SFBayArea

I like to do offroad trips in my 4x4 Tacoma. I was wondering what kind of GPS software can I use to see where I am going and what kind of terrain/elevation/water/sand ahead of me. Also I would like it to remember the way I came and the way points so I can get the same place in a year or so.

Thanks!

yunez

for terrain/elevation/water/sand information, you will need to scan topo maps. I dont know if you can find maps of high enough resolution though, try terraserver.com if youre in the US. Since its a flat jpg map there is no elevation info. Once you have the maps, a number of software packages can track your position on it (after calibration). I know of OZI explorer (powerful but very complicated interface), VITO Smartmap (never tried), or GPSDash. I think theres a few others but i forget

mikef

Hi SFBayArea

OziExplorer is great, easy to use. Check out http://www.oziexplorer.com. Have used it plenty of times, not difficult at all once you learn it. Installed OziExplorer CE on my Ax last night, and it works a treat as well. Best money I ever spent.

We use in a Nissan Patrol 3.0L TDi, Garman GPS 2+, Toshiba CDS200, Axim X5 Advanced.

Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

MikeF

csims

Quote:

Originally posted by mikef Hi SFBayArea OziExplorer is great, easy to use. Check out http://www.oziexplorer.com. Have used it plenty of times, not difficult at all once you learn it. Installed OziExplorer CE on my Ax last night, and it works a treat as well. Best money I ever spent. We use in a Nissan Patrol 3.0L TDi, Garman GPS 2+, Toshiba CDS200, Axim X5 Advanced. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask. MikeF

Have you tried downloading routes, tracks, etc.? I've been unable to do so with Ozi & a GPS 12. If so what protocol did you use. I tried them all.

JakeRich

You might try teletype WorldNavigator. I reviewed it in our review section here at aximsite and didn't think too highly of it, but from the literature you can get topo maps for it. If you are walking, or driving slowly, the display might be able to keep up.

mikef

Hi csims

No worries, downloaded/uploaded routes/Waypoints etc to/from the GPS with the notebook.

Havent tried the Axim yet, but OziCE has an option to do this as well so I will be exploring it tonight. :D.

I am using an X5 with GPS 2+ with Power/data serial cable + Dell Axmin Serial sync cable + gender changer + null modem cable I made. All works good so far.

Make sure ActiveSync is not running on the Axim then start OziCE and then connect the GPS to the serial cable. Worked OK for me. To test the GPS Serial connectivity, check it using your desktop/notebook with Ozi Explorer. That defintely does up/downloads. The 12 and the 2+ both use the same connectivity cable so what works for me should also work for you.

Any other q's, don't hesitate to ask.

Also try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OziUsers-L/ for OziExplorer questions, or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ozi-UsersCE/ for OziCE questions.

http://www.oziexplorer.com also has some links on where to get US topo maps. A lot of the guys on the OziExplorer site are from Canada and seem to be very knowlegable onm these matters.

MikeF

mikef

Sorry csims

To download/upload, use GARMIN/GARMIN at 9600 baud

To do moving map, use NMEA/NMEA at 4800 baud

MikeF

csims

This is rich. Never saw this until now.

"OziCEgps - configuration of OziCEgps for download of waypoints, tracks and routes

This program will be run from the OziExplorerCE Menu option "File" / "Upload/Download".

OziCEgps is a separate program and requires separate configuration settings. Configuration for Upload / Download must be done from the OziCEgps menu option "File" / "GPS Configuration". "

mikef

Hi csims

Well I tried the upload/download thing last night and no luck. It may be an Axim thing, my serial cable or the Axim Serial sync cable, but I got an error from the Ax trying to do a download/upload. Now the fun starts. Will have to investigate this more.

Otherwise, it would appear the GPS can only act as a feed of NMEA signals to the Ax for moving map purposes. If this is the case, I can live with it, as the notebook/OziExplorer is far easier to work with for route planning etc etc.

We will continue to use the Ax in the front of the car, much easier than trying to keep a notebook on your lap whilst driving. This was why we bought the Ax in the first place.

MikeF