So.... I've got the Mapsource United States TOPO softare for my Garmin 76C, but is there better topo-type software that is compatible with my Garmin?

 

No.

There are some good ones to run on a laptop, but you can only download Garmin software into Garmin units. Sorry.

 

Not true. You can download National Geoghrapic Pocket Topo to the Garmin iQue 3600.

 

I'm thinking that David's looking for something that's "compatible with" not "will run on". i.e., something that will use the data from the Garmin to plot on a PC/Laptop.

Is that correct Mr. B?

If so, I like the DeLorme stuff... It's a bit "interesting" to get through the UI, but it eventually makes sense. Check eBay for better pricing.

 

If that is the case then NG Topo is far superior then the DL. Although, the DL has cool 3D maps.

 

Not to be too nit-pickey, but my first answer was correct, because he has a 76c, as stated in his original post, not an IQ. I worded my answer poorly in that I was referring to his specific unit and request, but as you pointed out, there is one Garmin unit that will accept other software. As far as what he is using it for, he'll have to answer that. I found the Garmin Topo software a bit limited, and figured he might have also. As far as software to run on a laptop, using your GPS for location input, Maptech makes some very nice topo software, a bit pricey but very useable. Other options are National Geo., Delorme.....Look on the site:
www.4x4books.com
I'm not sure how reasonable their pricing is, but they have a great selection and good write-ups describing the different software options for a computer.

 

Talk to me dood... Are you talking from a point of detail, UI, updates??? It looks like the NG Topo stuff is pretty cheap on eBay. Maybe I should just get it...


EDIT:
You're talking about this package, right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3694839418

 

I am getting it today. In the little research that I have done, NG has great maps and features with more detail to the area, it's compatible with most GPS and it has some 3D/shade relief. After all of the reviews I read about both, the NG seems to have better features that the offroader can bene from.

I also like the MapXchange that NG has.

.....but DL has cool 3D maps.

This is just my $.02. I guess it depends on what you want it for and what kind of features you find important.

 

NO!

This http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/state.cfm

My only interest is Washington, for now.

 

Well, ideally I'd like better software for both the GPS unit and my laptop, but it sounds like I'm out of luck on being able to download better maps to the unit. The mapsource software seems kind of lame on the laptop, not quite the level of detail I expected, and it sounds like the NG junk might be a better way to go.

 

Yeah... I run MapSource as well and it's basically streets and stuff. I've never found another set of maps that I can download to the GPS itself. I had the same want when I first bought mine, but kinda' came to realize that it wasn't gonna happen.


Ben - thanks for the link to the state specific stuff. At that price I'll sit on the decision for a bit... and wait to see what you can produce.

 

I hear ya! I'm in the hunt for a GPS and map software now and I'm a bit discouraged because the only Garmin GPS that you can download maps to is $500.

 

This is what I bought and where I got it (part of 4X4books.com that Greg mentioned above). You can download the Mapsource maps to it. I like it so far (its my first GPS).

http://www.gpsnow.com/gmmap76C.htm

 

That package is nearly worthless for our use, the maps only go down to 1:100,000 which leaves out most unmaintained roadways (ie trails). The TOPO! state series includes 7.5' quads which are 1:24,000 scale and show much more detail. Here's an example screenshot of last weekend's adventure, keep in mind this an OLD version of the software pre-National Geographic's acquisition of the original company so it does not have the terrain shading capability and the coverage is limited. Here's a print that I ran off yesterday which rivals the quality of real 7.5' quads.


DeLorme's 3d feature would be nice to have, but from my experience their interface SUCKS.

 

Ahhh! Okay, that was my main question, that being what's the difference in the NG packages. So you're talking a fact of 4 in regards to detail. The website wasn't a huge help. Thanks Shane!


And yeah... I have to re-learn DL's interface each time I open the app.

 

Maps on a GPS leave a lot to be desired, if you have a laptop just find a GPS that can be connected to a computer and you'll be much happier. My GPS is an old (6 or 7 years now) Garmin 12xl which was one of the first 12 channel tuners they made, no built in mapping capability other than a visual track log but it still does just as good as any GPS sold today.

 

If you want I'll bring my laptop along to Evan's this weekend and you can try it out, the new version isn't far from what I have.

 

Sure dude, that'd be swell. tanx!