DeLormeTopo North America 9.0 on a CF-18?

I was wondering if anyone is using DeLorme Topo North America 9.0 on their CF-18D. I was reading through the system requirements and it looks like the CF-18D (I have 1+GB ram and 250GB HD) may not be able to handle it.

I was also wondering about the included maps and the ability to scan in your own maps. Anyone using this combo?

 

I haven't used Delorme but I do have USAPhotomaps installed on several GPS units. Easy down-load free map link to USGS maps. Low system requirements.

 

I want maps primarily for offroad use. Does USAPhotomaps have topos?

 

You bet they do. Just get on line center your location and press F. They also have B&W Aerials. Just change prefs and push F. (for fill) Plus some cities/urban areas. Pretty laid back instructions but hey the guy is retired. Just a couple minute download for the base unit. Settings for GPS real time tracking etc. ya da ya da. Check 'em out. www.jmdcox.com.

 

I have 7.0 on a CF-18 running concurrently with Streets and Trips on a split screen. No problems with real time tracking. Its great in the mountains, set DeLorme to look ahead and you can immediately know "what mountain is that?" You need Franson GPSGate or similar to have multiple GPS applications running at once. DeLorme tends to bloat their upgrades with less than useful stuff, and they are decidedly slanted towards their hand held units lately.
CAP

 

So far it sounds like nobody is using 9.0 on a CF-18. I am reluctant because I do not think the CF-18 is powerful enough.

 

That is the beauty of "free" distros. It costs nothing to try and you have the freedom to junk it if you like you don't like it. THAT's what free means......freedom.

 

OK, I'm with Jeff, try the free one, but I can't for the life of me see what it is in the "System Requirements" on DeLorme's site that would make you think the CF-18 wouldn't handle it. "3-D GPS Radar Flyover" might run a little slow, who cares about that? You won't use 80% of the fluff DeLorme puts in to wow the rookies and stand out from the rest of the crowd, you're looking for maps right. With the exception of increased accuracy and methods of delivery maps haven't changed since the first caveman painted a couple of lines on the wall.
CAP

 

The hardware requirements say "1.5 GHz or higher processor, Pentium 4, Athlon 64 or later" which is more than the CF-18 has.

I am new to this GPS map thing but have heard a lot of horror stories about poor maps making it hard to read for offroad use. I will be using this to map the hundreds of miles of un-mapped trails in the Tonto National Forest here in Arizona. I will be tracking the new trails, exporting the information to the National Forest people for them to put on the maps. I was also looking for a bi-directional interface so I can also import existing maps from the Forest Service but again would like for the software to have maps to start with.

I agree with the 3D fly over, a lot of fluff not needed for my intended use. The software is not cheap and wanted to see if anyone is using it first so I can get some information before hand.

I appreciate all your inputs.

 

If you want to map anything, or import anything into your map you will not be able to use DeLorme Topo. If you are thinking of creating maps or recording data to be incorporated into existing maps you are looking at XMap or something similar which is going to set you back $1500 or so just to get started. You need to do some research into basic GIS. You might be able to start with OziExplorer. Talk to the Forest Service people and find out what sort of data collection they need. Topo and all of the similar programs have very basic track storage capability. My biggest gripe against Topo is that their track storage is useful only for bicycles or foot traffic as you run out of room way too fast for vehicle use.
CAP

 

As far as jdmcox USAPhotomap (there is a new site called USAPHOTOMAP which is NOT what I was talking about.) Anyhoo they use a jig-saw puzzle of tiny files, installed on your drive. Sample below. These are 7 1/2 minute topographic maps exactly as I used for several days in the fire service (32 years). They are what I like. I don't care for the digital topos. Looks like a toy map TO ME. You like what you are used to.

NOTE: They don't blow up this big. Forgive the fuzzies.

 

Jeff, you are talking Raster (the ones you like, just like the paper ones) vs. Vector (the video game looking ones). I'm with you, I like what I have used all my life. azTony is looking to save tracks in enough detail to overlay them on existing maps, far beyond the capabilities of consumer GPS software, thus moving into the realm of GIS where typically the data would be recorded on a total station theodolite and plotted as a layer onto existing maps. I'm kind of interested in your program, I assume its Linux friendly?
CAP

 

NOT! So far it is the only reason I am running XP. I haven't figured out the running in WINE part. Distractions don't cha Know. No definitely not Linux friendly. I think I need to import a dll or something. Though you would think if you were running WINE and installed through same that the goodies would be there.

