OK, finally got my gps (megellan pro) I also got the US topo map CD. I understand the basic use of it but was wondering which way do you use yours? Do you mostly use the backtrack feature (breadcrumbs)? Would like to know where to get downloadable maps for upstate NY. (Old Forge and Tug Hill area). Thanks :undercover:

Definitely use backtrack,last year I only used that and it was fine. This year I have maps of that particular area on my Garmin so well see how it works.

Another useful thing for me will be to look at trail maps and set waypoints for gas stations and food.

where can I find downloadable maps?

Originally posted by 800zNY@Nov 19 2003, 08:06 PM
OK, finally got my gps (megellan pro) I also got the US topo map CD. I understand the basic use of it but was wondering which way do you use yours? Do you mostly use the backtrack feature (breadcrumbs)? Would like to know where to get downloadable maps for upstate NY. (Old Forge and Tug Hill area). Thanks :undercover:
You have the maps right at your finger tips. You can go in with the topo cd in your computer and add detailed areas to your magellan. The detailed areas will add more streets and lakes and streams and other identifiable marks to your already loaded base map.

You can download about 1.5 states of detailed mapping into your unit so you will have to choose your sleding area and download it into you GPS.

This helps alot infinding where you are and where you have been!!


Tony

try here! www.snowmaps.com

good choice. i have the same gps. i download where i will be riding. then when i get there i play with the gps. you know mark where camp is or park. gas food ect. leave it on and if you get to lost you can use the backtrack feature.

Originally posted by twolf@Nov 19 2003, 10:44 PM
try here! www.snowmaps.com
Link doesn't work for me...

I've never been able to find actual trails available to load directly into the GPS. Your best bet is to always mark your base camp as a waypoint. If you use the Track feature you'll always know how you got to where you are and how to get back. This is also probably your best bet to map out the trails yourself. Save the track and clean it up on the PC when you get home and save it. At least that's what I do with my Garmin.

Forgot to mention. A lot of hotels and gas stations are also starting to provide their GPS coordinates. I usually set as many of these as I can for the areas I ride. Not sure about NY, but for MI a great site is www.fishweb.com. They have detailed trail maps for MI online and provide several waypoint coords for intersections and such. The maps aren't downloadable to the GPS at all, but at least you can use the coordinates they give for reference.

Tony,
I downloaded my area (Old Forge and Tug Hill) from the topo but :( When I'm working with the area on my computer it just doesn't seem to be as detailed as it should, I mean it has main roads but nary one trail. I was under the impression that it would have at least some type of trails, hiking, snowmobiling atv etc. I didn't think I was tech challenged but I'm beggining to wonder :unsure:
Of course I'm 1000 miles away from my snowmobile area and can't veiw it on my GPS yet. Any further guidance is appreciated.


Raymond

Unfortunately you will not find snowmobile trails on any topo maps provided by the GPS vendors. The only time you will is when the snowmobile trail uses a forest access road or other "common" use path.

Raymond, it'll still be an invaluable tool, you can at the very least set any waypoints ahead of time if you have the coordinates, hotels, gas etc... I'm not aware of any TOPO maps that actually have snowmobile trails. BUt you'll want more detail than the basemap provides, so the TOPO wasn't a waste of $.

I'm considering purchasing a Megellan SportTrak Map GPS $280cdn. Anyone have any input on this model. I considered Garmin but the Magellan seems to offer more memory at a reasonable price.
I doubt we will see downloadable trail maps in the near future but could be something that Magellan and a large organization like the OFSC could get together on.

Originally posted by willy700@Nov 20 2003, 10:52 AM
I doubt we will see downloadable trail maps in the near future but could be something that Magellan and a large organization like the OFSC could get together on.
I doubt the manufacturers will ever do it, but it wouldn't be that difficult for clubs to map their trails and then offer them as tracks.

Thanks all,
Looking forward to this winter. I will have to tinker with the Gps a little more. Once I get on the trails I guess I could save routes and dowload them back to the map and before too long I will have a decent set of trails. Like one mentioned, we could pass them around to users in need.
Did I mention it's 70 here today, Ugh!
My first trip up North is Dec. 17....................c'mon snow!!!!!!!!!!!!
May have to bump it back a bit maybe after Christmas.
going to Vegas tomorrow w00t

Originally posted by willy700@Nov 20 2003, 10:52 AM
I'm considering purchasing a Megellan SportTrak Map GPS $280cdn. Anyone have any input on this model. I considered Garmin but the Magellan seems to offer more memory at a reasonable price.
I doubt we will see downloadable trail maps in the near future but could be something that Magellan and a large organization like the OFSC could get together on.
I have the SporTrack Topo and I think it is a great unit for the money. If you are going to get the base unit- I would get the Topo unit because by the time you buy the topo maps its cheaper that way and the unit comes with a base map downloaded into it so you can use the memory for the detail map of the areas you want instead of for the basemap that you have to download into it.

It is pretty feature packed into. it has worked great for me so far. Gets a lock and hold onto it well.

Tony

Originally posted by 800zNY@Nov 20 2003, 09:12 AM
Tony,
I downloaded my area (Old Forge and Tug Hill) from the topo but :( When I'm working with the area on my computer it just doesn't seem to be as detailed as it should, I mean it has main roads but nary one trail. I was under the impression that it would have at least some type of trails, hiking, snowmobiling atv etc. I didn't think I was tech challenged but I'm beggining to wonder :unsure:
Of course I'm 1000 miles away from my snowmobile area and can't veiw it on my GPS yet. Any further guidance is appreciated.


Raymond
At least on my unit you can view other areas. Zoom out on the map scale. Then using the directional button move the cursor- should change from an arrow to a cross hair over the area you want to see. Then zoom back in to the area- moving the directional cursor button to adjust if necessary while you continue zooming.


HTH

Tony

I have the sport track pro. i bought it sams club last year. it came with a case, a carry case, and the map send topo. I got all of this for 250 with a 100 mail in rebait. final price 150. i can down load 6mb . It comes with a base map. i.e. major roads, towns, airports ,ect. When i go snowmobiling i will download in all the info i think i will need. I must say that i am very happy it.