Computerized Topo Maps
How Good Are They?

Interfacing with GPS

By Dr. Brad DeLong
Author of 4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving

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A key feature of the computer-installed topo maps is that they can interface with a global positioning system (GPS) device. You can download from the GPS to the topo map on your computer and re-create on your map routes and tracks you've traveled. You can then print out the maps, and other people can follow the path you took by referring to the waypoints you created in your GPS on your original trip.

You can upload waypoints and routes (that you've created on the topo map in your computer) into a GPS, then follow the map route with the GPS.

Or you can download the track in your GPS, create a route on the map with these waypoints, then upload it into other peoples' GPSs so they can follow the route you originally created.

We'll give you some tips for doing these things with these programs.

You should coordinate the heading of your GPS (true or magnetic) with your maps. If you're using computer topo maps, then you can set both the GPS and the topo maps to magnetic headings or both to true headings in DeLorme Topo USA 2.0, 3-D TopoQuads, and in some of the maps of the Topo!GPS program.

In DeLorme Topo USA 2.0, click on the "Preferences" tab, click on "Units," and select either "True" or "Magnetic."

The procedure is similar in DeLorme's 3D TopoQuads program:

In Topo!GPS, not all their maps support a magnetic or true selection, but if you're using their TrailSmart National Park Maps you can do it. Click on the "Preferences" menu, click on the "Compass tool," and select either "True north" or "Magnetic north." The compass tool will then show direction in whichever brand of heading you select.

You can determine the local magnetic variation in Fugawi, by using the Tools menu and selecting "Magnetic variation." A box appears, and if you type in the latitude and longitude of a location, the box will tell you the magnetic variation at that point.

If you don't know the latitude and longitude of the location, double click the Fugawi cursor on that point to establish a waypoint there. Then click on the "Waypoints" menu, and select "List." A box appears showing the latitude and longitude of the waypoint. Type these values into the magnetic variation box, and the box will show the magnetic variation.

Computerized Topo Maps Home Page
Part I: Introduction | Basic GPS w/ Terms | Interfacing with GPS | Contour Interval & Scale | Detail & Quality
Part II: Introduction | Installation and Technical Support | Ease of Use | Entering Waypoints and Routes
Part III: Introduction | Downloading Tracks from your GPS | Actively Tracking from your GPS | Printing Maps
General Comparison of the Programs

Product and Ordering Information from 4X4BOOKS.com
Topo USA 2.0 | 3-D TopoQuads | Wildflower TOPO! and TOPO! GPS | TrailSmart | ALL TOPO MAPS | Fugawi

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