GPS Mapping

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User269

Guest
I've been using an Edge 705 since they came out, and before that the Edge 305.
Any recommendations for mapping software that I can use for planning routes and uploading to the Edge? I've got MapSource, which is very good, includes all of Europe, but doesn't give altitude data. I've also got MemoryMap, which is a bit clunky to use (in fact I hate it), and only parts of Europe are covered and at extra cost. I see that TrackLogs is now compatible with the Edge, and I'll try a free trial download shortly. Any thoughts?
 
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jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
You will need Topo if you want elevation profiles.

If you get Topo, build a route by setting a Waypoint at start and finish. Then use 'Route tool' clicking a Viapoint at each important junction.

Set the Edge to build the route 'Pedestrian - Off road'. The unit will show straight lines between the Viapoints.

The reason why I do this is because the unit's algorithms are CRAP. Even if I set a Viapoint at Warwick Road - Grove Road in Knowle, travelling through to Chadwick End, the 'Follow road' route ALWAYS goes up Grove Road for 1/2 mile and does a U turn. ??????????:wacko:
There are other places the Garmin firmware won't go. Warwick Town centre for example....:tired::wacko:

If you take the 'stringer' method, the time it takes to generate the route is much, much quicker.:tired:
 
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User269

Guest
Thanks Jimb. I read some bad reviews of topo so hadn't considered it, and indeed it sounds like you've had to fuss around a bit to get it too work. Do you think it's worth bothering with?
 
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User269

Guest
.....forgot to add; Topo is very expensive, just for GB coverage, and there doesn't seem to be a version for Europe, even though my mapsource version includes all of Europe.
 
Bollo

Bollo

Failed Tech Bro
Location
Winch
+1 for rubbish Topo as its neither one thing (a decent OS substitute) or t'other (road map + elevation).

As for planning, I prefer to map it in an OS mapping tool and then transfer it and 'trace' it as a track on MapSource to get the correct co-location of roads (is this the 'stringer' method?). Its not a huge amount of fun, but I can never work out where I am on a Mapsource map.
 
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User269

Guest
Hey Bollo, I've done the opposite in the UK; planned a route on Mapsource, then put it into MemoryMap to get elevation data and the route card! As far as I can see, the only way I'm going to get my Europe (Alps etc.) mapping, is to buy the appropriate French maps for MM. Not my favourite software. Wiggles price for the standard map regions is much cheaper than from the MM website?!

'course, the cheapest option would be to just ride into the blue yonder, get lost, do 3500m ascent by mistake, and get back 9 hours late. :rofl:
 
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jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
If you are going to the Alps to try some of the famous climbs, Google Tour de France and the relavant website going back several years is there.

Check each one for the climb you are doing and print out their route plan and profile chart.

Is it Metroguide Europe that you have? If so, you can't do autorouting, so the stringer method is the way it must be.


Good luck....:rofl:

Mapsource Topo is in collaboration with OS, but the graphics are not OS standard. That's not important. What is important is the ability to profile your route to see what you will be up against.

Mapsource do not have a Topo Europe, 'cus prob they haven't been able to strike a deal with French, German, Austrian, Italian etc Mapping authorities.

You can use Metroguide Europe and get an idea of the climbs from TdF or Giro diagrams.
 
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ufkacbln

Guest
Check compatibility - the GArmin (I use a 305) *.crs and *.tcx files are unique and not comptible with some maping software - I use Memory-Map 2004 and it will not download or upload to the GArmin. You need a third party conversion.

Using "*.GPX" files as an intermediary works, but loses some data.
 
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jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
What REALLY pisses me off about the Edge 605 is there is no simple way of exporting history data to MS Excel spreadsheet.
ETrex legend yes. Speed vs gradient api sapis. Edge, NO:angry:
 
andrew_s

andrew_s

Legendary Member
Location
Gloucester
You can get free contour data derived from the NASA Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission for the UK and Ireland from the SMC website (Scottish Mountaineering Club).
Similar data is available for Italy, Brittany, Australia, Morocco, Iceland.

You may well be able to find pre-digested data for other areas. If you can't then thare are a number of websites that offer advice and/or programs for you to process the NASA data yourself - eg the SMC site, here, here or here
 
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jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
I've used Google maps to create routes and GmapToGPX to get them onto the Garmin unit.

The trouble is:- The Garmin routing algorithms are so CRAP :evil:, the resultant route takes unnecessary small detours where I don't want to go, no matter how comprehensive the GPX file is.

And another thing to swear at about the Edge 605 routing sofware:-

Some routes take the ANTICLOCK direction round some traffic islands :smile:
 
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User269

Guest
Bikeroutetoaster........of course!! I forgot all about that! It does everything I need and it's free! Why pay more? :blush:
 
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Stick on a Giant

New Member
As well as BRT, try bikehike (can't remember if it's .com or .co.uk) but it shows OS mapping which is really useful for areas you don't know.
For some weird reason I have to download their routes to my PC, upload into BRT and from there download into my 705. Probably me not doing something right - as you'll know, the Garmin instructions are complete c**p.
 
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