[AZ-Observing] Re: Observing Sites Map
- From: SteveM <zrx.steve@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 11:13:07 -0700 (PDT)
Most GPS units have a computer port like a mini-usb port. This allows you to
upload Points of Interest to your GPS. For Garmin you can use Mapsource For
instance, I have a POI database of all Arizona Campgrounds, observing sites, RV
Dump Sites, etc. When I travel I always check tripadvisor.com for the "local
attactions", "best restaurants", etc. and if I find something interesting I put
it on mapsource and then upload the comprehensive points to the GPS. When I
input POI's myself, I always include extra information such as website and
phone numbers (fields on the waypoint) too. They can be nice to have in the
field so you can call ahead for availability, reservations, hours etc. In
addition, when I'm travelling, I always pre-drop the POIs on my GPS with a
common prefix. For instance, I went to Des-Moines, IA last week and listed
everything there like IA-Customer, IA-Hotel, IA-Gym, IA-Airport, IA-Rental Car
Return, etc. I also saved that map in
the customer's folder and I'll use it the next time I go. I prefer to do this
in the comfort of my office rather than trying to key it in the GPS only to
find out that US-60 is IH-60 or GW Bush Highway etc. on the side of the road.
In addition there are many POI sites where you can download categories like...
All the Subway Restaurants, All known Traffic Cameras for AZ. Download from
these and upload via mapsource or POI loader. Example sites include:
GPS-POI-US POI
Factory, POInUSA, and POI2Go.com.
I have a lot of fun pre-planning trips using these sites. It's planning a
virtual vacation. Plus, I enjoy sites like trip-advisor and urban-spoon which
include ratings and review from real folks not advertisers.
Garmin Mapsource has 16 user definable categories so I have mine setup for
Campsites, Public Campgrounds, RV Dump Sites, Star Party (sites), Restaurants,
GeoCache, Places of Interest, etc. Each category has it's own icon that
uploads to the GPS. For instance StarParty has it's own Little Green Alien
head for each site. Campsites have a green tent. Places of Interest have a
camera. Etc.
In addition, mapsource allows you to load different mapsets such as City
Navigator ($), Topo US ($), Arizona Topo (Free), Bryce Zion Hikes (Free),
Nothern Arizona 24K (Free), Southern UT 24K Topo (Free). So for my Nuvi Series
I download waypoints, and routes. I also have a handheld Garmin that I use in
the field for hiking, biking, geocaching, etc., and Mapsource loads to it as
well. Depending on your handheld model you can download the high definition
topo maps, satellite overlays, and more.
Mapsource is free for download from Garmin and comes with a free basemap.
There are many pay maps, but there are also many downloadable free maps. Just
search for Free maps for Garmin GPS.
In summary, if your GPS(s) have an upload port and you're not using it, you're
likely missing out on many cool features. Check it out!
Steve
________________________________
From: Richard Harshaw <rharshaw2@xxxxxxx>
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, May 31, 2010 7:44:14 AM
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Observing Sites Map
"Do current versions that sit
on the dash allow input of GPS coordinates?"
I have a Garmin Pilot device and it does NOT allow me to input GPS
coordinates. Addresses, yes. Coordinates, no. But once at a GPS location, I
can tell the unit to remember it.
Richard Harshaw
Cave Creek, Arizona
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Howard Anderson
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2010 6:51 AM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Observing Sites Map
Hi Steve,
OK, I have made the changes.
I continue to be open to suggestions from all of you.
I have a Garmin that will plot a road route to an
address but I don't think it will plot a road route
to GPS coordinates. Do current versions that sit
on the dash allow input of GPS coordinates?
(I have a hand-held that allows input of GPS
coordinates but it does not plot road routes...)
Thanks,
Howard
stevecoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>Howard;
>
>I have notes to add to your compilation and I would appreciate it if you
>would add these and then put the list back up because they are important.
>
>1. What was called the "Towers" site has been called the "Antennas" for
>many years and most users know of it by that name.
>
>2. The "Cherry Road #1" site is not usable. The rancher who leases that
>land has asked us not to return to the site on the other side of the gate
>and we have honored his request. It would demand a four wheel drive
>vehicle to get over the birm, anyway. So, let's either stop mentioning
>this site and just call the other one "Cherry Road"....or add some text
>that says we do not use this location.
>
>I purchased a Garmen today in the Cabela's in Grand Junction, Colorado.
>As I get beter at using it I may try to upload these locations to my
>device. I need to get a little better at using it before adding more
>complexity.
>
>Clear skies to us all;
>Steve Coe
>--
>See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
>send personal replies to the author, not the list.
>
>
>
>
>
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