GPS and Laptop with TOPO software

[pkess3]

I used a laptop mount from Ram Mounts to install my Panasonic CF 51 Semi-rugged laptop with National Geographic TOPO software so that I could automatically track my position with my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx. The TOPO software has a feature where you can track your current position from a GPS unit plugged in through the USB. So far this set up has been pretty good other than limited front passenger room, although there still is some room and the laptop can be positioned facing the passenger for easy access and viewing. I did get a quick disconnect for the mount for times when I will not be needing the laptop to navigate. This has been a really cool way to explore some of the "Jeep Trails" that you can find on the USGS Topographic maps!

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/41229/2810959780102055478S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42032/2903157000102055478S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/43108/2117397390102055478S600x600Q85.jpg

[hscrugby]

Have you upgraded your alternator yet?

Wow.
That's a lot of juice pulling from it.

[pkess3]

Have you upgraded your alternator yet?

Wow.
That's a lot of juice pulling from it.

Thanks for bringing that up. I haven't even thought about it. The ham radio and CB are hardwired to the battery but the laptop is plugged into a power converter that's plugged into power outlet in the main console. The GPS unit when plugged into the USB port runs off of the laptops power but when unplugged runs off of two AA batteries. Would that really strain the alternator?

[rwamf]

You will be fine, I used to run my laptop all the time through the inverter and powering my Garmin 60c, You could drain you battery if you left it all on overnight without the engine running but while driving, th most you would pull is about 6amps ( ex: one headlight pulls about 4 amps)
Just a side note, you should try Delorme Topo 7.0 (http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=27525&section=10050) it is way cooler than the Nat'nl Geo stuff, I have both and don't ever go back to the NG maps.

[pkess3]

You will be fine, I used to run my laptop all the time through the inverter and powering my Garmin 60c, You could drain you battery if you left it all on overnight without the engine running but while driving, th most you would pull is about 6amps ( ex: one headlight pulls about 4 amps)
Just a side note, you should try Delorme Topo 7.0 (http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=27525&section=10050) it is way cooler than the Nat'nl Geo stuff, I have both and don't ever go back to the NG maps.

Curious, what do you like better about the Delorme Topo software vs Nat Geo? Does it use the actual 1:24k scale seemless topos at it's most zoomed in extent? (Pictures do wonders!) A friend of mine gave me the AZ set for Nat Geo and then I found an upgrade to version 4.2.8 for $20. I then moved to NV and found a set for the state at a used bookstore for $10. So overall it cost me around $30 to have all of Arizona and Nevada.

[JEC18159]

Very nice setup! I'm running the same ram laptop mount! I love it! I just changed my poles so mine sits a bit lower and added a quick release! Good product if you ask me.

[somewhereinla]

Looks like you won't get lost anytime soon...LOL

[chucktuna]

Damn, pkess3
I'm following you.!:D

KB9QBF...out

chuck

[jerseyjk08]

you officially have NO excuse to ever get lost again... Nice set up though. I only have google maps on my iphone.. I'm way behind you.. haha

[pkess3]

That sounds like a nice setup. i have a panasonic toughbook and want to rig something up for my heep. do you have any pics of the laptop mount by any chance??

Edit: i missed the pic of the mount! scratch that... HA!

Here's a better angle from the passenger side. It does kind of get in the way of the passenger's left leg but for the most part is out of the way. Depending on how you position it, it could get in the way of the passenger side airbag. You can see the quick disconnect pin at the bottom.

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/41246/2965091390102055478S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/40998/2651301090102055478S600x600Q85.jpg

[rwamf]

Curious, what do you like better about the Delorme Topo software vs Nat Geo? Does it use the actual 1:24k scale seemless topos at it's most zoomed in extent? (Pictures do wonders!) A friend of mine gave me the AZ set for Nat Geo and then I found an upgrade to version 4.2.8 for $20. I then moved to NV and found a set for the state at a used bookstore for $10. So overall it cost me around $30 to have all of Arizona and Nevada.

