Favorite GPS Software

[brown group]

Thought I'd throw this up and see what else anyone likes to use if you map your rides (yes, I hear the screams of 'bike nerd!' and the beatings at recess)

My favorites:

Windows:
TopoFusion
http://www.topofusion.com

OS X:

Ascent
http://www.montebellosoftware.com/

GPS file conversion and magic web site:
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/

I use a Garmin VistaCX with good results under OS X and Windows and under tree cover. Fits nicely in the outer pocket of my Camelback.

[davkatreb]

It's called a map and compass. It don't need no batteries and it don't go dead if Uncle Suckhead decides to shut down the satellites.

It does take some smarts to learn it, though, so I guess a lot of people would be pretty much screwed.

[brown group]

and you're stopping every minute or so to take bearings and plot your position? mmm, fun!

i grew up with map and compass, everyone needs to know how to use them, and i carry a compass in my pack when i ride.

i use the gps for the ride stats and, as light grows less in the fall, for the "where's the $!$??!$ car" when it's dark.

[jhl99]

Maps, compass, bike computer, GPS, altimeter, wits, experence and a cool head.

Not sure if the most important things are at the beginning or end of that list.

Depending on where you are, how recent your maps (and what scale) and how you are traveling (hike, ski, bike) all the above can help.

When mountian biking it is difficult to keep track of the big picture of the terrain it is also very easy to blow past obsure trail junctions. I've found that the position of trails on USGS topos can be questionable or even wrong.

I use a low cost program (GPS Utility) to download/upload data from my Magellan 315 (circ 1999) and do coordinate transformations and then use a CAD program to combine my data with USGS topos from various public sources.

Also use the CAD program, topos andGIS data from various sources to plan rides and make custom maps to take on the rides.

Needless to say, I almost never see other bikers where I ride.

*****
Here is a good illustration of using the tools and still getting boned.

I had loaded my GPS with waypoints of the trail shown on the map (the magenta points). I lost the trail, so I turned on the GPS and tried to find the trail by circling, figuring I would cross the trail (I'm thinking the trail heads in the E-NE direction. I spent an hour bushwhacking and could not find a trail (the green line). I ended up turning back. Later in the same trip, I found that the Adirondack Park Agency (NY state) sells a $5 CD with data on all the trails in the park. Needless to say I bought the CD. After loading the CD I found the actual trail heads along the red dotted line! I crossed that line, but that was a grassy bog and the trail was not worn in... probably never used. The trail shown on the topo line is totally in the wrong place!

Looking back on it, I should have suspected that the trail might have gone to a named, man-made structure, Coleman Dam. I didn't have the wits to think of that while in the field.

[davkatreb]

Hey, what the f*ck do I know? I don't much like to coast, so I got me a fixie. Ain't all that big on gears anyways; long and happy marriage to a Monocog. When I gots to have some shifty bits, it's barcons, friction thankyouverymuch. But if bells and blinking lights is what your ADD-riddled brain craves, hey-Go nuts, says I.

Whatever.

[davkatreb]

I use a low cost program (GPS Utility) to download/upload data from my Magellan 315 (circ 1999) and do coordinate transformations and then use a CAD program to combine my data with USGS topos from various public sources.

Also use the CAD program, topos andGIS data from various sources to plan rides and make custom maps to take on the rides.


I was a land surveyor from 1983 to 1994. That shit sounds WAY too much like work to me. Just ride and you'll get there, and who really gives a f*ck where "there" is?

Technology. Feh! Why do you think I'd rather bike than drive?

[Spalls]

I was very interested in GPS when it first became affordable and "pocketable", and used it a bit at work and just farting around. However, having spent way too many years with a Brunton compass (quadrants, no less), I have found that I spend way too much time with the GPS compared to the compass. I suppose that my brain is just hard wired for non-electronic navigation. A quick glance here and there and I am on my way. I would expect that GPS can be like that if you grow up with it. I have found it interesting, however, to see how many GPS units now have an electronic compass face display. Hmmmm... Maybe it's not just me. I also like to leave as many batteries at home as possible. Having said that, I do appreciate an accurate altimeter.

[jhl99]

It depends on where you ride. I got lost one time and turned a 6hr ride into a 12 hr ride. After that, I decided a GPS was a good insurance policy.

Just because you carry a GPS doesn't mean that is always turned on.

[ironspoke]

Brown,

Thanks for the info. I'm currently stumbling through the GPS process myself. I have a Garmin unit I purchased about 4-5 months ago and I'm currently using the $50Delorme software which covers the entire eastern USA. I've found the software to be good for dirt roads and such but for getting off road the detail is lacking. Thats OK with me, however, as I plan on mappng the trails myself.

[brown group]

if it has a mini sd slot, go here:
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/topo/index.jsp

I keep the region 7 sd card which covers most of the mid-atlantic to NE topos in my Vista Cx.

[ironspoke]

Brown,

I also have the Vista CX. I sent back the topo card you speak of because I'm more concerned with being able to actually format maps for my website than being able to see the grid on the gps. In hindsite for $100 I probably should have kept it. At some point in the future when it getes updated a bit (I realize it is up to Uncle Sam to update these things) I will pick up a new card for the slot. My housing plan which is 6 years old was not even on the map which I find kind of crazy.

[brown group]

it would be interesting to know what schedule updates are going to be made for a region. i wonder if there's any way to find out.

[brown group]

this widget:
http://www.cluetrust.com/LoadMyTracks.html

has also proven to be very handy

[RickB]

Hey, Brown.

Unfortunately, Monkey Knife Fighting has been under more scrutiny than dog fighting since this event:

http://media.www.missouri-miner.com/media/storage/paper426/news/2003/04/01/News/Students.Fined.For.Involvement.With.Monk ey.Knife.Fight-407526.shtml

Sad state of affairs, indeed...

[brown group]

you know, it's folks like them that gives MKF a bad rap. there is such a purity to the sport that you don't see in other sports.