GPS with Topo Maps

peterac · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject: GPS with Topo Maps

Just a basic question regarding use of a BT GPS receiver with Topo maps for hiking:

Regardless of which street mapping software I purchase, is there a free way to import Topo maps onto my PPC so that I can hike using the Topo maps and GPS receiver? Or do I need some "program" that I would have to purchase running in the background?

Thanks,
Pete R.

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:39 pm Post subject:

Not sure I understand your question.

There are a number of freeware programs available (like LocBrowser basic) that allow you to use your own maps - either scanned or aerial pictures - and then to calibrate them directly on the Pocket PC.

Don't underestimate the calibrating effort though - not trivial.

Commercial packages come with precalibrated maps, making them much easier to use.
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Lutz

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peterac · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 7:23 pm Post subject:

I think you got me.

That's exactly what i am referring to. I would like to be able to import maps (trailmaps, topo, aerials, etc.) and be able to use my GPS receiver to utilize them. So, for instance, if I am bored and stuck in NY traffic and I wish to display a Hagstrom map with tremendous detail showing my current location - I can do it.

With regard to calibrating them. Is this a matter of pointing to known coordinates on the maps?

Thanks,
Pete R.

lbendlin · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:32 pm Post subject:

yes. You need minimum two known points, and it would be good to have more. The more known points you have and the farther they are apart the higher the accuracy.

The precalibrated maps normally come with a flat projection for the size of the tile, and with the corner pixels georeferenced.
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Lutz

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peterac · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:56 pm Post subject:

While on this topic, do you know if imported, scanned maps can be "stitched" together to make one larger map?

Thanks,
Pete R.

lbendlin · Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 12:45 am Post subject:

This depends on the program you use. Some can only display one map at a time, others support stitching and alpha blending (one map on top of the other)
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Lutz

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