OUTBACK TREKING

Hi Terry

I'm with Stephen on this- I use a Garmin GPSv as a GPS engine connected to a home built computer running Oziexplorer and a combination of maps including HEMA maps 4WD Series, Oztopo, Garmin, Shonky Maps, UBD and Street Smart. This is all viewed on a hideaway 7.5" TFT Touch screen that fits in the space under the radio.

The size of the screen is huge compared to a GPS, yes it is smaller than laptop, but it isn't a projectile when 4WD. The touch screen allows you to operate Oziexplorer but this is backed up by wireless mouse and keyboard?

TFT screen also doubles as a reverse camera screen.

Cheers

Anthony

Hello Anthony

How do you use Oziexplorer to view "a combination of maps including .....Oztopo, Garmin, Shonky Maps". These three map sets (Garmin?) are not in a format suitable for OziExplorer.

Cheers
Greg

Hi Greg

Apologies if my post was misleading. This may make it a little clearer:

I use a Garmin GPSv as a GPS engine connected to a home built computer running Oziexplorer with HEMA maps. I also run a combination of maps including, Oztopo, Garmin, Shonky Maps, UBD and Street Smart...

No problems with any of the HEMA stuff or Greg Harewoods Rastermaps on Oziexploer, same with UBD City Streets and Regional Cities and Towns.

Because I run a full blown computer, I also have Garmin Mapsource (and Trip and Waypoint Manager) loaded which takes care of the others (Oztopo, Garmin, Shonky Maps etc). Streetsmart is a law unto itself and has it's own platform.

I also use Google Earth and Google Maps when I can get a phone signal - Telstra Turbo mobile Internet with external aerial. I have replied to a post on this previously.

All mapping programs have their pro's and cons and limitations (which is why I switched to Oziexplorer), but i still use them all at different times.

The point I was trying to make is that it is possible to use a GPS as an engine to Interface with a computer/laptop to get better digital mapping.

And Yes! - I still carry paper maps in case it all goes south - which it hasn't - YET!

Cheers

Anthony

"...Greg Harewoods Rastermaps..."

Now you're talking :)

Just to make it clear to the OP - you can use Mapsource (or Basecamp) to view Garmin format maps (e.g. Oztopo, Shonky) on a PC but these two programs dont have a moving map function so not as useful as a full on gps mapping program such as OziExplorer, Trackranger, TwoNav, Global Mapper etc which use the gps signal to show your position and allow the saving of waypoints, tracks etc while on the move. Hence my suggestion to maybe investigate nRoute (if using garmin format maps is a priority) which is a Garmin map viewing program that does have moving map fuctionality.

Cheers
Greg

Agree with Greg 100% which is why I swapped over to Oziexplorer as my program of choice.

Apart from the limitations of the actual map sets i.e. detail and coverage, the lack of moving map on Garmin is a worry.

I have spent nearly a grand on digital mapping programs and map sets - mostly because of trial and error and also because of a lack of guidance from so called experts who were more interesed in making a dollar (or nearly 1000 of them).

Cheers

Anthony