GPS! What's a good 4x4 brand and Maps?

ThankZ to all of you fellas... sure got some homework to do! :-)

Hi

"The Garmin range, which some people use, is also a good product but as it is "proprietary" you can not use the trek data from this site. "

Not true. The default download is GPX which can be used by most gps mapping programs and a lot of GPS units directly (including many Garmin models), with no conversion..

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and even if it was in some set format (Ozi) it could be converted easiliy (generally speaking). Some Garmin units (e.g. some Nuvis) won't allow upload of tracks (in whatever format) so this is the issue, not the format available for download here or elsewhere so choose you unit wisely.

Cheers
Greg.

Thanks Greg,

I'll accept the criticism of my "non compatability" statement.

The inability to upload track data is surely an important issue though isn't it?
Perhaps you could clarify this a little more.
Do you mean uploading track data to the GPS device, or uploading the data captured on a Garmin device to another (eg. Ozi) based device?

Hello
Yes, a unit that does not allow the uploading of previously recorded tracks would limit its usefulness for many people. As stated, I am led to believe some Garmin Nuvis have this limitation (and some don’t even record tracks). If you are in the market for a new GPS make sure it accepts the upload of tracks if it’s a capability you think you may need, don’t just assume it’s possible.

My response in the post above was initiated by your suggestion that it was not possible to use the “trek data” from this website in the “Garmin range” because they use a “proprietary” data format. My associated comments were in reference to the uploading of data available from this website to any GPS unit (even if it is a unit running OziCe).

Most of the new Garmin units actually save data (waypoints and tracks) in GPX format …which is a universal format that can be used by many units besides Garmin (e.g. Magellan, TwoNav) and many programs (e.g. Mapsourse, Basecamp, VantagePoint, OziExplorer, CompeGPS Land).

So…with respect to your last question, generally speaking it would be easy to transfer data captured on a Garmin device to another unit (even if running OziCe) because it is likely to be in GPX format (e.g. for tracks open GPX directly in OziExplorer, save as Ozi track file (*.plt) and transfer to Hema Navigator).
(OziCe actually accepts waypoints in GPX format by the way).

Even if it was in Garmin “proprietary” data format you would just need to open the file in Mapsource or Basecamp, save as GPX then open in OziExplorer etc etc. There are many gps data conversion options out there so its not an issue. The exploroz site offers data in several formats so this removes the need for conversion in most cases anyway.

Cheers
Greg

Hi

"Grab...a copy of Ozi CE for $170"

OUCH! - OziCe is ~$35. You can download trial version of Ozi for nothing plus there is a Hema Navigator Explorer for the Hema Navigator for $0 available as well (cut down version of PC version of Ozi for HN buyers). Good option for many people I suspect.

"You could cut costs even further by just buying the Natmap series of maps, which have better maps for 4x4 tracks and beaches than Hema does."

HN comes with the 250K Natmaps though you can download them free anyway though mosaic "zone" version is the go (supplied on HN5i).

Main attraction of HN5i is plug and play which suits many (plus street nav with IGO). Lots of cheaper unit options, some with bigger screens (such as chinese units and laptop/netbook ect) but not everyones scene and many options dont come with legal software or maps. User needs to add up all costs. Time is money for some.

Cheers
Greg

Hi Greg,

I realize that HN5 is plug and play - may suit some with no time to setup their own, convenience etc...I won't be buying one.

My mistake with the price of CE, so even better!!!!

So shall we set up in this niche market, and undercut Hema by a couple of hundred dollars, what do you reckon?? :))

Cheers
Alan

"My mistake with the price of CE"

Upon reflection I suspect you were probablay referring to Ozi + OziCe so your quote was actually correct ..my mistake.

"So shall we set up in this niche market, and undercut Hema by a couple of hundred dollars, what do you reckon?? :)) :

No worries, I'm in:) But suspect we ill still have to use Hema/Westprint as a starter for the average punter whatever display unit we choose which will add to cost. Maybe 250K/100k will be OK??

Can we use your phone number for questions/complaints regarding how to use Oziexplorer and unit malfuctions etc? I'm over it. More to selling a product than just selling it:):)

Cheers
Greg

I'm sure you could get the maps fairly cheap in bulk under license.

My phone??? No you pay some guy in India 50 cents per question/ complaint, just give them a checklist / flowchart to work from :)