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 GPS Navigation Techniques

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Admiral
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Admiral


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PostSubject: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty2/6/2011, 8:49 am

Have a question about GPS navigation in regards to waypoints, tracks, and routes. Which one is best for navigating on the TW?

1) Generally, I navigate from one waypoint to another, and set this up in the gps as a route. When I do this, looking at the map feature on the gps, it draws a straight line from point a to b and so on. However, I'm usually looking at the compass pointer and stay on the road I'm traveling regardless of what the pointer is indicating and travel on the road. Making a route out of waypoints is easy, but I can't figure out how to make the route stay on the road in the gps. Does this make sense or am I confusing everyone?

2) In principle, I understand what a track is/does, but am I right in thinking that you can only use the map feature of the gps while following a track, and stay on (within) the line, so to speak, and not getting off track, no pun intended? Do tracks have waypoints per se?
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mrgizmow1

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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty2/12/2011, 8:14 am

I have yet to setup a successful 'pre-programed' route. It had always been my assumption that the 'line' would follow the road/tail, but then if you were hiking through the woods, it would be straight line point to point. The one I have in my car will certainly track point to point and alway stay on the road. Perhaps the issue for us is that we (certainly me) are using the handheld (hikeing) style units that incorporate a map display option. Again maybe the more expensive ones (mine Legend CX and Oregon 200 less than $350) offer a choice of point to point or road. Hows that tank project going? Gerry
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Admiral
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Admiral


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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty2/12/2011, 2:32 pm

Hi Gerry,

I really have to say that leaning about a GPS is a hugh undertaking, then add it the different type of GPS navigation, (city & rural) (oh, add in marine too, but not for my question). I've got a lot of questions cleared up, but there is such a mixed bag of answers, and the answers can be different for each GPS depending on there capability. The same goes for the programs which create routes, tracks, waypoints, etc... Easier to explain verbally rather than in writing due to all the different ways to go about creating and navigating with routes, tracks, and waypoints.

What I can say is, I'll probably not get lost.

Tank project is in the infant stages. I took the stock tank off, placed your tank on and took a look to make sense of your instructions and hardware provided. I understand what's going on, just need the time to "get'r done". Trying to get some other things done so I can concentrate on the project and work on it all at one time. i.e. get it done in one weekend rather than 2,3 4 ha ha. I'll keep you updated on the progress once I get started in earnest. Thanks again for providing me with the tank.
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john2011




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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty8/13/2011, 6:44 am

The best GPS unit is a ... IPHONE! it's a computer! Add Gaia GPS software for topo maps (http://www.gaiagps.com/). And your iphone is an amazing GPS unit. Once at the house on moving your hiking (http://www.everytrail.com) and see all the details and statistics of your Excursion. cheers
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rm_hm

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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty12/25/2011, 10:19 pm

I'm using a Garmin Etrex Legend Hcx with a 2 gig micro sd card.

The pre-installed base map shows interstates and large bodies of water (that's it)

Garmin sells a U.S. topo 100k map that is better then nothing but sucks (trails & logging roads seem to be anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 mile off)....

They also sell regional 24k maps that are great. I'm using the Topo U.S. 24 West (west coast only).

When you choose to have it plot you a route, you get to pick to between a straight line or have it follow roads.
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Admiral
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Admiral


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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty12/27/2011, 8:41 am

Hi rm-hm,

Looks like you have a better etrex unit than I do. I have the etrex Vista H. Does what I need and want it to do with some minor caveats. Unlike yours, mine has a limited internal memory with no ability to add a micro card.

Problem with than is when I load a topo map from mapsource or basecamp, I have to choose a few regional area's versus loading the entire state. Internal memory is just not big enough for the entire state of Idaho. But I tend to ride out from a central base camp versus a tour around the state (or states) so it still works for me just fine.

And you are right, the basemap that comes installed on the units is just horrible.

Couple things I've learned after using it this past year.

Many various ways to build routes/tracks.

Mapsource, Basecamp, Goggle Earth and RidewithGPS are the one's I use. I now use RidewithGPS the most. Since I have mapsource and basecamp, when I send a file from RwGPS to my computer, I can "Open with" the RwGPS file in mapsource or basecamp without converting it with GPSbabble or WinGD3B. I have to use one of the converters when I download a route or track from goggle earth.

Of course I don't have to convert anything when I use mapsource or basecamp, I just don't like or am use to using them when making a route/track. I do need them to load my gps though so I can't get rid of them.

All of the programs I've mentioned above I've been able to download for free. Might not be the most up-to-date program I download, but works for me. I was able to download the topomap for Idaho from GPSfileDepot (free) and have not had any accuracy problems like you mentioned.

I alway click the follow a road when making a route, but I think the GPS unit has to match with this. Meaning, I've made some routes and when loaded to the gps it still may come out in straight lines. Don't have this problem with tracks, so no sure if my gps is not set up for easy road routing. I get around it.

When navigating, I'm still up in the air when it comes to which method to use, tracks or routes. The word route makes more sense to me, but harder to load on my gps. I'm getting use to following tracks, so it might not really matter.

I do wish my gps had a color screen, but I ain't bitch'in. Ain't got lost using the gps yet! lol. Oh, and I still always carry my maps. I'm just old school I guess.
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rm_hm

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PostSubject: Re: GPS Navigation Techniques   GPS Navigation Techniques Empty12/27/2011, 6:52 pm

That drove my crazy on my previous etrex.
I could only load one area at a time into internal memory and it only had direct routing.
On more then one occasion I had to switch riding areas and the gps was worthless since it could not hold both riding areas at once.
I would still use the breadcrumbs to find my way back out. I still of course had a paper map stuffed in my pack but that was a last resort.
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