Yeah, GSAK is a pretty complex program but it will do almost anything with the data, so keep playing with it...
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Yeah, GSAK is a pretty complex program but it will do almost anything with the data, so keep playing with it...
I've spent many hours surfing. Here's what I have come up with. First there are many ways to go paperless. I think I have settled on the following: Palm Zire 31 I dont need a 72. GSAK and cachemate. Will this get me going and am I missing anything? Is there a LTF in here? LOL Can I also install Delorme Street 2005 on my PDA and do I need it for my laptop as well? Wow, that I think covers it for me. Thanks to anyone who helps. :confused:
As long as the 31 has an expantion card slot you should be all set. The handheld maps do take up a bit of room. The memory on the 31 wouldn't be enough for very much. Other than that it sounds like you have about the same setup as I currently use. GSAK is a very powerful program. It does take a little bit of getting used to. Once you learn how to use the filters it becomes a great asset to caching. Good luck and keep asking those questions
Sounds like you are on the way to paperless caching. I know I have heard a lot about the Delorme software for the PDA and that is what I currently have but have not been able to place it on my palm as of yet as my current PDA is being returned. Beachcomber posted a good site that comes from the Maryland geocaching society that you might want to check out. They have a great comparison of 3 different software applications and the one that stands out even above Delorme is called Mapopolis.Take a look at it before making any decisions about Delorme. Made me think about this as well even though I have Delorme for handheld. Makes me want to change now but it will give you something to think about. I know decisions,decisions,decisions!
I think you have just about everything covered Team2hunt. The 31 is plenty as long as you have enough memory for any map software that you might be using. I have Delorme For Handheld 2005 on my PC which includes the whole USA and when I decide to download the New England states you should have a slot for the extra memory that it will take.You might want to ask someone who has it how much memory it will take before investing in extra memory cards.
I have a 256MB card in my Zire 71, and with all of Maine's map and waypoints, there is 90% of the card available. I've tried to add a lot more maps, but when you put a lot on, the maps seems to load SOOOOO slowly. I'd recommend just keeping the maps of the area you usually cache in - like Maine - and then add other maps for each area you're making a trip to (deleting the map when you return).Quote:
Originally Posted by Haffy6
And I have Delorme Street Atlas handheld on the PDA, and the PC versions of
Street Atlas and Topo USA on the laptop. It's great to be able to upload the waypoints to the laptop and then print a map with little flags showing the waypoints. Makes it easier to plan your route and saves time by limiting the need to backtrack.
And since WiFi goes hand in hand with paperless caching, I've found a pretty good listing of WiFi locations. Here's a link to the Maine sites:
http://ibs.jiwire.com/browse-hotspot...aine-me-22.htm
And a link to the complete listing as well:
http://ibs.jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm
I've posted the links on the links page.
Since I don't have a PDA for a couple of weeks I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has or has used the Mapopolis software? From what I have read on the link that Beachcomber so kindly posted by the Maryland geocaching society this software rocks. They have a demo you can download at the Mapopolis site,so can someone maybe try this on their PDA and gives us a lowdown on it....please. It sounds like it is even better than the Delorme software but I would like to hear that from another cacher in here.
From a previous post Cameoooo says she has it. See post from page 6, I think. Thanks for the help got the 31 today, it has an expansion slot so we will soon see. I can smell the fresh air through the trees allready. Go paperless and save a small forest. Thanks again.
Haffy - you can download some sample maps on the mapopolis website. I've downloaded a number of counties and have been playing around with it. You can only do a couple at a time, but if you exit out of the website and go back in it will let you do 2 more - a bit of a pain, but I wanted to see a wider region than a single county. Not sure that I like it yet. Doesn't seem to be as easy to use as the DeLorme Street Atlas that Brad showed me on Saturday. But I admit I have very limited experience with both products. I'm going to compare the two and I'll share my observations with you - for what they are worth - LOL!!!
