gps units and topo maps
 

I want to map all info gathered from my scouting trips on topo maps. I have a garmin 12 gps. I can get the software and link cable for my pc for about $100. Here are my questions:
1. how much memory does my gps have? how many topo maps can I store on that unit?
2. would it be better to get a newer gps instead of sticking the money into updating my current unit?
3. If yes to #2 what unit would you suggest?
4. If I upgrade my garmin 12, where is the best place to buy the software?

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

I would upgrade my gps. If I were to invest from scratch in a gps unit and topo maps this is what I would get:

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=27626&section=10 051&minisite=10020

You will not find better topo maps than topo usa and the pn-20 can work with it seamlessly. I use topo usa but I have a garmin 60csx and they work well together also but the garmin was a gift and if I were buying the stuff myself this package would be the way to go.

Gps info - http://gpsinformation.net/

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

Don't know anything about your model Magic, but I have a Garmin GPS Map 60CSx. It has an internal mamory as well as you can put in a SD card like in your trail cam then it can hold as much as the card will allow. Mine will hold 2 gigs? and that is more storage then all the mapping software I have. I paid $300 for mine with mapping software(All US, Alaska and Hawaii) on E-Bay. I think the best part is how you can transfer all your info into Google Earth.

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

Please explain. Do you mean you can overlay topo over photos? or just transfer points to photos?

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

I would get the garmin software, its worth it.

I use USAPhoto Maps to overlay my path, waypoint etc. Its free here: http://jdmcox.com/

Also can use google earth, but USA Photo maps has better topos...

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

I'm confused. Why would I need the garmin software if I use USA Photo Maps?

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

When i go to my lease I can enter waypoints of places to return to or I can run a track log that will show me everyplace I went etc.. When I get home I plug my GPS into my PC, then I open my mapping software. I then select d/l from device, it finds my device and asks what to d/l. These points/ tracks then show up overlayed on the Topo. Then I click on view and hit view in Google Earth it then transports all of those points/tracks into your places and shows them on the Google Earth overlay. I'll see if I can attach a pic.

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

thanks for the info guys

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

I also use the Garmin 60CsX.This is the best gps I have owned and I have had 5 so far.What the guys said above is only a few of the many many awesome features ofthis thing.Best Fish/hunt times,Moon phases,expandable memory,waterproof and accurate.Check out the link below.


https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=310

RE: gps units and topo maps
 

I thought you wanted to have topos on your GPS too. You cant get them from USAphoto Maps to your GPS. If you only want to pull waypoints & paths off your GPS then USAPhoto maps is the way to go...