+- +-

Advertisement

Accommodation Options
With everything there is to see and do in and around Big Bend National Park, the area has become one of the most cherished family-friendly vacation destinations in Texas. Lodging options are abundant, ranging from rustic to luxurious. Whether your family would prefer a campground, an authentic Texas ranch, a resort hotel or a vacation rental, you're sure to find it here. There are also plenty of timeshare resales and vacation homes for sale, for those interested in becoming an avid Bender!

Copyright Notice
All photographs and content posted by members are to be considered copyrighted by their respective owners and may not be used for any purposes, commercial or otherwise, without permission.
« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Down

Author Topic: Topo Software  (Read 17988 times)  Share 

Offline randell

  • Coyote
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 1956
  • Purveyor of Fine Hats
Topo Software
« on: March 07, 2006, 02:22:13 PM »
I'm looking for opinions on topo software.  I own Delorme Topo USA and it's ok...but I always wondered about how green grass was on the other side of the hill.

Anyone own National Geographic Topo?  I know ShaneA owns at least one of these - probably both :evil:

I don't know of any others I available.

I just got my REI rebate and it's burning a hole in my pocket.  I don't have a GPS so I don't care about integrating them.  I don't think I'd use a gps uint enough to justify the high price.
Logged

Offline SHANEA

  • Javelena
  • Golden Eagle
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 9941
  • Javelina
    • NPS BIG BEND!
Re: Topo Software
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2006, 02:57:33 PM »
Quote from: "Randell"
Anyone own National Geographic Topo?  I know ShaneA owns at least one of these - probably both :evil:


Now why would you give me the  :evil:  look :?:   :lol:

I have the old Delorme 3D topo which I consider generally a POS most of the time as it is very limited on being able to "span" CD's, have to have the CD, can't load the maps onto the hard drive, etc.  They spent too much effort making it difficult.  Even the newest version of Delorme 3D on either CD or DVD will NOT work with my Garmin GPSmap60CS.

I rely mostly on the Garmin Mapsource software, not full topo, but not bad.   :lol:

I would really like to hear a review of the Natl. Geo software... 8)
Logged

Offline Don H

  • Coyote
  • *
  • Posts: 163
Topo Software
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2006, 03:52:48 PM »
I download the seamless DRG's from the TNRIS site, and use the tif files in a mapping program that I use here at work.  It's called PCGPS05 by CMT, but I think it's kinda of pricey.  One of the perks of my job I suppose! :wink:
Logged

Offline WL2

  • Black Bear
  • *
  • Posts: 554
Topo Software
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2006, 04:52:06 PM »
I have both National Geographic TOPO State Series (Texas) and Garmin 24K National parks Central.  Both are good products.  If you have a Garmin GPS that will load maps and are mostly interested in Big Bend get theirs.  It covers only national parks and forrests in the central US.  If you are interested in the whole state get NG TOPO.  I also download maps from TNRIS and if you buy third party software (I use OziExplorer but there are others) you can create waypoints, tracks, routs, etc.  The great thing about the TNRIS maps is you can get both 1:24000 quads and 1m photo which each cover 1/4 quad.  You can see trails and old roads on the aerial photos and see neat stuff to go find.
Logged

Offline Casa Grande

  • Site Founder
  • Administrator
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 4727
  • Passionate BIBEr Since 1991
    • Virtual Big Bend
Topo Software
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2006, 06:08:31 PM »
i loaded the big bend area from mapsource onto my gps and it stays there...it's a bit crude, but it's functional.  I like the TOPO! software,but it didn't integrate into my old Garmin Etrek unit....
Logged

Offline WL2

  • Black Bear
  • *
  • Posts: 554
Topo Software
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2006, 06:38:22 PM »
A bit further explanation.  Garmin sells two topo produces.  Their standard topo covers the entire US but lacks detail.  The National Parks 24K has the USGS 1:24000 maps with full detail.  This is not a scan but a vector graphics version.  However is is sold in three sets, west, central, and east and only covers national parks and forrests.
Logged

