PPC GPS/Software

[cesmithsc]

Does anyone have any experience with GPS and topographical maps for PPC. I am going to be hiking along the Appalachian Trail this summer and it would be great to have the capability to carry this info with me on my PPC.

[Sven Johannsen]

There are two specifically Topo oriented packages that I am aware of. You should look at some of the PPC GPS specific sites/forums for varied opinions. ( www.gpspassion.com )

Topo!Sync by National Geographic (they also do Trails Illustrated Maps). This one is fairly good, but the maps will cost you.
http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/sync.cfm

Delorme's XMap Handheld combined with the desktop TopoUSA 4.0, This covers the whole US for around $150 altogether. The handheld interface is a bit unusual and takes some getting used to.
http://www.delorme.com/xmaphandheld/default.asp
http://www.delorme.com/topousa/default.asp

Keep in mind the PPC doesn't have sufficient battery to last a long time, has minimal storage (relatively), and isn't real outdoor friendly (water/dust resistant?).

You might be better off with a real mapping GPS for this purpose.

[Kaber]

You might also want to try SkyEye (http://www.etree.com/tech/notsofreestuff/skyeye/index.html) which lets you use topo and aerial USGS maps. You can make the maps HERE (http://www.lostoutdoors.com/newmap.html). It will even let you place waypoints on the maps when you create them, and there is a standalone app you can download to make maps.

You need a Pocket PC connected to a GPS with garmin protocol ( I use an iPAQ 3955 and an eTrex Venture (http://home1.gte.net/res02afy/darthipaq2.jpg) with mine and its great for 4WD adventures on the trails behind my house). The maps can be fairly large.

And at only $9.95 with free maps that are easy to make, who could resist?

Of course the maps are a bit old (mid 90's in most cases).

Using the aerial maps with moving map is way cool. Its almost like looking down on yourself from a satellite.

[hiroProtagonist]

...Of course the maps are a bit old (mid 90's in most cases)....

Mid '90s it pretty current... the usgs 7.5' quadrangle covering the area where I live in was last updated in 1948! It's cool to look at this area when it consisted of about three ranches, and the major landmasses haven't changed, but there's a few more houses now 8O .

More on topic, there are also several programs which allow you to scan in any paper map and have your gps display your position on that. One of these is EFISce (http://www.btinternet.com/~navtech/) which is oriented toward aviation (it has bunch of flight-planning features that won't be too helpful on the Appalachian Trail).

Another possibility in the same vein is VITO SmartMap. (http://www.vito-tech.com/products/?prod_id=2) I haven't used either of these (don't have a gps for my ppc yet), but the VITO one might be of use???

I would be a little leery taking my e740 hiking...I mean I even get dirt in my FOOD in the backcountry :D (not to mention you'll have to carry around one of those solar chargers :wink: )

[Kaber]

I keep my ipaq and gps in a ziplock freezer bag when on foot in the field. Works great and you can still use the stylus and buttons. I keep the GPS and iPAQ on the charger in the car (a dual 12v adapter for the cigarette lighter socket) so once I'm out of it I get quite a bit of life out of them if I only turn them on when I need to check the map.

By "quite a bit" I mean they'll work long enough for an overniter. The dual sleeve with its extra battery helps of course...


ps
Snow Crash rocks.

[aroma]

I agree with Sven... if you are going to be on the AT for more than an overnighter, I wouldn't rely on a PPC GPS solution. You're going to end up with nothing more than extra weight to carry around...

[Kaber]

Well, if you notice, I have an actual GPS not just a CF or serial solution. I highly recommend this over paying the same amount of money for one that can only be used with your PPC.

I agree, if you are seriously hiking, camping, etc. you are gonna need it (the GPS w/o the PPC). But, you could always make a battery extender (http://www.dalecoffing.com/Casio/DennisWolfe/BatteryExtender/BatteryExtender.htm) or buy one off eBay or something.

Playing with the iPAQ on day trips however is very fun. And it makes Geocaching a snap! http://www.geocaching.com

Also, if you go to the Lost Outdoors site they put up an adventure database showing where they went and what SkyEye aerial/topo maps they used and the added waypoints and stuff.
http://www.lostoutdoors.com/mcpool.html