This was from the summer, but perhaps G Team is still willing to do this.Quote:
Originally Posted by The G Team
Yes, I do have Mapopolis and have had good luck so far. I used to have a feeling that I was missing something by not having Delorme, but by the comments lately...I think I'm sitting pretty good. I downloaded a maplet thing the other night that I'm still fiddling with...I should be able to upload my entire .gpx file to my maine maps...and whalla!
Almost. Gone paperless..... Thanks to all that have helped. I used your wisdom, your web links, your encouragement and enthusiasm, and with a little dumb luck. ( and an 11 year old ) We have finally gone paperless. Well somewhat anyways. PDA is loaded, with cachemate and caches. My desktop has a new icon GSAK and now I justa have to get out and use it. Again my utmost thanks to all of our new caching friends. :cool:
But don't forget to take your Delorme Atlas!! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Team2hunt
I have another question and I'm very confident of getting more than one good answer. I have my Palm Zire 31 with Cachemate and GSAK. My new question is what ( besides a cable, I have read those threads ) do I need to get the waypoints to my GPS? And will the cable link my palm and GPSr, or laptop and GPSr? More software, or do I have enough? And is there any concensus on mapping software yet?Thanks.
Yes, you will need the cable to link the Palm to your GPS for real time navigating. I bought mine from Blue Hills Innovations.And as far as mapping software I think the jury is still out as to what works best. I have Delorme but have never used it yet as my PDA is still incognito. If I don't get my new Palm back soon I will sell you my cables that I bought and never got to use them either....lol They are pricey though, I paid $55.00 and that was the cheapest I could find. Hope that helps and I'm sure someone else has other answers for you .
I agree with Haffy.
I always travel with the GPS and Palm connected. Not sure what GPS you havem but my eTrex Legend is usually hard to see. But with the Palm, I can see upcoming caches and zoom in to see the best route.
If your palm has bluetooth capability, you can get a bluetooth gps from Delorme that requires NO wires. You will only need to connect the power adapter to your palm since it won't last as long as the bluetooth gps. It also is pricey but I like it. I'm using Delorme Street Atlas on my Zire72 which I also like but I haven't used anything else so I really can't compare.
If we have a "paperless caching" event like was discussed, I'd like to compare the Palm Zire 71 (which I have), and the 72 which a couple ofthers have.Quote:
Originally Posted by parmachenee
I'd also like to compare the eTrex Legend and the eTrex Vista. I'm getting antsy to get a new GPS, and would really like a "hands on" comparison.
And it's driving me nuts. I can download to GSAK ok,but when I go to export to my palm and hotsync, the error message tells me the pdb. file doesn't exist. I had last weekend downloaded two seperate times to my pda, ok. What am I doing wrong ar what info is missing? Thanks
I have one of these and find it to be very hard to use. I prefer to carry my Legend. The bluetooth gps is very hard to get lock on...and when you do...you better not move! Does anyone else have one?Quote:
Originally Posted by parmachenee
As some of you know, I have been working diligently at moving to paperless caching. I am just about there! Unfortunately, I have been stuck trying to figure out how to import cache waypoints into the SA HH maps. I have talked with a number of people and have tried a bunch of approachs to no avail. I learned from DeLorme today that the SA HH version of their software does not have the draw tab needed to accomplish the import (WHEW! Guess it wasn't pure stupidity on my part after all - LOL- THAT'S a relief!!). The SA 2005 version of the software does allow this transfer of information, however.
So.......if you are using a PPC, you need not try the SA HH version. I'll let you know what happens when I try the SA 2005 version.
I'm not sure that the trees I am going to save from not printing the cache papers is going to compensate for the trees I must be consuming by writing these checks for all these pieces of the paperless puzzle! LOL I guess the real question is whether PPC was the right investment for me - perhaps I should have just gone with Palm OS - seems more straightforward for this application. Oh well - who knew I would become obsessive compulsive about geocaching - hehehehe
You can use either SA (PC) or Topo USA to import waypoints to the PDA. I just did a survey for Delorme about my impressions of SAHH, and I really let them know that this was a deficiency in their program. I'd bet 75% of people using SAHH use it for geocaching!
