Garmin MapSource 2008 Topographical U.S. Map DVD-Rom
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin MapSource 2008 Topographical U.S. Map DVD-Rom
Customer Review: better than nothing
Summary: 3 Stars
Topo 2008 is certainly wonderful when compared to the nearly blank base map that Garmin generously supplied with my eTrex Vista unit. Overall, it shows "most" of the land features I would expect.
Problems: When in the "backcountry", it's obvious that many of the hiking trails and prominent features are not properly placed. Assuming my GPS unit was working correctly, the TOPO 2008 maps indicated that I was over 300 feet from the actual spot on which I was standing. This has happened numerous times. The GPS unit's coords. were identical to those on my friend's unit. Thus, the maps are the component in question.
Perhaps, my biggest issue is that Garmin is moving at a drunken snail's pace in regard to making their products Mac friendly. if you're an Apple user, one has to conquer a few obstacles before the maps can even get downloaded. But don't worry - within 5 years, it'll be addressed.
Customer Review: TOPO Map for Garmin
Summary: 4 Stars
I am new to the GPS hobby, as a walker/hiker/biker, and wanted to upgrade both my GPS inventory of tools, and my skill using them. I have the Garmin GPSMAP 60, and needed some mapping software to use with it. The TOPO is as it is advertised: a US Continental map, loaded with information, color, symbols, menus, and mapping tools. It is overwhelming at times, but still very interesting to use. I find the lack of drop down menus, to assist the ham-handed rookies among us, to be needed. I often find myself asking,"Why does it do that?". It is possible to switch back and forth between your GPS and the laptop, which makes the whole operation seem surrealistic. It is truly like living in the future. I am still jazzed by this purchase, and often just look at the maps because they are cool to look at. You can have a lot less fun and spend a whole lot more money. This is a good deal, and you may even learn something about maps.Customer Review: Happy with my etrex Vista
Summary: 5 Stars
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
My third hand-held Garmin, the etrex Vista HCx is the best one yet. I use it for hiking, driving, trip data logging and geochaching. A real man-toy. Very sensitive, keeps accurate track under the heaviest of tree cover and even when it is carried in an inside parka pocket. So sensitive, in fact, that it can geo-locate itself when turned on inside my home. With its optional, 1 GB, microSD card installed I can store nearly the world of available Topo maps. Ready to use just moments after turn on, gets good battery life and interfaces with my three different PCs without a single problem. Besides the four main pages there are nearly 20 other pages that can be utilized making it a real Techno-geek's must have personal navigator.
Customer Review: Lacks sufficient detail for hiking/backpacking
Summary: 2 Stars
In theory, you can use this product to download waypoints, an entire route, or even a topographic map to your Garmin mapping GPS. However, the maps are so lacking in detail that they are nearly useless for hiking or backpacking. For one thing, vertical contours are 150 feet each, compared with 40 feet for typical topographic maps. Contour lines, roads, and trails all look pretty similar to one another, and are really hard to view.
The interface is really easy to use -- it took almost no time to figure out how to import and export maps and waypoints. However, the program has a very definite Windows 95 look with really simple graphics and colors.
It's amazing that Garmin has created a line of terrific mapping GPS units, but then left out the maps. The bottom line is that there are currently no good options for getting detailed topo maps onto your garmin mapping GPS.
Customer Review: Forget this TOPO!
Summary: 1 Stars
Been used to Delorme Topo.. Only got this because I had to have it with my Garmin GPS-60 hand held.. Very poor trails.. hard to tell anything.. Trails , gradients etc all look alike.. when they are there at all.. I read reviews and they were not good, but thought they were not right or this bad. Lots of 5,600 foot hills with not any gradients shown at all.. Maybe be great for some places, but in Four Corners USA, this product is pretty much useless. It may be Okay back East or where ever.. I wish I had never went with Garmin as it now all sets at home unusable to me.
GO WITH ANOTHER BRAND.. I now am doing the DeLorme TOPO 7.0 USA And very pleased with it over the Garmin GPS-60 product.. This Hand held also requires you to purchase the TOPO software that does not even come with it. And it is POOR.
My Advice.. Waste of money.. AVOID! Much better out there.