Scott;

Although I use a Garmin GPS V, the software is the same for all Garmin GPS'.
Here's my opinion on the Garmin MapSource Topo software:

1) No, the maps DO NOT look like the USGS maps. Only basic information is
included. They are fair in quality, but I still refer to a "real" topo map.
I use Delorme's 3D Topo for Arizona and print out the pages I need, as I
need them. (There's other brands that are also good).

2) You are correct. All Garmin GPS' will ONLY accept Garmin's Mapsource maps
to be transferred into the GPS. Which means, if I want a topo map in my GPS,
I HAVE to use the limited MapSource topo. Other mapping software will
transfer waypoints, routes and track logs, but not maps.

3) The Mapsource topo maps for the ENTIRE state of Arizona will consume
31.2MB of memory.

I also use Mapsource City Select (only works on a couple GPS') for detailed
city street maps, and Mapsource MetroGuide. I have 19MB of memory in my GPS.
I load a combination of City, Metro, and Topo maps into the GPS for a given
area I'll be working in. I can load all three types of maps for about 400
square miles. If I leave the Phoenix area, I just need to remember to load
the maps for the area I'm going to. I've heard the Mapsource Roads and
Recreation maps are also useful, so I'll probably get a copy and load all 4
types of maps into my GPS. It's nice to switch among the different map views
on the GPS depending on where I am and what I'm doing.

Hope this helps!
Larry Farquhar
Team "Wyle E"
www.happy-wanderers.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Nicol [mailto:arizcowboy@hotmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 9:59 AM
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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