I was recently given a magellan sportrak pro, and I would like to use it to map some of the trails we ride.

I am interested in having the GPS track my route, downloading that route to my computer, and then overlaying it on a topo map that I could print out. I have read past posts here, and I understand that a lot of people like the National Geographic Topo software, but I do not think it is compatible with the sportrack pro. As far as I can determine the only software I can use is the magellan mapsend topo software.

Does anyone have experience making maps with this software or this GPS? Is there other map software I can use with this GPS? I have read other threads about GPS and I located the GPS utility homepage, but I have not had time to play around with their stuff.

Thanks for your advice.

GF

Topo! will work with your Magellan, but only to download/upload tracks, waypoints and maybe routes.

The only software that will UPLOAD detailed maps to your GPS is Magellan MapSend software, though. Like detailed street maps, maps with topo lines/embedded elevation info, etc.

I was recently given a magellan sportrak pro, and I would like to use it to map some of the trails we ride.

I am interested in having the GPS track my route, downloading that route to my computer, and then overlaying it on a topo map that I could print out. I have read past posts here, and I understand that a lot of people like the National Geographic Topo software, but I do not think it is compatible with the sportrack pro. As far as I can determine the only software I can use is the magellan mapsend topo software.

Does anyone have experience making maps with this software or this GPS? Is there other map software I can use with this GPS? I have read other threads about GPS and I located the GPS utility homepage, but I have not had time to play around with their stuff.

Thanks for your advice.

GF


I use Garmin Mapsource to download my route. The only thing here is that I have Garmin GPS unit (Foretrex 101). I am not sure if the software is designed to look for a certain interface on the GPS.

I am pretty sure most mapping software is capable of retreiving data from a GPS unit.

I was recently given a magellan sportrak pro, and I would like to use it to map some of the trails we ride.

I am interested in having the GPS track my route, downloading that route to my computer, and then overlaying it on a topo map that I could print out. I have read past posts here, and I understand that a lot of people like the National Geographic Topo software, but I do not think it is compatible with the sportrack pro. As far as I can determine the only software I can use is the magellan mapsend topo software.

Does anyone have experience making maps with this software or this GPS? Is there other map software I can use with this GPS? I have read other threads about GPS and I located the GPS utility homepage, but I have not had time to play around with their stuff.

Thanks for your advice.

GF

I have Mapsend Topo that I can use to upload topo maps to my GPS, but the amout of topo or street info you can upload is limited to the memory of your GPS. I have an old Map 330 that's been pretty dependable for me. You can also upload/download waypoints, tracks and wantnot. I've also learned that I could use the software w/ my laptop and track myself in real time going down the road using my GPS as a receiver.. VERY cool, but beware....I fried my laptop last year when a power surge hit the converter. One thing I've noticed is that when I download a track it isn't as detail as I like if you go to a small scale. I am planning on getting one of the new Explorist 600 series soon. Miles above what I got now. Li battery that can last about 10 hours, color screen, uses a scandisk card to upload regions, waypoints, etc and is compatable w/ my current software according to the factory rep. PLUS my shop will be selling them soon so I can get the employing discount!!! :D

Thanks for the advice.

I will not be looking to use the GPS as a map while I am on the trail. I will be using it to track where I go and draw maps when I am done.

It sounds like National geographics Topo will work fine for what I want.

I checked out a couple of other programs too: topofusion, mapsend, Delorme.

Any experience with these different programs?

I am checking out the demo version of topofusion now. The Delorme looks nice (and it is a somewhat local company), but I have not heard much about the software.

Thanks for the advice.

I will not be looking to use the GPS as a map while I am on the trail. I will be using it to track where I go and draw maps when I am done.

It sounds like National geographics Topo will work fine for what I want.

I checked out a couple of other programs too: topofusion, mapsend, Delorme.

Any experience with these different programs?

I am checking out the demo version of topofusion now. The Delorme looks nice (and it is a somewhat local company), but I have not heard much about the software.

I suspect that your GPS is still using an old COM/SERIAL port and if you have one on your 'puter that shouldn't be a problem, but my new laptop has USB connections only and I had to get a COM/USB converter. EVERY time I plug the thing in my mouse arrow goes nuts. If I reboot the 'puter then it works fine. Otherwise no real problems. One of the reasons I want a new Explorist is that I think it's the first one from Magellian to use USB. Good Luck