Recommend me a navigation app?

[Deleted member 23692]

I have the etrex 20 (latest model is the etrex 20x). It's brilliant and one of the cheapest, which is of course why it's quite rare to see it in bike shops, at least in london. They would rather sell you something that also monitors your vital organs with minute-by-minute status reports you can wirelessly download to your fridge. It does have a steep learning curve, but there are some excellent guides on the web to getting the most out of it. I use free openfietsmap (variant of OSM) on it. Have used it in various bits of the UK and also abroad.

And another vote for the etrex20.. coupled with open street map

 

[tommaguzzi]

The mk 1 paper map

 

[Milkfloat]

The mk 1 paper map

Was the mk 1 not papyrus?

 

[Blue Hills]

No that was lines in the sand

 

[tommaguzzi]

No that would have been the very last in the classic series of ancient maps known collectively as "papari".
The mk 1 which replaced them is in my opinion the most reliable navigation aid ever devised.

 

[RichardB]

I once had a superb map of the Sahara. Not sure who made it, but it had 800 Grit written on the back.

Seriously, I love maps and have shelves of them at home. I wouldn't go far in the car without an atlas to back the satnav up, or on a hike without a map and compass. But navigation devices are both entertaining and useful - I don't think it's either/or.

 

[classic33]

No that would have been the very last in the classic series of ancient maps known collectively as "papari".
The mk 1 which replaced them is in my opinion the most reliable navigation aid ever devised.

My own series of maps!!

 

[RichardB]

I used to like the Bartholomew's half-inch series for cycling. Perfect scale, and each a little work of art. Shame they don't make them any more.

 

[RichardB]

Well, following on from the excellent advice above, I have got myself an Etrex 20x - Amazon had the best price. The built-in map is okayish, but I will investigate OSM. I intend to use it for walking trips too, and I am tempted by the OS 1:50,000 maps, but they are a lot of money. Thanks for the advice

 

[Deleted member 23692]

OSM maps are easy to get (for free), but in all honesty they are only slightly better than the Garmin basemap, which is also OSM. you might find they clarity is better, and they'll be a few features that Garmin don't show (contours and off road paths). Try these...

Open Map Chest - https://www.openmapchest.org/maps/united-kingdom-ireland/

and

Talky Toaster - https://talkytoaster.co.uk/maps/british-isles-ireland/

To update the Garmin just download and unzip the files. Plug the eTrex into your computer and copy the files into the ‘Garmin’ folder on the SD card. Alternatively, take the card out of the eTrex and copy them directly onto the SD using a card reader.

You may need the Garmin USB drivers to get the eTrex and computer talking to each other. They can be got here - https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=591

I recently sold my eTrex 20 and bought a eTrex touch 35. Whilst it's a far far better device the battery life is pathetic, so I'm now the owner of an eTrex 30x, and normal service has been resumed

 

[Blue Hills]

Enjoy your 20x richard. Re your search for maps, you could check out this - my favourite flavour of OSM.

http://www.openfietsmap.nl/

 

[RichardB]

OSM maps are easy to get (for free), but in all honesty they are only slightly better than the Garmin basemap, which is also OSM. you might find they clarity is better, and they'll be a few features that Garmin don't show (contours and off road paths).

I have downloaded one for the UK but need to get another SD card before I can have a play. I was hoping they would be much better than the basemap, but we shall see. If it's routeable (which is the one I asked for) that should be a major improvement. Thanks for the instructions, very helpful.

Enjoy your 20x richard. Re your search for maps, you could check out this - my favourite flavour of OSM.

http://www.openfietsmap.nl/

That's the one I got! Will report back in duke horse.

 

[Blue Hills]

Yes it is routable richard. Check the openfietsmap site for info on how to set up basecamp and garmin options for routing, Routing can sometimes be slightly odd (mine has a strange attraction to the south circular) but it's no great matter. It will get you there, and even if not the ABSOLUTELY fastest way it is still fastest because you are straight on your way, not peering at a map every fifth junction. Slight oddities/diversions can also lead to the discovery of interesting stuff.

 

[RichardB]

Brilliant, thanks

 

[MiK1138]

No that would have been the very last in the classic series of ancient maps known collectively as "papari".
The mk 1 which replaced them is in my opinion the most reliable navigation aid ever devised.

And it warns you of Dragons