Comment: EOTopo 200K

Hi

Just to clarify - some handheld GPS units use vector mapping only but there are several that also use raster mapping. For example the TwoNav Aventura/Sportiva use raster (and vector) maps and you would be able to load EOTopo 200K in ecw format directly onto these units.

Some Garmin units also allow the loading of "custom" raster maps (KMZ of JNX format) but there is a limit to the size so not that useful for most people. Use of JNX format requires registration to Birdseye and payment of an annual fee (I think)(you would also need to convert supplied ecw files to KMZ/JNX).

The new Garmin Monterra runs Android OS and various programs (apps) can be loaded onto it (e.g TwoNav and OziExplorer) which will also allow you to view raster maps (Load OXZF format files directly for OziExplorer. TwoNav requires conversion to RMAP format but that is easy).

Same as many Android smartphones which have GPS capabilities (therefore = handheld gps) - just load OziExplore/TwoNav or one of a number of free gps mapping apps.

Newer Magellan handheld GPS units also have the capacity to load raster maps but like Garmin it is in their own format (RMP) which is limiting in some respects. OziExplorer's MapMerge program (paid version) allows you to convert some map formats (e.g. ecw) to RMP. I have never tried this so dont know how good RMP maps on a Magellan are.

Cheers
Greg

Thanks Greg, I wasn't aware that there were handheld GPS units that use raster mapping - will have to look into this as it would be a good addition to our shop range if we were able to stock these devices.

..I have been using TwoNav Aventura for several years now..as raster maps (and air photso) + overlay of vector data is best combination. Prior to this used GPS equipped PDA with OziExplorerCE....so its almost always been possible to use raster maps on a "handheld gps" - but more options these days.

Garmin and to a lesser extent Magellan try and control your map purchases to their products only but the advent of the Garmin Monterra would suggest a softening of the approach - it comes with a Garmin Map program that only uses Garmin format maps but you can load your own apps (as stated e.g. TwoNav/Ozi) and use a variety of maps/air photos/vector data which is the attractive part (for me at least).

Cheers
Greg

There is a free gamin-compatible Australia-wide topo mapset (vector) available on the internet called Shonky Maps, it is free ware so you aren't doing anything wrong by having it. It is great for the older handhelds such as the etrex series. Look it up on google.