Best GPS System for Laptop

[Old Man White]

Guys, am looking to buy a GPS &/or Mapping System of the whole of Oz to put on my laptop.

Hema seems to offer a system which is priced around the $1000 mark...........seems expensive, but perhaps the benefits outweigh the cost !!

Thought I saw a mapping system available from Federal Government in an old 4x4 mag, but not sure..........any advice or comment would be appreciated.

Cheers & Thanks

Frank

[-Scott-]

I use OziExplorer with Hema maps on an Acer Revo and 8" touchscreen. I don't remember individual pricing, but software etc was nowhere near $1000 - I would think more like $500, including the USB GPS.

Ozi uses "raster" maps, which are bitmap images. The alternative is "vector" maps, which are stored as lines. Raster maps get "blocky" as you zoom in - vector maps don't. I'm not sure the government mob sell Ozi compatible raster maps - if they do, can you post a link?

[Hamo]

I use OziExplorer with Hema maps on an Acer Revo and 8" touchscreen. I don't remember individual pricing, but software etc was nowhere near $1000 - I would think more like $500, including the USB GPS.

Ozi uses "raster" maps, which are bitmap images. The alternative is "vector" maps, which are stored as lines. Raster maps get "blocky" as you zoom in - vector maps don't. I'm not sure the government mob sell Ozi compatible raster maps - if they do, can you post a link?

x2 all up cost about $700 runs windows 7 has card reader to down load digi pics on the go mines a bit more pricey as i also have the roof top maps for vic and vic maps (the cfa maps)

[Swag_Man]

ozi explore on a mini lap top is the only way to go......

lap top $300
gps $90
software around $200 i think (may have gone up i got it in 2005)
maps just depends on where you get them and if you scan them yourself...

also with a lappy you can invest in a reversing camera so you can line up the nice lowered skyline before you reverse over it.

cheers
Swag_Man

[Bush65]

I also run oziexplorer on a laptop - have been very pleased with it for many years. Cost about $200 back then, but updates are free download.

I use a cheap gps mouse (you don't need any other functions with mapping software like ozie - only nema output) that is fixed inside the top of my snorkel and 1:2500 topos from LPI for NSW, and from Sunmaps for QLD (note not all of either state are covered by this scale), 1:250000 topos from Geoscience Aus for all of Aus, Hema and Westprint maps (these are all small scale).

[chris_stoffa]

I use a cheap gps mouse that is fixed inside the top of my snorkel

Now that is a neat idea

[Willy Hilux]

Found oziexplore

Also this

Geopainting GPSMapEdit 1.0.62

Geopainting GPSMapEdit - this software is designed for visual authoring of GPS-maps in various proprietary cartographic formats such as Garmin, Polish format, ALAN Map 500/600, Holux, Navitel Navigator. GPSMapEdit is designed to help owners of Garmin, ALAN, Holux and Navitel Navigator. GPS receivers to create own maps. The software allows to quick loading and viewing vector maps in so-called "Polish format", comparing them with different geodetic data like raster maps, GPS tracks and waypoints. In addition, the software may be used for converting GPS-tracks, waypoints and routes among various formats. GPSMapEdit does not have installer now. The program installation does not require special efforts because the software is ready to run. Just download the latest version and unzip it into any suitable folder.

Features:
- Visualization of satellite images from Google Maps.
- Loading of huge raster maps (format OziExplorer MAP) - over 20-30 megapixels.
- Loading ECW and JPEG 2000 raster maps.
- Import from MapInfo MIF/MID.
- Export to MapInfo MIF/MID.
- Import POI from external table file with address data, the formats are: CSV, MS Excel XLS, MS Access MDB, dBase DBF, Paradox DB, Visual FoxPro.
- Splitting map to smaller files (the menu 'Tools | Split map to files...').
- Saving to CRD format (ALAN Map 500 and Holux).

Another one


CompeGPS Land will let you take the most of your outdoor trips."
Edit By BS Editor: CompeGPS Land is the software that will let you take the most of your outdoor trips. Its great variety of preparing, navigating and analysing tools is the perfect basis for any amateur or professional of outoor sports (trekking, mountain or racing bike, 4X4, Skiing, etc.) to obtain the best efficiency and loads of fun.

Visualize digital maps, download them freely from Internet or CaliBrate paper maps and manage all the necessary information for your trips over them. Create routes, tracks or waypoints and analyze the outcome of your work in the most detailed way. In addition to this, the 3D mode will show you the most realistic and spectacular view of it all so you can feel like your were actually outdoors.

CompeGPS is compatible with most of GPS models, so you will be able to send the prepared information to it, control your progress on a laptop (movingmap function) or download the obtained track and re-live it on your PC.

Advanced functions

* Vectorial maps viewing and editing compatible with several vectorial formats (including DXF and DWG by means of AutoCAD plugin).
* Evolved graph system.
* Track book to put in order all of your trips, know your statistics and control your progression.
* Track Server to share trips with other users.
* Scan maps function to visualize the borders of all maps you have available and open the best for at that moment.
* Dynamic window system and Data tree.
* Many coordinates, datum and formats.

[Willy Hilux]

Here is a site for waypoints.

http://users.tpg.com.au/benj2005/gps/waypoints.htm#qld" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Has 4x4 parks etc.

