Re: RC: GPS Receivers and Software

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Forgot to mention that Topographic Maps for just about anywhere are
available online at TopoZone.com.....for free.  Printable and
Emailable.  For example, I live in a valley called "Hells Hollow" in
Fannin County, GA., which is the Epworth Quadrangle.  My location is:

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=34.94111&lon=-84.47528

Kinda fun...try it. If you know where a ride is, you can look over the
terrain ahead of time.

Jim Holland an Sun of Dimanche

Jim Holland wrote:
> 
> There were a couple of questions previously on Ridecamp regarding the
> merits of various GPS receivers and software.  Prior to May 1st, 2000
> the GPS system was intentionally degraded (military paranoia) by the
> government to reduce it's accuracy.  This was called "Selective
> Adaptability".  That went away on May 1st and the GPS system is
> unbelievably accurate...you can locate any place on earth within 20
> meters.  This is about 10 times the previous accuracy. For those of you
> interested in this technology you might want to visit:
> 
> http://gpsnow.com/
> 
> This site sells most major brands of GPS Receivers and the software
> databases that interface with them.  They have great prices.  The
> software section has a comparison chart of features and functions that
> will help you choose the most appropriate vendor.
> 
> I have a Garmin GPSIII+ with MapSource Software that allows me to
> directly download Topographic Maps to the GPS.  Garmin provides periodic
> upgrades to these products on their web site at Garmin.com.  I don't
> have to "plot" where I am...its right there on the screen.  I also
> purchased TOPO!GPS USA and the TOPO! Regional Maps showing North Georgia
> and the Great Smokey Mountains which gives me more features and
> functions and better resolution than MapSource. I can upload Waypoints
> and "Trails" to the product through the GPSIII+ serial interface showing
> where I've been.  The best thing is that you can use the TOPO! software
> to show you elevations, terrain features, etc. and then plot waypoints
> along the easiest route from Point A to Point B. Download the waypoints
> to the GPS before you leave home then just follow the breadcrumbs.  Make
> corrections as you go and upload the changes when you return.
> 
> In addition, I park the GPS on the dash of my truck on the way to
> rides.  It gives me all kinds of info about each exit, (gas,
> restaurants, hotels, etc) and also provides time-over-distance info.  I
> have been pleased with the products I'm using.
> 
> I'm sure there are others which work as well depending on your intended
> use.
> 
> Regards, Jim Holland and Sun of Dimanche
> 
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