Garmin 64S & Topo Software

[+JayT_B]

I have ordered a Garmin 64S and should be here within a few days. I have read in various areas that the Garmin 1:24 Topo maps do not have a very good representation of hiking trails. I am new to Geocaching and GPS and would like software with an accurate representation of hiking trails along with allowing me/us to load geocaches. Don't mind paying for the product, just want it to do what it says it can. I apologize if I have not explained myself very well. Please feel free to ask questions if more information is needed. Thank you.

 

-Jace

Edited May 1, 2016 by JayT_B

[+StefandD]

In a worldwide forum community you won't get an detailed answer if you don't mention where you're from.

 

Basically:

- Garmin sells Topo Pro maps, your region might be available.

- OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a worldwide community which provides free maps based on input by people (like Wikipedia). Detailed coverage in your area depends on the number of users and how active they are in your area. You can add contributions yourself, which will be included in the next update. Here you can find an overview of available maps (scroll down for overview per continent).

[+JayT_B]

Thank you for the response. And you are correct, I should have posted my location. It had not crossed my mind. I live in Oregon, United States. Thank you for the information along with the links.

Recently, I read a review posted by a Garmin 64s user from a couple of years ago, stating if you buy the download version of the Garmin Topo's you can not 'play' with them on the computer. Whereas buying the DVD version it allows you to do this. I do not see on Garmin's website being able to purchase the TOPO U.S. 24K - West maps on DVD any longer. Download or SD card only. Since that review has been from a couple of years ago, possibly things have changed and you can use the downloadable version on the computer now.

 

-Jace

Edited May 1, 2016 by JayT_B

[+MtnMutt-ProDuckShins]

Since your from Oregon, I think you should check this site out.

 

http://www.switchbacks.com/gpsmaps.aspx

 

You'll be able to load Topos & Trails which will help in your quest for findings caches.

 

You can either do PC or Mac.

[+JohnCNA]

I have the 64s with the Garmin 24k Topo maps, topo maps from GPSFileDepot.com, and OSM maps. What I have found is that it is hit or miss between the three maps when it comes to hiking trails. It varies from one preserve to another. In short, I use all three maps here in Illinois. When I target a preserve, I check all 3 maps. Sometimes the Garmin map will show the most trails, sometimes the gpsfiledepot.com map does, and sometimes the OSM map does. Of the three maps, the OSM map tends to have the most trails. Which is odd because it's a street map. As far as the basic topo display goes, I like the Garmin map the best, because of the 3D shading. I'm sure this will all vary between states, too.

 

My guess is you'll want all 3, and should check all 3 views in Basecamp before setting out each time. At the very least you should get the two free maps and see how you like them before spending the extra $$ for the Garmin map.

[+Mineral2]

The best map for the northwest is Northwest Topos (http://www.switchbacks.com/nwtopos/).

 

Remember that trails on ANY map, whether published by Garmin or available freely, are subject to change and are often based from outdated USGS data. Even the trails on Northwest Topos don't always align with the true path. But Mike (Moun10bike) builds these maps from a mix of user GPS data and publicly available data. It's a great map and there isn't much like it in other parts of the country.

 

He also has an overlay map called Northwest Trails. These are the same trails as on Northwest topos, but they overlay on top of other maps. Northwest Trails actually covers more area than Northwest Topos, so it's useful when you head out of the range of the Northwest Topos (parts of southern Oregon and all of southern Idaho for example).

[+JayT_B]

Thank you everyone for your responses/suggestions. I will take them and go from here. If I have other concerns i will be sure to ask......

 

-Jace

Edited May 1, 2016 by JayT_B