OziExplorer

Hi Scotty

To really understand understand the benefits of OziExplorer you need to try another piece of GPS software first and master it - then purchase OziExplorer to appreciate the extra stuff you can do with it.

I'm going to assume that when you purchased the Etrex-Legend they gave you a copy of Mapsource? Its seems to be what Garmin is doing these days. Now Mapsource is not bad really - and you might find it does all you need.

The extra functionality you get with OziExplorer includes:
(1) You are not stuck with one map - you can get more detailed mapping. So if you can get maps with details you require - satelite images, forestry maps, street maps, whatever - you can use them
(2) You can easily trace out a track on a map - and upload it to your GPS. Good for planning a trip.
(3) Import/export of data to/from most other software formats. So if your friend has a really great track - it is not hard (in many cases) to import data in and use it.
(4) OziExplorer seems to have become a defacto Australian standard - making it easier to swap data.

I'm sure others on this forum will give more information.

Good luck - Jeff

Hi Scotty,

Glad to see you've bought your Garmine Etrex Ladgend.

Perhaps the main benefit of OziExplorer that I use is the ability to go over the map on the computer at home and mark waypoints for suitable visual navigation points on the map on screen.

Then I can create a waypoint list from these waypoints. Each waypoint has a number: 001, 002, etc. and I give each watpoint a name: camp, hill top, creek crossing, east start of track, etc.

Then I plug the GPS into the computer and upload the waypoint list. This gives me all the waypoint numbers with their coordinates in the GPS.

I also print off a copy of the waypoint list which gives me a paper copy of the waypoint numbers with their coordinates and descriptions.

When I get to the bush I can call up a particular waypoint number and press "go to" and the GPS will point to the waypoint, tell how far and how long to get there at the current speed.

It pays to do this in conjunction with a paper copy of the map because my Garmine etrex is more basic than your etrex legend and will not upload maps.

Of late, however, I haven't been using OziExplorer. I use the paper map in conjunction with the GPS.

The GPS tells me two things:
1) The coordinates for where I am. It's quite easy to fairly accurately plot these coordinates on the paper map, so I know where I am on the map within 50 meters or so. (That's without using a ruler) A compas is handy to orientate the map.

2) The coordinates for where I've been. As I go along I record the coordinates for significant visual navigation points (gate, creek crossing, dead tree, etc.) and record these in a notebook in case I want to come back the same way or travel across country to one of these points. (001 gate, 002 creek crossing, etc.)

If I want to go to a particular place on the map, I orientate the map with the compas. Then I use the GPS to find the coordinates for where I am and plot these on the map. Then I put my left index finger on where I want to go and my right index finger on where I am and off I go. If I become unsure of where I am I simply repeat the process.

You see, it all depends what you want to achieve and how sophisticated you want to be.

I have, over recent weeks, been tripping around an area in South Australia roughly bordered by Woomera, Roxby Downs and Lake Torrens, on an ATV (four wheel motorbike) for up to six days at a time. My unsophisticated navigation methods have been quite adequate. I sometimes wonder whether all the talk of taking laptops bush is a bit like "mine's bigger than yours" which doesn't accomplish much in terms of navigation, only status. Laurie"s Photos

If you download the free version of OziExplorer note:

There are two versions available: 1) Trial version. This gives you a look at the programme but doesn't do much. 2) Freeware version. Although this will do a fair bit, among its limitations is its ability to only use .bpm format maps. I scan my own maps from paper coppies. .bmp files are large and so take up more space than .jpg files which may or may not be a problem for you.

When you pay your money you get a code which enables all the features on the freeware version. I think it's about $70 US.

Regards,
Laurie.

On the Ozi site it says to email him for an Aussie price. Funny thing its cheaper to purchase it in Aussie $$$ and get hit with the credit card currrency conversion fee than what it is to deposit money directly into his bank account.

Strange I thought..... Thought a small discount to cut out the middle man. But alas no.