Mapping packages for Mac's

Hi WBS, I run Macs but still prefer paper maps.

But here is a Link to mapping resources for Macs that may help you.

Run Windows on it....

(Back to square1)

Hi
Dont have a Mac but have heard of this one a bit...

MacGPS Pro

and this maybe worth looking at when released ...

CompeGPS Land for Mac OS system

Cheers
Greg

Hi WBS
Been there done that!!! I have used/tried/twisted and bent many differnet mapping products on MAC Platform. To Save yourself the time and disappointment. Simply install Windows through Parallels or VMWare and run OziExplorer. Very stable and one of the best products around for mapping/GPS but only runs natiively in windows (ohh and Andriod)

Cheers Aaron

WBS - I run Boot Camp on my MacBook Pro, with Windows 7 alongside OSX. This allows me to run OziExplorer when I need it. Best of both worlds.....

Hi WBS,

Welcome to the dark side, it aint so bad!

Rember if you do load windows for ozi explorer, you will be open to viruses, which are just about none existant on the Mac platform.

I have a 27 inch Imac and love it, makes a great tele with eye TV loaded, I put it on the bed whilst travelling and have it up and running and on the wireless internet within 5 minutes of stopping, another 5minutes and have a 27 inch television gotta love that.

All the best Warren.

Hi WBS

I have a mac - well I have lots of them. For mapping I find the Garmin base camp is pretty good. Further I can transfer any maps, tracks or waypoints from Garmin Base camp over to my Garmin GPS.

I do also have Parallels and load up oziexplorer but don't find this any better than basecamp. With the new macs running windows in parallels it is as fast as if you had one of those coal fed windows machines. lol lol lol.

I will often use Google earth to find locations, plot a track and then transfer the .kmz or .kml files over to Garmin base camp. You can use another converting program called Babel for changing formats.

And welcome to the light. (the dark side is behind you)

Cheers

David

Background:
I have been using & servicing Macs for many years now. An Apple Mac computer service business!
I have several GPS Receivers which I use for outback prospecting and assist our club members to set up correctly. (WGS84 & UTM Eastings & Northings)
Now I am almost ready to retire and start using our Winnebago Alpine to see the other side of Australia.
But, I have recently had an industry tree change and worked with a couple of Geo Survey & DH Survey companies in the mining industry. Which means I have become quite involved with GPS Receiver equipment. My preferred computing platform is the Apple's OSX but I do use PC's or Virtual PC's from time to time.

To answer your question:
about what software to use for GPS Mapping on the iMac.
I would suggest MacGPSPro version 9. It connects to most receivers via USB. The software will directly open Australian Topo Maps.
I use the GeoScience Australia NatMap Raster 250 Series maps that come on CD or DVD. These .ECW files are highly compressed and the newer version 2008 now contains the geo referencing data which allows the map to be used as a live moving map as you are driving. (providing a gps receiver is attached to the Mac and has a clear sky to pick up the satellites)
The maps can now be joined seamlessly to form one huge map
Seehttp://www.macgpspro.com/

Another product available is Garmin RoadTrip v2 (download from Garmin site)
It can be used with the OZtopo 2.1 Maps available separately on DVD and requires an Unlock Code installed in RoadTrip to use these Australian Maps.

Also:
If you have an iPhone or iPad you can get the MudMap App & use their download Gregorys or iTopo NatMap Maps of the whole of Australia on the iPad with no connection to the 3g phone network required.

Hope this helps all the new Mac users out there!