Yes That is a good deal, if you can find them.
The Options Delorme gives you is amazing, The maps sets that come with the program are enhanced USGS Topo maps , "Comprised of USGS Digital Topographic Data and Elevation Models blended with the latest Delorme Street and Trail Network. This vector system enables many of the intelligent software features while providing customers with an innovative map database offering the best of all worlds" You can also buy
* » USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
* » B&W DOQQ Aerial Imagery
* » Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery
* » NOAA Nautical Charts
* » High-Resolution Color Aerial Imagery
, You can view in 3-D with Split screen, and you can draw routable roads and trails and make them part of the map. You can buy Data sets from Sat images to Aerial Photos,
I have the most fun planning routes on the Delorme Topo 7.0 , It does have a learning curve but once you get a hang of it it really is hard to beat.
The first photo is a screen shot with some trails I ride behind my house, Red/magenta tracks are my gps tracks
http://rwamf.com/xog/delorme7_0.JPG
http://www.delorme.com//byUse/outdoorrecreation/samples/AtlasSymbols/atlas-gaz-symbols-1.jpg
http://www.delorme.com//byUse/outdoorrecreation/samples/ColorAerialImagery/Color-Aerial-Imagery-1.jpg
http://www.delorme.com//byUse/outdoorrecreation/samples/GeoTagging/geo-tagging-1.jpg
http://www.delorme.com//byUse/outdoorrecreation/samples/POIs/POIs-driving-routes-1.jpg
http://www.delorme.com//byUse/outdoorrecreation/samples/CreatingTrailRoutes/Creating-Trail-Routes-1.jpg

[pkess3]

Yes That is a good deal, if you can find them.
The Options Delorme gives you is amazing, The maps sets that come with the program are enhanced USGS Topo maps , "Comprised of USGS Digital Topographic Data and Elevation Models blended with the latest Delorme Street and Trail Network. This vector system enables many of the intelligent software features while providing customers with an innovative map database offering the best of all worlds" You can also buy
* » USGS 7.5-Minute Quad Maps
* » B&W DOQQ Aerial Imagery
* » Sat-10 Color Satellite Imagery
* » NOAA Nautical Charts
* » High-Resolution Color Aerial Imagery
, You can view in 3-D with Split screen, and you can draw routable roads and trails and make them part of the map. You can buy Data sets from Sat images to Aerial Photos,
I have the most fun planning routes on the Delorme Topo 7.0 , It does have a learning curve but once you get a hang of it it really is hard to beat.
The first photo is a screen shot with some trails I ride behind my house, Red/magenta tracks are my gps tracks


Looks like some awesome trails in that area. Hey you're not too far from the Rubicon trail right?

So it looks like they use a number of different data sources. Will definitely consider. I just got the one's I have for so cheap. How do they breakdown their maps? Is it by state or region?

[trip0d199]

You have an awesome setup. Mygig, laptop, CB and a handheld GPS? nice....

[wayland1985]

I'm getting claustrophobic just looking at the pictures! :eek2:

[paulp575]

I see you have a Garmin GPS.

If your unit allows for uploading/downloading of maps, you can dump the Garmin proprietary maps and create your own custom maps used on any Garmin GPS that allows for uploading/downloading of maps.

Check this site out:

http://home.cinci.rr.com/creek/garmin.htm

Be aware the instructions involve a lot of steps, but it will give you custom maps of your desire.

I am here in Spokane WA and have got topo quads for the entire state plus I was able to get shapefiles from the USFS mapping website:

http://svinetfc4.fs.fed.us/vectorgateway/index.html

All the necessary data is available on line, much of it is free! Just have to know where to find it!

[pkess3]

I see you have a Garmin GPS.

If your unit allows for uploading/downloading of maps, you can dump the Garmin proprietary maps and create your own custom maps used on any Garmin GPS that allows for uploading/downloading of maps.

Check this site out:

http://home.cinci.rr.com/creek/garmin.htm

Be aware the instructions involve a lot of steps, but it will give you custom maps of your desire.

