Cavechat.org

I have a Garmin eTrex Legend. I want to upload some kind of topo maps to it. I dont have a lot of experience with GPS's. What software do I need to do this. I dont want to spend a fortune but I would like something half way decent.

You can use software like MapSource Topo 2008 or there are several others that work with the etrex but all of them run around $100 so there really is not a cheap solution as far as I know.

Ok. Besides Mapsource what will upload the maps to it? I know mapsource is the one that is endorsed by garmin. Probably the same company. I just know that there is usualy better software for around the same price that will work with things like this. Just curious on any opinions anyone has.

Bieng it is a Garmin GPS you can only install Garmin Mapping Software to it. Like Garmin Mapsource U.S. TOPO.

I have an Etrex Legend. I use MapSource to put maps INTO my gps. But I bought Topo Virginia for plotting. Last night I dug out my data from AZ (Memorial Day Trip). I didn't want to pay another hundred for AZ for one little trip, so I just used MapSource since I have the whole US (I did buy the extra topo maps--just roads come with the unit, but at least you get the whole US).

Now they let you take the track from your GPS/MapSource and instantly plot it in Google Earth. No profile that I can see, though.

As far as the unit itself... the screen is so darn small, that I doubt you'd gain much by having better maps.

Garmin has made things difficult by making their maps on the GPS kindof proprietary, however it is possible to upload custom maps from other programs. Personally, I use Maptech Terrain Navigator but I suppose that there area several other programs that will do the same thing possibly even for free. Just do a search for Opensource Topo Software or Opensource GIS Software and you'll come up with something. Now for getting the maps on the GPS, here are some instructions for that http://vip.hyperusa.com/~dougs/GPSSM/. As I said, it can be done, it's just not quite plug and play unless you use the Garmin software. To be honest, I researched this before and after discovering how much is involved I decided that it wasn't all that important to have the maps on the GPS after all. I just print off a map if I need one.

I meant to post up this image in my last post: