GPS Navigating

Eric

Navigation on your laptop has two separate parts. Digital maps come in all sorts of sizes, scales, formats, features etc and most will come with enough software to enable you to view the maps on screen.

If you want to use waypoints with your GPS and have moving maps (where your position is shown on the map) you will need moving map software such as Oziexplorer, Trackranger, Fugawi etc.

A good start would be to explore the info on this site in relation to what you need and access to digital maps etc. The shop on this site sells as competitively as anywhere else.

Hardware requirements depend on what you are trying to achieve. You will need a GPS that downloads data to connect to your laptop if you want to incorporate GPS positioning as well as just having digital maps.

The commonwealth and each of the states has some outlets for digital maps. You need to decide what sort of navigation set up you want as this will determine the format of maps required for the software. Example - moving map software usually uses raster maps while route directing software usually use vector maps like a referdex.

There is plenty of info around on the topic. Look into past posts on this forum. You will need to read the info and decide on the setup you seek before getting into the details.

Have fun with the research.

Alan

Hi Eric - you say 'GPS navigation using my laptop'.
I take this to mean a GPS receiver coupled to the Laptop, which can show your position as you move, on the maps.

Alan's reply described the hardware and software you need.
My set up is one of many that does just that -
1. GPS unit is Garmin 72. A basic unit (eg no colour maps etc but does the job).
(and I use the LAPTOP for the colour maps).
2. Mapping software - OZI Explorer. This software does several things:
2.1 It displays the maps; (and finds towns, rivers,mountains etc)
2.2 It connects to the GPS and uploads/downloads waypoints etc;
2.3 It connects to the GPS for 'moving map' display -
(eg shows an arrow on the map, where you are).
3. MAPS - I use 2 sets of digital maps :
3.1 NATMAP Raster Mosaic 2003 from the Aust Gov.
This covers all of Aust at 1:250k scale. Very good.
3.2 HEMMA Great Desert Tracks CD Rom.
This is a 6 map set, covering most of inland Aust.
Most outlets that sell GPS units, also stock OZI and the digital maps above.

OZI Explorer has an excellent function which will switch between maps.
As different maps can differ in the features and detail they show, this
enables you to display the same position on diffent maps.

To help with your research, another site to visit is one dedicated to OZI Explorer software at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OziUsers-L/

One little tip - some (many) GPS connect to computers via a serial cable.
Many new Laptops do not have serial ports.
You need to buy a serial to USB adaptor.
While they work well, there are some 'tricks' involved.
Have fun with your research..............Regards..............Keith

Ozi Explorer on laptop using the Natmap Raster maps- This will get you abandoned mine sites and tracks, unfortunately you will have to open the Natmap program to search locations. Ozi explorer does the job nicely plotting and giving directions between towns.
For street navigating, I got a Magellan Map 330 with Magellan Streets and Tracks Software (included with GPS). This lets you upload cities full of individual streets, points of interest etc to the GPS so you can go walkabout if needed without the laptop. (damn handy for geocaching). I have been shocked at some of the tracks which Streets and tracks has- where I couldnt tell the difference between red dust and a track, I followed the GPS marked tracks (accurate to a few metres) and found camping spots and sites I'd have had no chance getting to otherwise.

The two screens next to each other (lappy and GPS) sort you out with a colour city and surrounds view as well as a detailed greyscale street-directory view you can glance without pressing a button- damn handy whilst driving.

Costs-
$200 - Map 330 off ebay with Streets and tracks/Natmap software and PC cable
$50 - Map 330 GPS cradle stuck to the dash from Kmart
$300 - 7" LCD screen off ebay for laptop
$110? - Ozi Explorer Software from oziexplorer.com (also available on this site)
$..... laptop- depending what you want
$60 - 300W ebay inverter

Thanks Ben, excellent info I have a laptop, from the research and the info that I have received so far it certainly sounds like the gear you have mentioned is the way to go. The GPS I will be using is a garmin etrax. The other item that I now have to look at is a bracket to support the laptop for my GU Patrol.
Cheers,
Eric