I am here in Spokane WA and have got topo quads for the entire state plus I was able to get shapefiles from the USFS mapping website:

http://svinetfc4.fs.fed.us/vectorgateway/index.html

All the necessary data is available on line, much of it is free! Just have to know where to find it!

That's really cool! I am a GIS Analyst so I work with shapefiles all the time. I had no idea there was a way to load them up on a garmin. We usually use a Trimble unit to collect GIS data out in the field.

[paulp575]

That's really cool! I am a GIS Analyst so I work with shapefiles all the time. I had no idea there was a way to load them up on a garmin. We usually use a Trimble unit to collect GIS data out in the field.

Are you aware of a program called Quantum GIS?

It's freeware and works with shapefiles.
I've got it set up to load topoquads, shapefiles, DOQQs, and DEMs into the Colville NF area (nearest NF to Spokane WA). Then I can turn on or off each shapefile, topoquad, DOOQ, or DEM or any combination thereof.

And I just recently found another awesome program that is totally free - NASA World Wind.

Although you can not change the loaded data, it has available a lot of different types of layers you can also turn on or off.

Here's the website for NASA World Wind:
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/

[rwamf]

Looks like some awesome trails in that area. Hey you're not too far from the Rubicon trail right?

So it looks like they use a number of different data sources. Will definitely consider. I just got the one's I have for so cheap. How do they breakdown their maps? Is it by state or region?

Yes the Rubicon Trail is on the other side of lake Tahoe about 45 min drive.
I still only like to take my motorcycle on it, Jeep is just too damm slow.
The Delorme Topo comes with the entire US maps, and you can buy State by State 7.5 minute Topo Quads and the Aerial/Sat etc data is down-loadable by selecting the area you want, Cost can add up quick, but for areas that I like to explore it is great,
The overall package that Delorme offers is very nice and allot of fun. I have a small SONY laptop that will sit on the Dash, But I do not use it as much anymore since I got a Lowrance 600c (http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Automotive/iWAY-600C/)which is also very good unit, as it has full US and Canada Street level mapping ( Nav-Teq map sets) and full set of US TOPO maps built in, It also handles trails ( tracks) and you can load track files into it with up to 100 tracks at once ( one file can hold up to 100 track files @ up to 10,000 points in each file) So when I go to say MOAB I can load my "MOAB" track file which has 35 trails, very cool.
Here is a pic on my Lowrance XOG on the dash
http://rwamf.com/JK/xoggps4.jpg

[mcds99]

Are you using ARPS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) with your Ham???

So much stuff to learn about Ham radio, so little time.

[pkess3]

Are you using ARPS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) with your Ham???

So much stuff to learn about Ham radio, so little time.

No I'm not and I want too! A friend of mine back in AZ has that setup in his TJ. It's really cool because his family can see his exact position on the internet!:yup:

[cmh2001]

We use that kind of a setup all the time in out trucks at work. We do pipeline work and need off-road GPS navigation. We run all kinds of equipment in our trucks (F-150's). We don't usually have too many eqlectrical issues as long as your battery is fairly new and in good condition. I have seen some guys put in a dual battery system and run the accessories off the second battery, so your first battery is always there to start your vehicle.

We also run the equipment right to the battery, fused of course. Cigarette lighters are notoriously unreliable.

I have been toying with the idea of something like this:

http://www.mp3car.com/

A permanently mounted computer under the seat, with a touchscreen. Plug an external hard drive in for your data. That would be sweet!

[cmh2001]

Although I haven't used the NatGeo stuff I swear buy the Delorme family of products. Topo USA is my current fav. There is also another program called Fugawi with Map of America that not only gives you the Topo maps of the USA, you can also import Aerial Photography.

[FLLawdog]

Thread resurrection....

We're about to pull the trigger on a couple laptops (Dell Inspiron....buy 1 get one 1/2 :eek2: ) and I'm thinking about getting some kind of GPS/mapping software for mine. It won't be in the Jeep all the time, just enough to log trails and make print maps. My main goal is to find and map trails for wheeling as well as fishing spots. I'm also not interested in getting a wireless card, so if there are no Wi-Fi hotspots...no internet.

