Mobility Site - View Single Post - Pros and Cons of Major PPC GPS Systems from Users

Fsman · 07-02-06, 08:59 AM

Backcountry Navigator Dell Axim X50 running WM2003SE

This type of GPS software is "raster-based" and is designed primarily for off-road use such as hiking and geocaching. While this type of mapping program can be used for driving navigation, it does not have common features found in many of the "vector-based" software such as routing, voice navigation, etc.

The "raster-based" software does shine when traveling off-road. Geographic features are shown in detail which can be a must for some users.

Pro:
Cheap raster based software ($30.00 US)
Excellent for hiking, geocaching and off road use
US maps are free are pre-calibrated.
Uses Topo Maps and Aerial Photos from Terra Server USA(many outdoor folks are familiar with this format)
Tracks and waypoints can be imported and exported

Con:
Only available in US
Can not import other types of maps
No associated desktop application and Maps are downloaded directly to the PDA (actually is a good thing; do not have to deal with a desktop application to get maps)
PDA must be connected to the Internet to download (This may be a good thing also, do not have to deal with a desktop application or buy CD's to get maps .)
To view on the desktop or to print, tracks and waypoints must be exported to a third party application. (not really a problem, I use Google Earth, its a fairly simple process and has good results)
Menu items not stylus free and somewhat clumbersome.

Edits made on 08/20/06 for clarity

07-02-06, 08:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Fsman Aximsite All Star Join Date: May 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 575 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Backcountry Navigator Dell Axim X50 running WM2003SE This type of GPS software is "raster-based" and is designed primarily for off-road use such as hiking and geocaching. While this type of mapping program can be used for driving navigation, it does not have common features found in many of the "vector-based" software such as routing, voice navigation, etc. The "raster-based" software does shine when traveling off-road. Geographic features are shown in detail which can be a must for some users. Pro: Cheap raster based software ($30.00 US) Excellent for hiking, geocaching and off road use US maps are free are pre-calibrated. Uses Topo Maps and Aerial Photos from Terra Server USA(many outdoor folks are familiar with this format) Tracks and waypoints can be imported and exported Con: Only available in US Can not import other types of maps No associated desktop application and Maps are downloaded directly to the PDA (actually is a good thing; do not have to deal with a desktop application to get maps) PDA must be connected to the Internet to download (This may be a good thing also, do not have to deal with a desktop application or buy CD's to get maps .) To view on the desktop or to print, tracks and waypoints must be exported to a third party application. (not really a problem, I use Google Earth, its a fairly simple process and has good results) Menu items not stylus free and somewhat clumbersome. Edits made on 08/20/06 for clarity Last edited by Fsman; 08-27-06 at 02:32 PM.