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anomad · 01-12-2007, 05:54 PM

I work as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS Specialist to support my hobbies.

At work we use standard Dell or IBM laptops (luck of the bid) with expensive ESRI software called ArcMap. This software allows you to load background images such as topo maps, aerial photography, and other data such as roads, land owndership, and whatever else so see exactly where you are and on whose land.

There are a number of Jotto desks in use but the 3/4 ton trucks pounding desert roads are not good for hard drives. There are more stable mounts but I don't know brands. Some guys are happy attaching they laptop to some kind of center console with velcro.

I have used Ozi Explorer and Topo in the field, both are good.
AccuGlobe is a great free GIS program with a 20 dollar GPS extension
Manifold is a low cost GIS program that is also worth looking into

For around town microshaft streets and trips is fine.
The software that comes with Garmin Navigation units (like the GPS 18) is fine too. But these programs stop displaying data as soon as you leave the pavement.

BTW: plugging a laptop into your rigs stereo and curling up in the back with some beers and a good DVD is a great way to spend a crummy weather evening in camp.

01-12-2007, 05:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
anomad Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 34	I work as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS Specialist to support my hobbies. At work we use standard Dell or IBM laptops (luck of the bid) with expensive ESRI software called ArcMap. This software allows you to load background images such as topo maps, aerial photography, and other data such as roads, land owndership, and whatever else so see exactly where you are and on whose land. There are a number of Jotto desks in use but the 3/4 ton trucks pounding desert roads are not good for hard drives. There are more stable mounts but I don't know brands. Some guys are happy attaching they laptop to some kind of center console with velcro. I have used Ozi Explorer and Topo in the field, both are good. AccuGlobe is a great free GIS program with a 20 dollar GPS extension Manifold is a low cost GIS program that is also worth looking into For around town microshaft streets and trips is fine. The software that comes with Garmin Navigation units (like the GPS 18) is fine too. But these programs stop displaying data as soon as you leave the pavement. BTW: plugging a laptop into your rigs stereo and curling up in the back with some beers and a good DVD is a great way to spend a crummy weather evening in camp.