Scott -
    yes, the Garmin topos do go to 1:100,000.  The maps are older
but still useful.  Garmin does sell proprietary software, so while
I believe (although haven't tried) you should be able to exchange
and plot NMEA info, but markers and specific non-coordinate data
would not exchange unless you use Garmin software.  That is not
Etrex specific by the way, but Garmin specific.  Maps fall into 
that category as well obviously.  Garmin only works with Garmin,
surprise, surprise.  (FYI, you may remember I use the etrex summit)

I have borrowed a eMap and can tell you that on average, the Garmin
maps for AZ are about 500MB in size.  You can fit about 1 CD of 
the state of AZ on at a time (there are 7 maps to topo AZ in this
software).  Some of the newer Garmins have more memory, but I
think you can sort of rule of thumb 8 MB to 1 CD for Garmin.  

If you are at the Georally, I can show you some of these features,
I have the topos loaded on my laptop and use that with the GPS 
connected for real time locator (make your own Northstar basically),
until I purchase an emap, rhino, or equivalent.  It's pretty slick.
You can download from Snaptek (thanks guys!) all the cache waypoints and
plot as well as your own waypoints in less than a minute.  
It's a real timesaver.

Rob
Team CHUMP

P.S. I passed you on the stats page this am!  :D (grin)
     (if only for a day or two)

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Nicol [mailto:arizcowboy@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 9:59
To: listserv@azgeocaching.com
Subject: [Az-Geocaching] Garmin Mapsource for Etrex Legend or Vista


Howdy All,

Speaking of software...

Is anyone using the Garmin Mapsource CD software with their garmin Etrex 
(legend or vista) GPS?

I hear it is the 1:100,000th scale. (7.5' topo's are 1:24,000th).

What I am wondering is... does the software, when downloaded, look exactly 
like the real 1:100,000th topos? I have been curious to here some 'reviews' 
on it as I am looking to purchase mapping software so I can put some topo 
maps in my Etrex Legend.

I have also heard that the Garmin Etrex (or other Garmins) only except 
downloaded maps from Garmin's Mapsource? Is this true? I have heard I can 
use other mapping software to download waypoints and routes and stuff, but, 
only Mapsoure will actually download maps.

Finally.. are there any other Etrex Legend or Vista users out there that 
have the Mapsource (or other if so) topo maps in their GPS's? Exactly how 
much is 8MB of maps? Is that enough for the whole state of AZ or only a 
given area?

Thanks!

Scott
Team Ropingthewind


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