Mapsource...

[gloo]

need I say more lol. this'll be quick... I can't keep it open long enough to do anything in it anymore. One of the most unstable programs ever. I need a better program, any suggestions?

[nelsonccc]

I love my mapsource, but have recently taken to using a combo of google earth and a program that converts kml files to gpx. I've heard the nat geo program is pretty nice but that it doesn't play nicely with garmin units.

[DOSS]

I have used both Mapsource and nat Geo.. nat geo and garmin do not mix unfortunately as I think it is the better program. I have also gone to using Google Earth and a KML to GPX converter and easy GPS to put it on the GPS and pull things off.

[BlueRoads]

Garmin has discontinued Mapsource and replaced it with BaseCamp. Supposed to be better, but takes a little learning. At least, that is what I have heard. Can find it here: http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

[Iceaxe]

nat geo and garmin do not mix unfortunately as I think it is the better program.

I use Nat Geo and a Garmin eTrex with no problem. I'd switch GPS units before I'd dump my Neo Geo mapping software. Its the only way to fly.

[DOSS]

I use Nat Geo and a Garmin eTrex with no problem. I'd switch GPS units before I'd dump my Neo Geo mapping software. Its the only way to fly.

Well fine.. make fun of my lack of getting the two to work together :P

[moab mark]

I use Nat Geo and a Garmin eTrex with no problem. I'd switch GPS units before I'd dump my Neo Geo mapping software. Its the only way to fly.

I also have no problem with my Garmin Oregon and Nat Geo.

[denaliguide]

that makes at least three of us. i use the nat geo software with my etrex vista c and it works fine both up and downloading. the only down side with the nat geo is you can't load the maps onto your gps. i also use mapsource with no issues. i use the free topo maps from http://www.miscjunk.org through the mapsource interface to load maps onto my gps. and i use easygps with my garmin as well.

[DOSS]

OK.. I hadn't tried it for a while and just checked out their site.. Looks like the Version that I have and the GPS that I have don't go together and that is the problem.. so we were both correct.. http://www.natgeomaps.com/gps.html :crazy:

[optikal]

need I say more lol. this'll be quick... I can't keep it open long enough to do anything in it anymore. One of the most unstable programs ever. I need a better program, any suggestions?

I've never heard of or had stability (or any issues) with MapSource. Sounds like it might be your computer...

As an alternative, I'd recommend EasyGPS, ExpertGPS, or TopoFusion. Only the former is free, but if you want to lay down cash, TopoFusion is killer.


I use Nat Geo and a Garmin eTrex with no problem. I'd switch GPS units before I'd dump my Neo Geo mapping software. Its the only way to fly.

I just began using TOPO! from Nat Geo, I have version 4.5. I typically use a combination of TopoFusion and Google Earth, but like a few things with TOPO! so giving it a shot. There's one thing that is driving me nuts... if I hand-draw a track, I want to import that track to my Garmin GPS with MORE than 30 track points... 30 is nowhere near enough to get a really solid, accurate track on multi-day backpacking trips. What's your solution to this problem? I don't want to split the track up into 10 segments if I don't have to...

[homerj]

OK.. I hadn't tried it for a while and just checked out their site.. Looks like the Version that I have and the GPS that I have don't go together and that is the problem.. so we were both correct.. http://www.natgeomaps.com/gps.html :crazy:

I'll have to check it out! Thanks!

I have Mapsource, Delorme, and NG Topo. Each have their pros/cons although I will say I use Mapsource the least. Delorme's routing tool is awesome, but the trails aren't that accurate. I use it for quickly routing a trail to get a idea of the distance and profile view. NG Topo is the best for detail. It has a routing tool, but is free hand. It's great for routing off trail routes though and you get more accurate distances.

[gloo]

Thanks guys. a couple of days after i posted this map source had an update and it seems to be working OK now. Still will crash when I try to zoom in too fast though. only one click per couple seconds and i'm good lol. I doubt it's computer issue - new lappy and no other programs are flaky. Though always a possibility i guess. I'm checking out basecamp and the natgeo ASAP.