 

I'm in the UK so I'm not familiar with North American mapping software,

I use Memory Map to record the Green Lanes (unsurfaced public roads) that we drive here in the UK. on my CF-18, which is linked via Bluetooth to a GPS receiver. I also have a Garmin GPS276C with which I often record these lanes in parallel.

In both cases the track is exportable in GPS Exchange Format (*.gpx), and I would be almost certain that DeLorme's software is capable of doing.

GPX is a method to export waypoints, routes and tracks and I would believe that tracks are what you want to record, and to pass on to the Forestry Service.

So I think the question you should be asking is can Topo record tracks and export them in GPX format?

Perhaps take a look at Memory Map, who also have USGS Topo available and this should run on a CF-18 without any problem at all!

 

Topo will record tracks, but as I mentioned, only a relatively few points after which it starts to roll up the bread crumbs behind you. I brought this up on the DeLorme forum a long time ago but the users there were baffled as to why you would want to save unlimited tracks. Their focus really seems to be on their hand held units with use on real computers an afterthought. Their XMap is a whole different deal but costs $1500 for the base module.
CAP

 

I recorded a 15 mile track the other day. I did not save it but the capability seems to be available. I've imported tracks and way-points, exported way-points to a Garmin hand-held. Snag a copy and try it.
I need to take a day and just play with the program but I keep getting distracted by hardware tinkering.
Remember Jdmcox.com not usaphotomaps.

 

I too plan on using DeLorme on my cf-18 mounted in my early bronco for off road trails! If you do decide to use it, let me know what you think! I should have my cf18 up and running in the next couple weeks... after this basic XP install and driver issue is cleared up.

Are you planning on using the OEM gps on the cf-18? Or an aftermarket unit? I will have a soft top, so that should not limit the signal as much, but I'm still thinking of getting a bluetooth gps antena that is mounted to the top of my roll bar... or maybe a wired unit, I dont know yet.

Good luck!

 

Well I talked with a fellow club member (Copper State Cruisers) and he has 5 or 6 different software programs. He told me that for trails he does not see a need for a program like Topo 9.0 and he has Topo 5.0 and he said that is just fine for basic GPS functionality but not for the detail we both want to do eventually. Any way I went on Amazon and got a used copy of DeLorme Topo 5.0 for $15. That will hold me over until I decide on main program I need.

I read about OziExplorer and really liked what I read but getting my own maps was a worry and a lot of work. I heard that the USGS maps can be had for free since the tax dollar paid for the creation of them and once sold they can be shared. I also heard you can get them online but as of yet I can not find them. Once I find a source I will start building my map database and fork up the money for OziExplorer. It is open source and you can do just about anything you want if you have the ability.

I just put a 250GB HD in the CF-18, a fresh install of XP Tablet (first time success!!), upgraded to 1GB RAM and got a Custom Toughbook GPS to replace the OEM GPS. The new GPS fires up immediately and communicates with more satellites than the OEM ever did and maintains the communication. The OEM would drop and pick up communication constantly and would never connect with the laptop sitting in the normal position with the antenna down in the house. It does not matter where the antenna is now and it connects.

Bluetooth GPS antenna? Tell me more?

 

A bluetooth GPS antena like this, but I'm not sure of its compatability;
Globalsat - BT-359 - GPS receiver module

Its good to hear someone is building a cf18 to do the same as myself! I was going to try with the factory GPS, then maybe go to a hard mounted, either wired or bluetooth, antena if the OEM one sucks. Though it sounds like you are way ahead of me. I did a standard XP install (because I couldn't find MK2 Digitizer cds anywhere!), but I cant get some of the hotkeys (only the brightness ones work) to work, or get the gps driver to load. Once I get thru this, and finish building the mount off the roll cage, I hope to be cruzing!

 

Guys, I have the Holux M-1000 Bluetooth GPS Receiver, which sits on the dashboard of my Land Rover and has no problem picking up satellite signals. It will even work when I am sitting in the middles of my house, so it does not need to 'see' the sky, or to have an additional antenna! I use a mini-bluetooth receiver in one of USB ports. I'm running W7 and the connection between the two is very quick, and stable.