Trail mapping GPS?

[Kantspel]

I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need for
one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me out
with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a tough
time wading through all the different
brands/models/features.

I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
unit will need to take frequent map points and be reasonably
accurate. My budget is under $200 and that will need to
cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a bar mount.

The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take very
frequent map points. The first trail that I want to map is
extremely dense and so I figure there will need to be map
points every few yards. If the unit can't take points that
often then I guess I'll have to re ride it over and over to
get the density of points needed, basicly a running average.
In the latter case it will need to be accurate enough that
each ride will line up and not be too far offset from
previouse trips.

1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for
the GPS unit?
2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
keeping an eye on?
3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
(the end goal is to print a map)?

 

[Dean A. Stepper]

Garmin has come out with new models so the Legend should be
fairly cheap. Bought it new for $150 about a year ago. I
like national geographic map software to make maps and
Garmin Mapsource Topo to load into unit.

http://gpsinformation.net/

http://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com/index.html

http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/

"kantspel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need
> for one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me
> out with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a
> tough time wading through all the different
> brands/models/features.
>
> I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
> unit will need to take frequent map points and be
> reasonably accurate. My budget is under $200 and that
> will need to cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a
> bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>
> 1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for the
> GPS unit?
> 2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
> keeping an eye on?
> 3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
> easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
> (the end goal is to print a
map)?

 

[Pete Rissler]

"kantspel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need
> for one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me
> out with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a
> tough time wading through all the different
> brands/models/features.
>
> I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
> unit will need to take frequent map points and be
> reasonably accurate. My budget is under $200 and that
> will need to cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a
> bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>
> 1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for the
> GPS unit?
> 2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
> keeping an eye on?
> 3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
> easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
> (the end goal is to print a
map)?

Garmin Geko 201
--
Pete Rissler http://web1.greatbasin.net/~rissler/
http://www.tccycling.com

 

[Patrick C.]

kantspel <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> > I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> > very compact
> (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the unit will need
> to take frequent map points and be reasonably accurate. My
> budget is under $200 and that will need to cover the GPS,
> software, and hopefully a bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>

I have a basic yellow eTrex ($100) with a handlebar mount
($15), homemade serial-GPS connection cable (free), and I
plan to buy the Topofusion software ($40
www.topofusion.com). So far I'm just using the Demo which is
functional, but overlays "DEMO" on the maps and aerial
photos. I use it for exactly what you planned to- plotting
the trail and making a map/picture of the route. The eTrex
takes a reading every second, so there are plenty of points
along the way unless you are going really fast. If you don't
get enough points to give a good map, you can re-ride the
trail or walk it to get more points. The Topofusion software
can merge multiple routes into one and can also create a
trail network if you want to connect intersecting routes in
one file. GPS is a neat gadget- I tell people that the max
speed on mine (560 mph) is from the downhill section under
the powerlines.

 

[Kantspel]

Patrick C. wrote:
> kantspel <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:<[email protected]>...
>
>>>I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
>>>very compact
>>
>>(lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the unit will need
>>to take frequent map points and be reasonably accurate. My
>>budget is under $200 and that will need to cover the GPS,
>>software, and hopefully a bar mount.
>>
>>The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
>>very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
>>map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
>>be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
>>points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
>>over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
>>a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
>>accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
>>far offset from previouse trips.
>>
>
>
> I have a basic yellow eTrex ($100) with a handlebar mount
> ($15), homemade serial-GPS connection cable (free), and I
> plan to buy the Topofusion software ($40
> www.topofusion.com). So far I'm just using the Demo which
> is functional, but overlays "DEMO" on the maps and aerial
> photos. I use it for exactly what you planned to- plotting
> the trail and making a map/picture of the route. The eTrex
> takes a reading every second, so there are plenty of
> points along the way unless you are going really fast. If
> you don't get enough points to give a good map, you can
> re-ride the trail or walk it to get more points. The
> Topofusion software can merge multiple routes into one and
> can also create a trail network if you want to connect
> intersecting routes in one file. GPS is a neat gadget- I
> tell people that the max speed on mine (560 mph) is from
> the downhill section under the powerlines.

