Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First, I'm not knocking the TOPO US too much. It is expensive and does not have high resolution but it fills a niche. If you need a TOPO map in a hurry, I suppose it is the best alternative.
I've had my Garmin Legend HCx for several months now. During this time, I've hunted for a reliable alternative to TOPO US, rendering 24K resolution and not limited to a few National Parks.
Looking really paid off. The best solution that I've found is the following:
* Free Maps from USGS Seamless Server (24K TOPOs as GeoTiff files) $0
* Any graphics editor program that can handle .tif format$0
* Mapwell (Basic) Google to find(includes raster/vector conversion) $45
* TrackMaker (free version) Google to find $0
Total: $45
Process:
1. Search, select, download GeoTiff map from USGS Seamless Server (15 minutes)
NOTE ADDED 4/2010: Mapwell Basic can now read coordinates on GeoTiff files, making steps 2,3, and part of 4 obsolete.
2. Review the .xml data, downloaded with the map to determine the extent of the map: Northwest and Southeast boundary. (5 minutes)
3. Open GeoTiff file in graphics editor. Save as new .tif file, stripping out the embedded geo data. (5 minutes)
4. Open the new .tif file in Mapwell. Add extent information from Step 2. Add graphics features and waypoints(optional). Run vectorization option, creating a new set of Garmin IMG files (10 minutes - more if you want to add your own art)
5. Upload new map set into Garmin. Mapwell has a great Garmin upload/download manager. No need to use Mapsource although you can use it to add Mapsource maps. (1 minute)
Time burned: 36 minutes
TrackMaker (free version or licensed) is also a great product for creating tracks, waypoints, many more features. It also has a fine Garmin upload/download manager. So you can either load waypoints and features directly into the Garmin or embed them in the map itself while using Mapwell.
The only disadvantage that I've discovered in the process is that Mapwell works too well. That is, the vectorization of 24K maps produces superb quality maps that take 10-20 seconds to render in the Garmin (at 1 mile). The closer in you go, the faster the rendering.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin MapSource 2008 Topographical U.S. Map DVD-Rom
Explore every nook and cranny of the U.S. with the help of Garmin's Topo U.S. 2008 topographical mapping software. The DVD features digital topographical maps for the entire U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with a host of valuable details. It's also easy and convenient to load data to your compatible Garmin device. Just pop the DVD in your PC, then connect your Garmin GPS receiver via its USB port. Once connected, you'll have access to topographical mapping detail no matter where your adventures take you. Details include:
Digital topographic maps, comparable to 1:100,000 scale USGS maps
Terrain contours and topo elevations
Summit locations with elevations
Trails and rural roads; city neighborhood roads
Interstates and major highways
National, state, and local parks, forests, and wilderness areas
Coastline, lake and river shoreline; wetlands; perennial and seasonal streams
Searchable database of cities, geographic names, summits, lakes, and more
Elevation profile on PC and compatible units; estimate terrain difficulty
Allows you to plan your next outdoor adventure on your PC and download routes, waypoints, and map detail to your compatible Garmin GPS
Lakes, reservoirs, waterways, rivers, and streams with icons to represent boat ramps, dams, campgrounds, and trails
Click here for more information about Garmin MapSource 2008 Topographical U.S. Map DVD-Rom
