I'm a GPS muggle but want that map

Hi

Garmin Montana is a bit big for "hiking"...though depends on the definition of "hiking". I wouldn’t be packing one for a multi-day bush walk. I think they are a good gps for combination of in car work and short forays on foot. Great for geocaching because of large screen. Your suggestion of an etrex would be better - size wise for "hiking" - but falls short in some capabilities....i.e. ->

Only trouble with Garmins in relation to the specific question asked by the OP is that they dont handle raster maps/images (referred to as OziExplorer maps by some respondents) that well...but you can get by if your requirements aren’t too demanding e.g. relatively small areas at any one time...as there is a limitation of file size/structure.

"Proper" gps mapping programs for handhelds/PDAs/PNDs (e.g. OziExplorerCe, TwoNav) can handle large maps of large areas e.g 250K map of Australia. On a Garmin (that has raster capability - not all do) the same map would need to be broken up into hundreds of individual maps with only one loaded at any one time. Converting raster maps for Gamins into the right format (KMZ) can also be time consuming if you don't have the correct software.


Cheers
Greg

Small budget will mean small Hikes....lol, actually the OziExplor maps may be good but as I have stated many times it won't zoom right in like Vector mapping used in a GPS , maybe you could get one of the cheaper Garmin models that has an SD card slot and add the Garmin Topo.

Such as this one Garmin eTrex 30


.

Hi Doug

As I have pointed out before (it’s been a while) you have to take a different approach to mapping when using raster images compared to vector maps. If the map/aerial image doesn’t have the detail you require then you need to get a larger scale map...same as if you were dealing with paper maps. There is no point in holding a magnifying glass to a paper 250K scale map, no extra information will spring out – solution get a 100K, 50K or 25k map of the area (if available).

Vector maps have limitations as well – just because you can zoom in doesn’t mean what is being displayed is an accurate representation of reality – this depends on the scale of data capture used to create the lines polygons and points. Vector maps (on most handheld gps units) also have limitation on what can be displayed e.g. yet to see a vector map that shows individual trees like you can get with raster images. Best units/gps mapping programs actually have full raster and vector capabilities – they are not mutually exclusive and can be used to complement each format's short comings.

Having said that I think for those on a budget who just need a plug and play system a Garmin with Oztopo or Garmin topo is a good start. If you need a wider range of mapping capabilities (e.g topo maps, geology maps, aerial images) then Garmin is not the best choice…but you will need to lay out some more cash, generally speaking. As suggested by others the android/iphone apps seem a good compromise for some users..but not all.

Cheers
Greg

Thanks Boobook2
Do you know if this app stuff is good with satellite phones too? I think I'm getting the Inmarsat with prepaid

wont work on a sat phone

Hey Boobook

Don't wish to hijack the post but I have a question or two. Have got to get a new phone for work and was looking at a samgson or similar. Would this be the android that you talk about? We were looking at getting an ipad but did not think that we would use it often enough to warrant the outlay.
The mapping programs that you talk about would be the same as the ones in the exploroz shop? Sorry to ask such basic questions but I really struggle with the techno stuff and don't want to throw money away!

Thanks
Richard

androzic isnt in shops - its a free app available on android smart phones and tablets

it is an ozi explorer clone. i gave it a good test run the other day and it worked 100% in tracking me on a few day trip - no freezing/crashing. it did however have issues with the plot file it created and it couldnt read its own plot file and neither could ozi.

I cut the data from the plot file and pasted it into an ozi file with the proper headers and it worked but had siome gaps and a few "shifteys" where the track just went north or south a few 000ks for one point.

I checked for updates and it has had several recent ones so applied them and limited testeng seems ok so far

as well i think i will pay for the ozi for android app as its only $25 then I can run them both at the same time.

I also downloaded the gps over BT app so my phone worked as a blurtooth GPS mouse talking to my computer running ozi. however for somereason periodically it would stop transmitting or something and i would have to stop and start the app. I checked and its not a trial app with limited run time like the first one i tried.

Ill keep on trying but so far all of this confirms my thoughts about using a phone for things other than making calls.
-Gimicky promises alot and would be fantastic , but just doesnt quite work

Hi

"If you want to have the ability to load Waypoints, download and upload Tracks and Routes to a GPS with OziExplorer one of the few units that will is the Garmin Nuvi 1450T"

So none of the Garmin handhelds (Montana, Oregon, Colorado, Etrex, 60 series, 62 series, 78 series) have this capability or are you just talking the in car Nuvi range? Don think I'd take a 1450T bushwalking ...though suppose you could if you wanted to. How would you manage battery charging? Dont think batteries are easy to change.

Cheers
Greg

Greg the OP asked by in car GPS so that is what I replied with.
If the OP had asked about hand helds that is what I would have replied with.

Hi

No worries...but are you sure?...I read this in first post....

"What would be the best hand held GPS unit for hiking and geocaching?"

Where does the OP mention "in car" ?

No big deal.

Cheers
Greg

I don't even own a car but I will be walking around Australia after a few other smaller hikes/treks in 2012. I am hoping to do a bit of geocaching as I go.

Thanks for all the advise and guidance, I appreciate your help and will be able to shop around with a bit more knowledge, less likely to be duped into buying something I don't need or won't work the way I need it to.

Cheers
Terra

P.S. I hope you all had a great Xmas : )

Explorer, you are correct, apologies replied to the incorrect post.

For walking the Garmin eTrek 30 would be my pick. Does everything the larger units do, includes auto routing. Has proper compass and other great features, and importantly has great battery life.

No problem - we've all done it.

Would actually suggest the eTrex 20 myslelf. Yes, the extra cost of the eTrex 30 gives you an Electronic Compass and Barometric Altimeter ..but possibly novel value to most users I suspect.

Cheers
Greg

Where the electronic compass is good if you are setting up digital TV and know the location of the TV tx you can aim the TV aerial directly at the tower. Same with satellite TV, can aim the dish near right to finally align dish. I also like the digital compass when in the bush on the motorbike or walking and not have to be moving to get an accurate bearing. Presently have an eTrek Legend Hcx but will be ordering a new Etrek 30 next week.

Hi

No doubt a compass has a function but I think it is standard practice for bushwalkers to carry a "normal" compass anyway - relying 100% on GPS is not a good idea....plus having to move is also standard practice when hiking :) i.e. digital compass function may never be used that often by some punters.

On the other hand I think digital compass is good for geocaching as when you get real close to some well hidden GCs, having to walk around in circles to get true direction can get frustrating..so probably a good function for this application.

If you have a use for it thats fine ..just suggesting the extra cost maybe wasted for some people/applications so dont just get it - have a think first. If you are a real tight budget all is not lost without it. I use my GPS every second day for work and never use the digital compass or barometre..but that's just me.

Cheers
Greg