Thanks a bunch. Once per second would be ideal, and the
software sounds like it can do what I need.

 

[Urs Weder]

kantspel wrote:
> Patrick C. wrote:
>> kantspel <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:<[email protected]>...
>>
>>>>I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
>>>>very compact
>>>
>>>(lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the unit will
>>>need to take frequent map points and be reasonably
>>>accurate. My budget is under $200 and that will need to
>>>cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a bar mount.
>>>
>>>The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
>>>very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
>>>map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
>>>be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
>>>points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
>>>over and over to get the density of points needed,
>>>basicly a running average. In the latter case it will
>>>need to be accurate enough that each ride will line up
>>>and not be too far offset from previouse trips.
>>>
>>
>>
>> I have a basic yellow eTrex ($100) with a handlebar mount
>> ($15), homemade serial-GPS connection cable (free), and I
>> plan to buy the Topofusion software ($40
>> www.topofusion.com). So far I'm just using the Demo which
>> is functional, but overlays "DEMO" on the maps and aerial
>> photos. I use it for exactly what you planned to-
>> plotting the trail and making a map/picture of the route.
>> The eTrex takes a reading every second, so there are
>> plenty of points along the way unless you are going
>> really fast. If you don't get enough points to give a
>> good map, you can re-ride the trail or walk it to get
>> more points. The Topofusion software can merge multiple
>> routes into one and can also create a trail network if
>> you want to connect intersecting routes in one file. GPS
>> is a neat gadget- I tell people that the max speed on
>> mine (560 mph) is from the downhill section under the
>> powerlines.
>
> Thanks a bunch. Once per second would be ideal, and the
> software sounds like it can do what I need.

Once per second will give you too many points for a trail.
Some units have a capacity of 1000 points which will last
for only 20 minutes. If you set the track log to automatic
the gps will detect itself if the trail has many windings
and will record more points per minute. But when you ride a
longer straight part the gps will only record a few points.

For a better accuracy put the gps in your back pack or in
your back pocket of your shirt. The gps needs a unobstructed
view of the sky (satellites).

I'm talking from experiences with a Garmin Geko 301. A
cheaper Geko will do it as well.

Greetings, Urs

--
+-------------------------
| Urs Weder N 47°23'23" E 9°39'47"
+------------------------- ( modify address for return email
)

 

[Bonehenge]

On Mon, 10 May 2004 21:31:26 +0200, Urs Weder
<UrsWeder__a_t__hotmail__d_o_t__com> wrote:

>Once per second will give you too many points for a trail.

Not on a bicycle it won't.

Barry

 

[Jg]

Garmin eTrex
http://www.garmin.com/products/etrex/

Delorme Topo USA http://www.delorme.com/topousa/

and I HIGHLY reccomend a NiMH rechargable batteries and
charger http://www.thomasdistributing.com/mh-c204f-
4aa220dc.htm#combo Combo Kit #2 is the best deal

 

[Shawn Curry]

kantspel wrote:
> I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need
> for one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me
> out with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a
> tough time wading through all the different
> brands/models/features.
>
> I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
> unit will need to take frequent map points and be
> reasonably accurate. My budget is under $200 and that
> will need to cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a
> bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>
> 1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for the
> GPS unit?
> 2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
> keeping an eye on?
> 3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
> easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
> (the end goal is to print a map)?
>
>
>
I gonna start messing with this on my ride today
http://www.cru.fr/perso/cc/GPilotS/ runs through Palm OS.
Buy a cheap GPS on ebay.

Shawn

 

[Bob]

There is a $30 rebate now on the Legend & Vista. It will do
a 1,000 waypoints, saves up to 10 tracklogs of up to 750
points each with 10,000 pts available. It runs $200 typical
street price. We sell factory refurbished units for $159.
Being a "Mapping unit" it comes with computer cable. Should
be mounted close to horizontal for best reception.

For a program to print/display, DeLorme TOPO 5 works great
($100)! Available on CDs or DVD and also regional editions
for $50. Comes with free $50 download of Satellite/Aerial
imgaery downloads. You can download,modify,upload
Routes,Waypoints,Tracks unlike National Geographic. My
dislike is that it does handle waypoint icons and comments.

