy and slow to
transfer data). However it was a huge step forward as users could now create routes &
trails on their PC, send them to their GPS and then follow use them to navigate in the
GPS mainly by following the directional arrow on the compass page of the the GPS. Many
users found that as well as sending a route to their GPS they could print off a paper
map showing the route. Basic; but it was the best available at the time! Most users dreamed of having a full OS map it would be many years before the dream was realised.
The use of PC based OS mapping combined with GPS in this way became very popular
and companies like Memory-Map grew ever more powerful demanding premium
prices for OS mapping. Typically whole GB 1:50k was £200 and Explorer 1:25k Lakes
was £100 a lot of money for just maps on your PC with no possibility to send the maps to a GPS a continual source of annoyance. All this was about to change.
The first big changes came with the advent of Colour Screens, USB
If we use a Garmin GPS & OS Discoverer maps do we need to purchase
additional PC based mapping software?
The simple answer is need to No. Our experience is that those who come to GPS &
BaseCamp fresh wouldn't see the need to spend addition money when Basecamp does
the job. However many people particularily those who are already owners of PC based
maps or older generation Garmin devices may still wish use both DMS and BaseCamp
alongside each other.
Maps with Guidance (turn by turn directions) We're all familiar with the concept of turn by turn routing driven by GPS in the car; what isn't so widely known is that off road routing is available off road as well. It's standard with most Open Street maps and included in some other mapping products like Garmin's Topo Germany. Why can't we have off road routing (Active Routing) with our Garmin GB Discoverer maps with Ordnance Survey mapping data? The simple answer is that at the moment OS don't have required data.
If your GPS is capable of delivering turn by turn routing and many aren't; then in theory it makes no difference if the route the device is following is on or off road; the important factor is whether the map includes the data to drive the routing. A good GPS will be enabled to offer routing; most of the current range of Garmin Outdoors GPS are able to deliver both on and off road routing so the problem is not with the GPS if you buy a Garmin device offering this feature, the issue is with the digital mapping!
On road routing has been easier for mapmakers to deliver as the complete road data for countries like GB have been available as a seperate map set for some time it's this map set when combined with clever software that allows a GPS to navigate you from point to point and give you turn by turn directions. To enable off road routing mapmakers need a map set based on the off road footpaths, tracks and bridleways etc. Then as with on road routing the map set when combined with clever software can deliver off road routing with turn by turn directions. Unfortunately this map set is unavailable here in the UK. Why?
We’re told that here in the UK the necessary map set required to provide off road routing can only be provided by OS as they own the copyright to the rights of way network and until they provide the map data then we aren’t going to get routable OS maps. Shouldn’t our national mapping authority be leading the way instead of sitting on their hands and be content to rake in the money from licence fees without keeping us up with the times. If the German mapping authorities realise how important this map set is for off road navigators why can't Ordnance Survey? Until they do then we are unable to get OS maps with off-road routing (guidance). However if you are thinking of upgrading your device then it's worth taking the routing options on offer into consideration.
All Garmin outdoors mapping devices offer routing options
GPS Training www.gpstraining.co.uk
General Information about Digital Mapping for your GPS, for your PC.
If the UK GPS user had a wish list; it would be to have a GPS that would allow us to have
a full OS map in the screen and then be able to see any routes or trails overlaid on the
on-screen map. Then of course we would want to be able to create Waypoints & Routes
on some clever software on our PC's and transfer the data to the GPS easily, and finally
we would want to be able to access routes, trails and Geocaches from Internet sites
likeWalkingworld, Geocaching.com or Google Earth and upload them to the GPS too - it's not
too much to ask is it? Where are we up to now?
Most folk when they purchase a GPS device expect when they go to the map page expect to
see a map of some sort; most GPS now offer a worldwide base map which will at least geo-
reference you but don't expect much in the way of detail. Most people want/expect a more
detailed map. Here in the UK we are used to using Ordnance Survey maps and by far and
away the most popular way to purchase a GPS is bundled with Whole GB 1:50k OS maps
installed on Micro SD card. If you are going abroad then Garmin offer a wide range of maps
from around the world however then can be an expensive option if you're just going away for
a weeks holiday. In which case we recommend you think about Open Street Maps for more
information about OSM's visit this page on our website
So taking into consideration all the latest development where are we up to now?
