so i would want a mapping gps...i think?

Can you Print the Maps out with the mapping software....and is it something that would be to scale....where i could say transferpoints to a Corps of Engineers map....or a County TOPO map or is the mapping software just as detailed as a good detailed paper Map??

isthe softwaresomething that you can load into your GPS or do you have to hook your GPS to a computer and use the computer to get the mapping benifits??

How much does Mapping software cost????
do the GPS's have proprietary Mapping software??? like Garmin has to use Brand X mapping.....while Lowrance uses brand Z...?????

im asking alot of questions ...thanks for any answers.
its hard for me to understand reading about GPS's with out having any personal experiences with one....ive never even seen one being used.