Now, PLEASE BE GENTLE WITH ME AS I HAVE MINIMAL TECH SKILLS AND VOCABULARY.

It looks like in the DeLorme setup, you can highlight your path. Can you save that as a file then print? I've never used any of their software, but I have a WV Atlas/Gazeteer and love it.

If the DeLorme isn't good for that, is there one that is? It doesn't have to be topo (it's Florida..there IS no topo!), but somehing that can be done on the run and user friendly.

Also, it looks like there are satellite overlays. Is that brought from a site like Google and do you have to be connected to the internet to use or can they be saved and printed?

[paulp575]

Thread resurrection....

We're about to pull the trigger on a couple laptops (Dell Inspiron....buy 1 get one 1/2 :eek2: ) and I'm thinking about getting some kind of GPS/mapping software for mine. It won't be in the Jeep all the time, just enough to log trails and make print maps. My main goal is to find and map trails for wheeling as well as fishing spots. I'm also not interested in getting a wireless card, so if there are no Wi-Fi hotspots...no internet.

Now, PLEASE BE GENTLE WITH ME AS I HAVE MINIMAL TECH SKILLS AND VOCABULARY.

It looks like in the DeLorme setup, you can highlight your path. Can you save that as a file then print? I've never used any of their software, but I have a WV Atlas/Gazeteer and love it.

I use DeLorme's Topo USA (currently their v6.0 which is also their 2007 version, I think). Yes, you can use it in conjunction with ANY GPS. Although they lean more toward their onw GPS unit, Earthmate), you can use their software with any GPS unit.

I have connected my GPS unit (the Garmin eTrex Venture HC) to the laptop and used it with no problems.

I have also imported GPS logs (normally in the GPX file format) into Topo USA and had good success.

I have also used their routing feature to create a GPS trail. Haven't tried exporting that to my GPS unit yet, but probably should work. (I've looked at the exported file and it has lat/long coordinates so I don't think it will be a problem)

One thing to consider is that if your GPS can upload/download maps, you can create your own maps! In spite of the fact that Garmin uses proprietary software (MapSource), I did find a web site that will allow you to create your own maps and upload them to any Garmin unit that allows for upload/download of maps. Here's that website: http://home.cinci.rr.com/creek/garmin.htm - although I have not tried those instructions yet. Just be aware they are quite long, but will give you much bettreer maps than what Garmin's MapSOurce gives you.

Also, it looks like there are satellite overlays. Is that brought from a site like Google and do you have to be connected to the internet to use or can they be saved and printed?

Nope. The satellite overlays and other stuff that is not part of the original installation are downloads that you must purchase at $1.00 per area of coverage. What you basically do is select an area and then set it up for download. I downloaded a couple of them for Idaho and they were OK. However, I can find the same stuff for WA state for free! You may want to search for the same stuff for your state.

I have found the following free stuff for WA state (do a search using some of the same terms I've used below):

DEMs (Digital Elevation Maps): These allow you to see an area of coverage in 3D.
DLGs (Digital Line Graphs): Haven't really found a need or use for these. Not even sure what they are!!!
DOQQs (Digital Orthoimage Quarter Quads): These are satellite images.
DRGEs (Digital Raster Graphics Enhanced): Fancy term for USGS topoquads. These are generally available in 24k (7.5 x 7.5 minute coverage), 100k, and 250k.

One of the things I've gotten involved with is the USFS GIS data files.
I don't know if you have any Nat'l Forests in your area, but these can be access from the following web site: http://svinetfc4.fs.fed.us/clearinghouse/index.html

Remember, Vector data is maps and satellite images.
Raster data is lines, points, and polygons!

Unfortunately this data is not as complete as it could be. But it can be very useful, especially considering the Travel Management Planning the USFS is currently going through!

If you have Nat'l Forests in your area, check your each one's web site and look for "GIS Data". There you should find more complete data than at the above URL.

Sorry if this is a little long. Hopefully this will help,