most good GPS units now offer a worldwide base map pre-installed to the internal memory of the
device to geo-reference you anywhere in the world they will offer you access to OS & International mapping (generally on plug & play SD cards) at a
cost - we think of these maps as Maps for your GPS most manufacturers offer GPS bundled up with a mapping product (her in the UK the
most popular bundle is GPS & Whole GB 1:50k OS mapping)
these bundles generally offer you access to free computer software for planning and
some of these systems are computer based (Garmin) others offer access to maps in the
clouds (SatMap)
all new generation Garmin devices are compatible with Garmin's free computer
software (BaseCamp) which allows them to view any maps installed in the device or
installed on Micro SD card in the GPS on their computer or Mac for planning, data
management, saving and send to GPS. Garmin offer a wide portfolio of international maps all new generation devices are compatible with Open Street maps and even allow you to create custom
maps for your device most GPS will offer fast easy connection to your computer using a USB cable paperless Geocaching is now standard with Garmin devices and units offering wireless transfer are
compatible with Chirp the geocaching beacon most new generation Garmin devices allow you to transfer user data wirelessly between compatible
devices and geocaches wirelessly Oregon 600 series is the first GPS to offer blue tooth compatibility with smartphone and BaseCamp
App most devices allow you to download routes & trails from the internet GPS users who surf the Internet will would be amazed at the amount GPS friendly information there is
out there on the net for walkers and cyclists. Check out Pete's list of Walking, Cycling and Mapping
websites; it includes a comprehensive list of websites from around the world we think are worth
sharing with you. Some offer thousands of walks and cycling trails with clear directions and GPS
files like Walkingworld others allow you to upload you tracks and share them with other folk on the
internet. Many companies only supply GPS files in the universal GPS format .gpx.files if you think you might
want to download routes & files from the Internet then make sure the software you buy easily
communicate with the maximum number of file formats. most units are compatible with Google Earth and will accept waypoints & tracks created in Google
earth in their .KMZ file format
The big issue that bugged folk having to purchase maps for both GPS & computer has been resolved for us by
Garmin with BaseCamp; now we don't have to purchase and pay map licences for the PC for route planning,
printing of maps and to easily transfer data to a GPS, and then again to have a map in our GPS - effectively
buying our maps twice and paying copyright fees to map makers like Ordnance Survey twice. Conclusion
Our view is that we've reached the point where the current Garmin system that supports all new generation
devices is a complete package that can deliver both maps for your GPS and your computer; why complicate
things, stick with what's on offer and keep things simple. Our experience is that both hardware & software work
better when they are compatible and the best compatibility is when both hardware & software come from the
same source.
Google Earth Very quick work about this great free resource; it now allows you to create & plan trails (when trails are created in Google Earth they are in effect tracks) anywhere in the world and save them to your computer as KMZ files these files like GPX are compatible with most good computer mapping software like BaseCamp. Coverage can very around the world but in places where coverage is thin it's probably better then anything else on offer.
GPST Tip - It's a great resource where maps are unavailable allowing you to plan then save and send to GPS; it's also possible to capture trail & map using the snipping tool
Worldwide Access - Download your Routes, Trails and Tracks to Google Earth for Free!
visible on the map. Highlight the route and hit the
Play Tour tab to fly through your route
View GPST Video - Demonstration - How to access the Google Earth
GPS, Digital Map & Electronic Compass takes navigation to a new level. You will hear traditional navigators say no serious navigator should leave home without map
& compass implying that by using GPS you are compromising your safety; you can be sure
that they do not understand or wish to understand the technology as GPS with map &
compass takes navigation to a level unachievable with paper map & basic compass.
Before we move on let's just consider this question "do we use a paper map or a digital map
and what’s the difference anyway?’ The simple answer is that a digital map is an exact digital
version of a paper map such as Ordnance Survey (OS) maps used in the UK that can be
viewed on your PC/Laptop/PDA or mobile phone. Here in the UK we are blessed with the
finest maps in the world that are easy to use with great detail. Why wouldn’t you want to
combine them with modern technology like Global Positioning Systems (GPS)?
GPS TRAINING TIP - OS Maps are available digitally in the formats you are used to
seeing when using a paper map 1:250 Road Map, 1:50k LandRanger & 1:25k Explorer scale
maps. We advise users to purchase large chunks of 1:50,000 scale (Landranger) as this is the
cheapest way to purchase maps. Then you can consider buying any 1:25,000 scale (Explorer)
mapping that covers your favourite walking areas. Although the cost of Whole GB 25k
mapping is more affordable now ensure when buying software look for the package that
contains the features you are looking for.
Making the best use of the Map Page
As we've found out - in most cases a GPS receiver comes with at best a basemap and if we
wish to be able to orientate ourselves in the map as we travel then we will have to import
maps from a computer or MircoSD card using compatible OS mapping like Garmin's OS
Discoverer range of mapping downloaded either to the internal memory of the unit or to an
SD card if your GPS has an SD card slot. Some maps are supplied by the GPS manufacturer
pre-loaded to an SD card - making the whole process easy - simply plug & play!
