GPS

ExplorOz are making their own software now

Unfortunately the maps you mentioned are raster maps (though they are available in vector format) and cannot be used in the GPS as a normal rule.

It really depends on where you are going, what you want to achieve, price, accuracy required, etc.

I suggest that you go into a "speciality" store that sells Garmin and Magellan GPS's (johnny appleseed etc) and talk to them about your requirements.

One option to look at is the PDA style GPS system eg. PDA + Bluetooth GPS......thereby allowing you to use your current mapsets easily.

Andrew

Hi Colin,

I have spent a bit of time around the GPS and currently own a Garmin Streetpilot III, eMap with City Navigator Australia 7, and the newest one is a generic bluetooth receiver, BT-74R. This latest purchase came from eBay for the princely sum of $95 delivered.

All these units are good in their own right, but both the Garmins have short comings too.

The Streetpilot III is excellent in use but it is a physically big and heavy unit and broken dashmounts are common after a bit of dirt road work, and the eMap doesn't have voice guidance or colour screen.

The latest one, the BT-74R is a receiver only. It weighs 75grams and transmits it signal via bluetooth to the laptop, which has all the Natmaps raster maps, thus not duplicating an expensive GPS screen on the dash.

It's horses for courses, so whilst on the blacktop and in cities and towns I use the Streetpilot III, once I hit the dirt or go offroad then I use the BTR74R.

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Hi Colin

as the last post says - horses for courses. you really need to decide what you are looking for. as you have the factory OE system this should be OK for around town. When out bush what do you expect from the GPS - to tell you when to turn, plan routes, record way points of good camping spots, record tracks you have taken or just plain tell you where you are not? These are all basic functions of GPS.

you can also go for an integral unit like a Garmin that has screen and the GPS receiver in one unit or the laptop/PDA and external GPS. the mix should not impact the use, just the delivery of the visual map.

I personally still like paper maps and use the GPS as an aid to navigation. Can quickly see on the screen roughly where I am and then if really want to see the bigger picture I go to the paper map. I use my PDA (I-mate) as the screen for the GPS and a HAECOM mouse (as in shape and size) receiver which attaches via a Y cable to the PDA mounted on a suction mount on the windscreen. Used the cable system as I-mate have shocking Blue Tooth connectivity. As the PDA is also my phone seemed to make sense to keep it all in the one package. A bigger screen would be nice and maybe when I am allowed will upgrade to in car laptop and 7" screen but not really essential for use of the system. the PDA is running OzExplorer CE edition - an add on to the PC system and maps and data transfer all work very well.

One problem with this however is that the system is not portable outside the car - is this a requirement for you, ie take it on a walk or hike? I solved this by buying a simple Garmin handheld for use in the tinnie which is very portable. not good for 4wd though.

I can confirm that going to one or more retailers to pick their brains is good value but go with a good idea of what you want / need so you can get the best result.

Good Luck

gda colin we went around and checked out the gps around had a laptop and raster maps so didnt want to spend a fortune ended up with a magellan 210 plugs straight into laptop and oz explore software works great with it. Moving map is great we now dont get too lost when bush these days. very simple to use and has built in maps as well if you dont want to use laptop all the time. good luck..

Hi Colin,

I think you may have a mix up of names.
Assume you mean OziExplorer mapping software and NATMAP Raster series of Maps.

OziExplorer will only run on a personal computer, or in the CE version, on a PDA device that uses Windows CE operating software. (PDA = Personal Digital Assistant)

So let’s assume you have a laptop computer with OziExplorer and NATMAP loaded on it.
You have several options for a GPS receiver.

The first option is a hand held GPS receiver with a display screen which you can use stand-alone, or interface to the computer’s comm. Port to enable the input of tracking signals from multiple satellites. Some of these also have their own internally loaded maps. As this device can be used away from the computer, (albeit not using OziExplorer) and has many other features, it is the most expensive option. The two most popular brands are Magellan and Garmin.

The second option is a GPS mouse, which also connects via the computer’s comm. port (usually a USB port) but cannot operate as a stand-alone device. This also inputs a tracking signal from satellites and in all other ways will provide the same function on the laptop as the hand held GPS unit.

The third option is a GPS card. Similar in operation to the GPS mouse, this device performs the same input signal, but plugs into a card slot on the PC (or PDA).
Perhaps one “disadvantage” of this device on a laptop may be reception, as apposed to the GPS mouse, which has a long cable, enabling the receiver to be placed on the dash or other “exposed” location.

Another GPS device is available that uses “Bluetooth” wireless connectivity, but this is more likely to be used on a PDA device, rather than a laptop.

For more information visit the GPSOZ Website which contains a wealth of information, once you know what you are looking for.

Also, click on the "On the Road" button at the top of the screen, then select "Navigation" for several descriptions and sources of information for you.

Colin, what I find is really useful is to know what u want to do with the GPS, do you want mapping on the GPS or just something to link in with a PDA or laptop or what exactly /how exactly will u use it?

I bought a book called "GPS Vehicle Navigation in Australia" by Robert Pepper and read up on it, helped me heaps. ExplorOz had it but I cant fnd it in the shop, maybe of you email Jackie she can find it for you. Get it and have a read, you can then make a better informed decision on your purchase.

Hi Mac,
you can check this system www.navnet.org.au/
which runs OziExplorer and City(Destinator). I have seen it on 4x4 Show in Melbourne. It is amazing system.
Good luck
Patan