? ? ? GPS SYSTEMS SOFTWARE ? ? ?

[QCRider]

To each his own as far as brand preference goes. However my preference is Garmin. My GPSMap 76CS (with color tft diplay and electronic compass and altimeter) is awesome. In my opinion the Color TFT display makes the unit stand out. I'm sure that Magellan offers this as well, but this is something I would definitely add to my criteria when searching for the best unit. It is VERY visible in direct sunlight and has awesome backlighting for night riding as well. Other than that the 76CS is also a marine unit which can stand up to being submerged for up to 1/2 an hour, so I figure it should be able to deal with snow or rain on my sled. The City Select map package actually shows a decent amount of detail for Canada. I don't think you will find much from anyone that shows snowmobile trails though. My intention is to overlay trails onto my maps and make my own trail maps as I ride.

 

[MR.HAPPY]

YOU WOULD THINK THAT THESE COMPANIES WOULD SEE THAT SLEDDERS ARE USING THESE PRODUCTS & HAVE SOFTWARE FOR TRAILS & POINTS OF ENTEREST FOR US!!!
I'VE BEEN GOING TO THE U.P. FOR MANY YEARS NOW SO THE TRAILS AREN'T THAT IMPORTANT TO ME BUT, SOMEONE WHO HASN'T BEEN THERE OR NOT VERY OFTEN SURE COULD USE IT!
I'M MOSTLY LOOKING FOR FOREST ROADS, DIRT ROADS & OTHER SHORT CUTS SOFTWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BR

 

[JDKRXW]

I should make a correction. The unit was an eMap, not an eTrex. It has a removable memory card (16 MB). The inaccuracy was related to the map, not the accuracy of the unit. If I marked a spot, I could always get to within 10 feet of it. However, if I stood on an East-West road and zoomed in, it always showed that I was standing 1000 ft away.

I've got an Emap too. You are correct about the unit not displaying your position accurately on the base map. But when you load map sections from the CD, it is DEAD ON..... so much so that I am always amazed at how the exit/intersection function works.

 

[QCRider]

I've got an Emap too. You are correct about the unit not displaying your position accurately on the base map. But when you load map sections from the CD, it is DEAD ON..... so much so that I am always amazed at how the exit/intersection function works.

I didn't realize he was referring to the Base Map, but that makes sense. I agree that the Base Map is not very accurate at all. I definitely do find the accuracy to be pretty awesome with the detail maps.

 

[snowsweat]

Even with the Enhanced Basemap loaded, the 1000 ft error does not disappear. I went to BC from here (Ontario) and was surprised to find exactly the same thing. The solution? I stand 1000 ft away from the unit and use a pair of binoculars.

 

[rx-1 blue reverse]

nhrxrider

My Lowrance GPS has an trip feature. It includes Max Speed Distance, Ave. Speed and other info I do not really use. I am using the Lowrance software called MapCreate. The GPS has a sot for an sd memory card, I am using a 128mb card. This will handle more than enough info.

 

[spray25]

I gave up my Etrex Vista for a Magellan Meridian Color.

I like it much better. In addition to the Topo software I have the Streets and Routes software, It is quite useful.

 

[QCRider]

Even with the Enhanced Basemap loaded, the 1000 ft error does not disappear. I went to BC from here (Ontario) and was surprised to find exactly the same thing. The solution? I stand 1000 ft away from the unit and use a pair of binoculars.

ANY kind of base map is not what you want for accuracy. Purchase the North American City Select and you will be accurate to better than 10 feet.

 

[snowmotion]

I Recommend the RINO Radio & GPS Combo

The Rhino is a GPS that will send your position by Radio to your buddies It also is a Good FRS radio The GPS works fine & you can also feed it power from your Sled You will want too as they suck a lot of battery power if you use the 2 way radio a lot.
American models have 2 different radio spectums

 

[snowsweat]

The Enhanced Basemap only adds detail like logging roads. When I use the MetroGuide, every restaurant and hotel shows up, except 1000 ft away. I can walk that far.

 

[Sasquatch]

I should make a correction. The unit was an eMap, not an eTrex. It has a removable memory card (16 MB). The inaccuracy was related to the map, not the accuracy of the unit. If I marked a spot, I could always get to within 10 feet of it. However, if I stood on an East-West road and zoomed in, it always showed that I was standing 1000 ft away. Every (Garmin) unit in the store did this. I would like to see if a different brand running the same map would have the same problem.

Thats what I'm talking about. Mine shows me on a road when I'm rideing down the road not 1000 ft off the road. Most I'm out is by 30 ft give or take.

 

[snowmotion]

I Am Making a DVD Sled Travel guide with GPS Trail maps

This winter one of my Sled film projects is a Travel guide with Downloadable GPS trail guides of the BEST Mountain sledding areas we film in. It will also feature Printable Local trail maps. Each region will have Footage of Actually Riding in each area so you know what you can expect to find there in terms of terrain & the local vistas. I hope to use local hotshots for some of the talent and as local guides to show us the goods. I will have a small posse of riders from Natural Born Sledders & Braap to Help test your Snow zones.
Anyone interested preferably whom uses a GPS a Lot in BC riding areas that is interested in getting involved or in Providing there trail maps as Data Feel free to contact me at scott@snowmotion.com If you think you Have a Zone I should be looking at & you dont mind seeing it puplished send me an email. you can also send me any local Serch & Rescue info for your Riding areas & Helicopter contacts if you like.
This guide will have the Local Rescue frequenceies for search rescue and Local Helicopter Companies to fly you out. It will also list Local Sled shops & Service Shops ETC.
This DVD will feature Mostly BC & Alberta Areas If you want to help send an email
Regards Snowmotion