[Zookrider]

I use a CF18 Panasonic toughbook and got sick of the GPS mouse so I've just purchased an aftermarket GPS kit that is installed inside the laptop. I use CFA maps where I need real fine detail (vic only). But find that many people scan the rooftop maps at high res (mostly navigation comps, pajero challeng, nav run) and use them for those areas, as they have quite a bit of tourist info. I've been collecting them from people I meet at comps. I also have UBD city maps (nice and clearly marked), state maps, and 250k and 25k raster, and a HUGE map of Aus. All are completely indispensible. BUT learn to 'scan' and calibrate your own maps, means you have digital AND paper backup.

One thing that is overlooked are POIs (point of intrest), theres a site called "GPS Data Team" that offers speed cammeras, red light cameras, rest stops etc. But you can get some real detailed stuff too, I have a BP credit card, so I got all BP sites in aus already formated for ozi! So my nav setup isn't just offroad mapping it saves me money by avoiding fines and fill up where i get a discount. The tricky part was working out how to make it "alert" me 300m befor a camera.

[Struth]

Another vote for small laptop and Ozi Ex

[Steve.]

I use a laptop with OziExplorer too, but the real magic is in the GPS I use. It's a data logger with digital display, so not only does it record where I've been and output to Google Earth format, it also doubles as a digital speedo/etc.

From memory it was about $70 on eBay. It logs whilst outputting NEMA over USB. Great success.

[Zookrider]

use a laptop with OziExplorer too, but the real magic is in the GPS I use. It's a data logger with digital display, so not only does it record where I've been and output to Google Earth format, it also doubles as a digital speedo/etc.

True that! themiserymachine has a marine style garmin unit that is permamounted to the dash. I can connect my laptop into it and upload waypoints and routes to it so he can see Speed, distance, ETA etc. Handy in nav comps cause I can be on the lookout for clues and not have to worry about missing checkpoints. Also, having a good external GPS antenna (mushroom looking thing) the reception is always excellent.

But it depends on what you want it for???
A laptop in a car is not always easy to read or operate without a navi. It is not recommended to operate a laptop and drive at the same time, but the temptation get too great.

If its just you/the driver using it, then a would say a really good handheld jobby and a windscreen holder is the go. You can buy a Garmin 550t for under 600 bucks and the "t" stands for pre-loaded maps. Visit the garmin site to see what further maps are available and costs. I'm planning to buy one for geocaching, bushwalking, biking etc. More portible, more versatile.

[Bush65]

I use a laptop with OziExplorer too, but the real magic is in the GPS I use. It's a data logger with digital display, so not only does it record where I've been and output to Google Earth format, it also doubles as a digital speedo/etc.

From memory it was about $70 on eBay. It logs whilst outputting NEMA over USB. Great success.

Running OziE in moving map mode on a laptop connected to any old gps mouse can record you track - you have options for when to save track points (I use 50m) and you only have to remember to save the track to file.

You can load saved tracks (yours or donated ones) and use the to follow the same route, or you can replay them and see information about speed etc. as they contain a fair amount of info at each saved point, not just coordinates. You can also show a profile of the track, in terms of speed or elevation.

OziE can give you speed and much more as you drive while in moving map mode.

[Bush65]

use a laptop with OziExplorer too, but the real magic is in the GPS I use. It's a data logger with digital display, so not only does it record where I've been and output to Google Earth format, it also doubles as a digital speedo/etc.

True that! themiserymachine has a marine style garmin unit that is permamounted to the dash. I can connect my laptop into it and upload waypoints and routes to it so he can see Speed, distance, ETA etc. Handy in nav comps cause I can be on the lookout for clues and not have to worry about missing checkpoints. Also, having a good external GPS antenna (mushroom looking thing) the reception is always excellent.

But it depends on what you want it for???
A laptop in a car is not always easy to read or operate without a navi. It is not recommended to operate a laptop and drive at the same time, but the temptation get too great.

If its just you/the driver using it, then a would say a really good handheld jobby and a windscreen holder is the go. You can buy a Garmin 550t for under 600 bucks and the "t" stands for pre-loaded maps. Visit the garmin site to see what further maps are available and costs. I'm planning to buy one for geocaching, bushwalking, biking etc. More portible, more versatile.

I normally don't have a navi with me and find the larger laptop screen and better maps in OziE more useful than a small gps screen - but I do use a small gps with auto routing and turn direction, etc. for road/hwy travel.

It would depend on how and where you mount the laptop - I use a ram tough tray http://ram-mount.com/

[Zookrider]

It would depend on how and where you mount the laptop - I use a ram tough tray http://ram-mount.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Holy crap! Where was this post when I carved out the glove box in my dash? Oh, wait a a tick, it would cost me more than the laptop itself....

The modern handheld GPS units have quite a large screens these days, touch, reasonable resolution, and have the ability to add custom maps.

OR if you want to shell out some serious moolah try Opentec http://www.opentec.com.au, they make toughbooks look like fisherprice! I had one ex-army and it was some serious kit. But I left it on the bonnet one day and took it for a ride. It is probably in a ditch somewhere, still operational, like a terminator.