All GPS units will allow you to Zoom In & Out and will display the map scale on screen.
Zooming in on your GPS the same as in Memory-Map [MM] or Quo as both products &
Garmin maps use what is know as Raster Mapping. A simplistic explanation is that it is a
single map so that when you Zoom In/Out the map just gets bigger or smaller - it doesn't
change scale.
Zoom in/out using +/- - note the optimum map view for 1:50k scale mapping of 120m
Products like Garmin's Discoverer mapping still use Raster mapping but in a slightly differnet
way - when you Zoom In/Out different maps come into play/view as you Zoom. For
example if you were using a OS Discoverer BirdsEye Select map download - at the widest
view you might see a large chunk of the basemap but as you zoom in then the OS 250K Road
Map comes into view (allowing you to navigate using auto routing) zoom in again and OS
50K comes into play - and finally below 200m scale OS 25K comes into view.
GPS TRAINING TIP - Set your map to Track Up especially when in navigation mode so
that the route generally runs ahead of you
Maps for your Computer - Digital Mapping Software (DMS)
Life has become much more difficult for the guys who supply computer mapping software in recent years; in the days when there was no availability of premium maps like OS for your GPS then they ruled the roost now when most good GPS manufacturers offer maps for the device in most cases bundled with the product they struggle to be relevant. The only way they can compete is to offer a GPS package themselves. Memory-Map have probably been the most successful in this area but I suspect even they struggle to compete with the Garmin offering.
GPS Training www.gpstraining.co.uk
Memory-Map V5 has been around the longest and whilst in the early days there were updates available to our knowledge there have been no significant updates and still no Mac version (Mac users have to run MM on some sort of parallel desktop). The only significant improvements to MM computer software has been access to smartphones & mobile devices and access to more reasonably priced OS Explorer 25k scale mapping. One current issue around DMS is that some of these companies due to lack of sales have stopped supporting their PC software; the result of this is that their software become out of date with the current GPX files being used by the GPS manufacturers. It's not the end of the world it just means you may have to take a two step approach to the import/export of user data by saving to your desktop as a GPX file and then importing with Garmin compatible software (Basecamp).
Having said all that I still have MMV5 on my computer and use it a lot; yes there are sometimes data transfer issues resolved by using GPX files but it's still the most user friendly computer software out there. So if you like maps like we do and can afford it why not use the likes of MM as a computer planning tool.
What can you do with Digital Mapping Software [DMS]? These are the main features you would expect to find in most digital mapping software products: · Waypoint creation and editing · Route planning and editing · Distance and time calculations · Insert text boxes and links to photos · Print maps and route cards · Download waypoint and route data to your GPS from your computer · Plot your real time position overlaid on PC or Pocket PC with GPS connected · Review your performance by uploading track data from GPS to computer · Save your routes and tracks on computer for review and later editing · 3D view of the map · Aerial Maps (not included in Quo Pro GB – download separately from Map Shop).
Before You Buy When buying digital mapping you need to decide on the features you need. Whatever mapping you are considering you need to ensure that your computer is powerful enough to run it and uses a compatible operating system. Many DMS packages are not MAC compatible for instance. These are the main UK players in the Digital Mapping Software market - Need help in deciding which maps are right for your needs then contact GPST
GPS TRAINING TIP - One current issue around DMS is that some of these companies due to lack of sales have stopped supporting their PC software; the result of this is that their software become out of date with the current GPX files being used by the GPS manufacturers. It's not the end of the world it just means you may have to take a two step approach to the import/export of user data by saving to your desktop as a GPX file and then importing with Garmin compatible software (Basecamp)
Here is a brief rundown of the leading UK mapping suppliers
Anquet are a well establisher supplier of OS mapping software - originally they followed the high street retailing route to market but several years ago made the wise choice to become mainly internet based. The company is run by a small team of software specialists mainly UK based, they seem to compete on price quite well with regular money off bargain offers, to keep ahead of the offers we recommend you sign up for their regular newsletter. Website address - www.anquet.co.uk
GPS Training www.gpstraining.co.uk
Memory-Map is sold under licence in the UK & Europe by Evo Distribution, strangely its a US based software house that is bigger in the UK than in the states mainly on the back of the quality of UK mapping - Once again MM is now largely internet based and usually have good offers on OS mapping. They have a range of GPS (pocket PC with integrated GPS) that come with a range of bundled mapping offers. The software is user friendly and allows easy transfer of data & maps to and from their own range of compatible products. Website address - www.memory-map.co.uk