The Garmin MapSource products do not allow you to transfer
single routes or tracklogs.

For backup, screen prints etc I love GPStrackmaker
www.gpstm.com it is free and another version is available as
shareware.

I personally use a Garmin GPS76 (same price as Legend).
It's saved tracklogs are reduced to 250 points. If possible
download to PC from active tracklog to have up to 3,000
points. It does not allow you to turn off the tracklog so
you have to clear at start of track and turn off at end.
(If you forget you need to edit the tracklog to remove the
extra points.)

You can see some samples on my website at
http://home.earthlink.net/~gps_dr

Enjoy

kantspel wrote:
> I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need
> for one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me
> out with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a
> tough time wading through all the different
> brands/models/features.
>
> I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
> unit will need to take frequent map points and be
> reasonably accurate. My budget is under $200 and that
> will need to cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a
> bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>
> 1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for the
> GPS unit?
> 2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
> keeping an eye on?
> 3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
> easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
> (the end goal is to print a map)?
>

 

[Patrick C.]

Urs Weder <UrsWeder__a_t__hotmail__d_o_t__com> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> kantspel wrote:
>
> > Thanks a bunch. Once per second would be ideal, and the
> > software sounds like it can do what I need.
>
> Once per second will give you too many points for a
> trail. Some units have a capacity of 1000 points which
> will last for only 20 minutes. If you set the track log
> to automatic the gps will detect itself if the trail has
> many windings and will record more points per minute. But
> when you ride a longer straight part the gps will only
> record a few points.
>
> For a better accuracy put the gps in your back pack or in
> your back pocket of your shirt. The gps needs a
> unobstructed view of the sky (satellites).
>
> I'm talking from experiences with a Garmin Geko 301. A
> cheaper Geko will do it as well.
>
> Greetings, Urs

I haven't had a problem with the track log on my basic
eTrex getting
full, even in 6+ hours of use. It only adds a point to
the tracklog
if you've moved more than 25 m so it doesn't add a point
every second.
Like you say, it sort of knows if you're moving straight
or making a
lot of turns which really maximizes the tracklog storage.
I like the
handle bar mount because it's always in view when you
want it. Just
don't try to look at your speed when you're on a
technical section.

 

[Kantspel]

kantspel wrote:
> I'm in the market for a cheap gps unit that I only need
> for one application, making trail maps. Can anyone help me
> out with this? Googling got me so far, but I'm having a
> tough time wading through all the different
> brands/models/features.
>
> I want to make a map of my favorite local trail which is
> very compact (lots of trail on not a lot of land) so the
> unit will need to take frequent map points and be
> reasonably accurate. My budget is under $200 and that
> will need to cover the GPS, software, and hopefully a
> bar mount.
>
> The part I'm most worried about is the ability to take
> very frequent map points. The first trail that I want to
> map is extremely dense and so I figure there will need to
> be map points every few yards. If the unit can't take
> points that often then I guess I'll have to re ride it
> over and over to get the density of points needed, basicly
> a running average. In the latter case it will need to be
> accurate enough that each ride will line up and not be too
> far offset from previouse trips.
>
> 1. Any recommendations or anti reccomendations for the
> GPS unit?
> 2. Is there a particular feature(s) that I should be
> keeping an eye on?
> 3. Will I need to get additional software to make my life
> easier or will the GPS come bundled with what I need
> (the end goal is to print a map)?
>
>
>
Thanks for all the advice. Monday night I went to REI with
my rebate and a gift return in hand and blew it all on a
Garmin Foretrex 201; only cost me $5 out of pocket! It was a
little bit more ($170 vs $140) than a seemingly equivelent
Geko, but it's tiny, has a rechargable battery, and comes
with the PC cable.

I've been goofing off with it and so far am quite pleased
with it's features. I havn't gotten to ride on the trail
yet, but have had it on for all of my outdoor trips, i even
wore it as I mowed the lawn My impression so far is that
it will do it's intended job quite well.