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Camp & Trail
Using a GPS on trails 		  Last Activity 2009-11-20 7:37 PM
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Saddlebredlover

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Joined: 2005-12-27
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Subject : Using a GPS on trails
Posted : 2009-09-02 8:28 AM
Post #110215

I'm thinking of purchasing a GPS to use on trails down in southern missouri.  Does anyone use a GPS?  I've noticed you can buy maps to load on your GPS that gives you topographical maps of different areas.  Has anyone had luck using a GPS and downloaded map on the trail? I sure could use some tips on purchasing a GPS and also would like to hear from someone who uses a downloaded map.  THANKS!  Natalee


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Sundancer's Sidekick

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Joined: 2009-06-15
Location: Sedalia, Colorado

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Subject : RE: Using a GPS on trails
Posted : 2009-09-05 12:07 PM
Post #110313 - In reply to #110215
I have used a GPS to record travels on horseback, but not a mapping unit. The screen on handheld GPS units is quite small so you will want to shop for the largest screen you can get. Make sure topo maps are available for all the areas you want to ride, and that software is included for transferring maps to your unit. Different makes use varying formats and protocols for loading. Units that can export recorded data in GPX format will enable sharing trips with nearly any desktop geospatial software including GoogleEarth.

An external antenna will help, GPS unit goes in shirt pocket, antenna velcroed to top of your hat for better reception.

Have fun, but don't be too surprised to see that the trail you record deviates some from that on the map. A multitude of inaccuracies exist in both available maps and in consumer grade GPS.

http://gpsinformation.net/
http://www.topografix.com/gpx.asp

[Edited by Sundancer's Sidekick on 2009-09-05 12:37 PM]

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Zipitude

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Location: North Salem, IN

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Subject : RE: Using a GPS on trails
Posted : 2009-09-17 11:48 PM
Post #110829 - In reply to #110215
I have a Garmin Oregon 400T topo that is pre-loaded with topo maps. I love it. It is very easy to use and the maps are very detailed. Garmin also just released an update for this unit that you can buy an Equestrian Trail Map that will overlay on the the topo map. I haven't use it out on the trail yet with this update, but several of the places we ride are on there, so I'm anxious to see how well it does in the real world.
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Bleve

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Location: MI

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Subject : RE: Using a GPS on trails
Posted : 2009-11-06 10:15 PM
Post #112878 - In reply to #110215
I've been using a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx since I got it this spring and it has been great to have along on all of my outdoor adventures. You can create routes at home by adding waypoints to visit or even routes (haven't actually tried that method yet). It's a mapping GPS so it tracks where I've been and I can save that info. That's a nice feature when you visit an area frequently or if when you get home you can download it and then see where you went on Google Earth. Another bonus is the extras like keeping track of your moving average speed, stopped and moving time, overall average speed, elevation gain and fastest speed.
I was going to buy maps but I found there are numerous free maps online. I got a free topographical map of MI at http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

[Edited by Bleve on 2009-11-06 10:16 PM]

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awesomeabby

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Subject : RE: Using a GPS on trails
Posted : 2009-11-07 6:38 PM
Post #112895 - In reply to #110215
I use, and I say that lightly b/c I don't use it well as I am gadget impaired, a Garmin GPSmap 76CSx. It's very nice, has a big screen, goes forever on a battery, and I've never lost satellite service and we ride in some dense forest areas in the mountains. Have used it in Shanendoah Mtns in VA, Big South Fork in TN, and Allegheny Mtns in PA. I don't know how to do much with it, but have figured out how to track where we have been. It's saved us quite a few times from taking the wrong trail or allowing me to figure out we were going the wrong way before we went too far. I did buy a map of (I think) eastern US. I like it because it will show and name little streams and roads. I wish I knew enough to download specific maps--like those for state parks and national forests--that would show trails. I don't even know if such a thing exists. We spent a week at Hungry Horse in VA (awesome place by the way) and the campground owner created a laminated map for all campers that he created by riding and mapping all of the trails with his GPS. It was, by far, the best campground map we ever received.
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