Paging wintermittent

[Benny Profane]

Just calling you out of another thread for some questions about TOPO!

Do you use it a lot? For what, hiking, MTB? Is an indespensable tool, or a fun toy that makes your life easier, or neither? Mac or PC user? Is it as easy as "plugging in" data from and eTrex and mapping out a recently accomplished hike/ride on a printer? What printer do you use? How does the eTrex hook up to the computer?

I live next to the Adirondacks, and have to get out more off road. Should I buy the software and gecko thing?

thanx

[wintermittent]

Do you use it a lot? For what, hiking, MTB? Is an indespensable tool, or a fun toy that makes your life easier, or neither? Mac or PC user? Is it as easy as "plugging in" data from and eTrex and mapping out a recently accomplished hike/ride on a printer? What printer do you use? How does the eTrex hook up to the computer?

I don't get to use TOPO! as much as I'd like, but I do use it for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and trail advocacy. It's invaluable for 'epic' trip planning. Rather than paying out the yang for USGS quads every time you're in the backcountry, it's nice to be able to generate your own custom map, any size, with routes and notes marked on it. Also nice to make a 'trip report' file when you're done. You can attach photos and notes to GPS waypoints on the map.

Running OS X version on a titanium G4 PowerBook. Works really well with Garmin GPSs. Bringing routes, waypoints, etc. back and forth from software to GPS and vice versa is stupid easy. You'll need a USB to serial adapter to connect. Keyspan makes a nice one, about thirty bucks. Software packs for states/regions have been just under a hundie a pop. I've used a HP DesignJet plotter to do maps. National Geographic and others make a water-resistant map paper... It's worth buying if you want to print useable maps.

I think the NY software pack also has the rest of New England. IMO, would probably be worth the investment if you already have a GPS. Hit me with a PM if you need any more info.

[Benny Profane]

Thanx, dude. I'm getting the package soon - looks like fun stuff to use, and not too expensive - about $250 total.

[gravitylover]

I've been using TOPO for a few years making maps of the bike trails here. It's good stuff once you really get to know your way around the program. I especially like the side profile feature so you can see just how steep the trails really are. We're just waiting for the leaves to finish coming down now so we can add this years new trails.