Offline Casa Grande

  • Site Founder
  • Administrator
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 4727
  • Passionate BIBEr Since 1991
    • Virtual Big Bend
Topo Software
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2006, 06:54:21 PM »
Quote from: "WL2"
A bit further explanation.  Garmin sells two topo produces.  Their standard topo covers the entire US but lacks detail.  The National Parks 24K has the USGS 1:24000 maps with full detail.  This is not a scan but a vector graphics version.  However is is sold in three sets, west, central, and east and only covers national parks and forrests.


eureka!  i should give that go..
Logged

Offline Roy

  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 1530
Topo Software
« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2006, 08:04:43 PM »
I have two sets of software;  National Geographic Back Roads Explorer, and Maptech National Park Guide.  I believe they will both load on Garmin GPS units, although I've never used them that way.
I had the  Delorme set for the US, and I agree with Shane;  it's not worth the effort.
Logged

Offline SHANEA

  • Javelena
  • Golden Eagle
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 9941
  • Javelina
    • NPS BIG BEND!
Economy
« Reply #8 on: March 07, 2006, 11:40:48 PM »
Quote from: "David Locke"
eureka!  i should give that go..


Dang it.  Now I've got to go and convert all of my mag lights to LED and also purchase the good topo software.  Going to have to go and stimulate the economy myself :!:
Logged

Offline randell

  • Coyote
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 1956
  • Purveyor of Fine Hats
Topo Software
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2006, 01:50:31 PM »
For some reason all this talk has me now thinking of ways I could use a GPS unit.  

I like the looks of the Garmin Vista Cx GPS, but I've never owned one so I don't really know what to look for???
Logged

Offline Bobcat

  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 1471
Topo Software
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2006, 02:03:04 PM »
Quote from: "Randell"
For some reason all this talk has me now thinking of ways I could use a GPS unit.  

I like the looks of the Garmin Vista Cx GPS, but I've never owned one so I don't really know what to look for???


I have a Garmin eTrex Vista and I guess I've marked ~ 6 sites with it.  I haven't used it to navigate.  If I find a complete, fully grown T Rex, I want the capability to get back to it.  Maybe, I'd even tell HQ, but then the whole area would be off limits to the likes of us.  What do you think I should do when I find Mr T or something comparable?
Logged
Location Location Location

Offline randell

  • Coyote
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 1956
  • Purveyor of Fine Hats
Topo Software
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2006, 02:06:47 PM »
I think you should tell us first and let us go check it out...then tell the park about it at a later date. :)
Logged

Offline WL2

  • Black Bear
  • *
  • Posts: 554
Topo Software
« Reply #12 on: March 08, 2006, 04:48:09 PM »
Quote from: "Randell"
I like the looks of the Garmin Vista Cx GPS, but I've never owned one so I don't really know what to look for???


The Vista Cx is a great unit.  I have a 60CS and it has the same general GPS engine and processor.  Works great.  However, the new 60CSx has a SiRF III processor and it is suppose to be more sensitive, generally a little better.  So for a bit more money you get better reception.  See:

http://gpsinformation.us/gps60c/g60review.html
Logged

Offline RichardM

  • Admin
  • Global Moderator
  • Mountain Lion
  • *
  • Posts: 5517
Garmin 60cs
« Reply #13 on: March 08, 2006, 05:25:21 PM »
I don't own a GPS unit, nor have I even used one, but earlier today I came across a post offering a new Garmin 60cs for sale over on the Yellowstone Loon chat page
Otherwise, there's lots of GPS units for sale on Ebay, etc.  I debated getting one before our last trip to BBNP but figured that'd be the only time I got to use it for a while.
Logged

Offline WL2

  • Black Bear
  • *
  • Posts: 554
Topo Software
« Reply #14 on: March 08, 2006, 05:56:51 PM »
I have observed that some of us get a GPS and just go nuts with them.  Others are just not interested.  I make no judgment.  To each is own.  I can only say that if you get one and some mapping software it does open a whole lot of capabilities you just do not have without one.
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Up
« previous next »
 

Advertisement
Looking to plan an adventurous trip at the Big Bend National Park but have a distracting timeshare on the brain? Free yourself from the stress of trying to sell timeshares or cancel timeshares. The professionals at Transfer America will have you enjoying the entire Big Bend Region in Texas before you know it.

Advertisement