But having SA (PC) is great as you can put the waypoints on the map, and then print a copy of the map with waypoints to make it a lot easier to plan/organize your geocaching trip. As you find the caches, you can also cross them off on the map to keep track of the ones you've done.
Other caches may have different methods, but this really works for us. :D
BC, have looked at MS S&t? It has an option to export to Pocket Streets.
(I hate to get so locked in to MS, but it seems to work easier on the PPC platform than third party software.)
One additional advantage: S&T is has much more Canadian detail.
I looked at both SA 2005 and Streets and Trips tonight. Actually before I read the e-mail from DeLorme. Will get one or the other - not sure which quite yet.
I use a hp 2215 pocket pc with a compact flash gps receiver, I use street atlas for pocket with great success.
I start by using Gsak on my computer, I receive the gpx file with over 300 waypoints, I open it with Gsak, I then export them to a Street Atlas Text File, Go to Street Atlas and Import them to a draw file. I then use the exchange tab to transfer it to my pda. It shows every geocache location right on the pda. I can create road routes or direct routes right to any of the waypoints. I also use gpx sonar to view all of the logs and stuff right on the pda.
I started geocaching about a year ago, Already owned the pda and gps and have never printed a sheet of paper.
Welcome!!
That's fantastic! I'm so excited to have another PPC user to talk to. We are a rare breed it seems.
All that you describe is the same approach that I have taken with the exception of one piece. You said that you use "street atlas for pocket" - is that Street Atlas for Handheld? I have tried that and have not been able to accomplish plotting the caches. DeLorme tells me it is not possible with SA HH because it does not have the "draw" feature. Or do you mean that you use Street Atlas 2005 and then transfer it all to PPC?
I am now playing with Microsoft Streets and Trips. I have been able to establish cache waypoints on my PC and then transfer map sections to my PPC. I am now trying to work through two issues. If I can resolve these I'll keep using the software, if not I am going to can it. They are....
1. I have not figured out how to send a large area such as a map of Maine, either with or without the caches indicated. It only allows sections at a time which is ok, but I would rather have the entire state.
2. Though I establish various sections (i.e. Southern Maine, Mid Coast, Downeast, etc.) and export them as individual map sections with unique names, I have trouble accessing information in each of the unique files. It displays information only from one of the maps. For example - I open the Southern (after closing the other one) and see the Southern Maine information again.
Anyone out there using this software? Anyone have any suggestions (besides dump it all and get a Palm!!! LOL )
I like the Palm!! :D Of course, having a laptop on extended road trips is nice because you can import those caches to an overlay and view the whole state at once to get a feel where you want to go or the route to take. This is using Street Atlas USA.
I'd like to welcome trackspv to the site. Great to have you and your family here. Look forward to seeing you guys on the trail!
Now BC, don't give up yet! We'll figure it out. I'm still playing with Mapopolis and the maplet feature. I hoping that this will be the answer!
;)Oh, believe me - I'm not giving up!! As it stands today, I can go caching without paper. Just have a bit of fine tuning to do.
Now we will have opinions to share about the 3 lead products for PPC - DeLorme Street Atlas, Microsoft Streets & Trips, and Mapopolis. That's fantastic!!
Is it better to do all the mapping on the gps and leave all those other mapping programs on the PC.
Finally, after a little frustration and some encouraging words from fellow cachers, I have made the last leap into paperless caching. Using GPXtoMaplet feature, you can get the cache locations onto the mapopolis maps. The directions are located on this page. http://www.mdgps.org/modules.php?name=pocketcaching I still have a little tweaking to do...but this looks like it might work.
Although, I think I'll miss my Gazetteer!!!
Believe me - unless you're bringing a laptop with Topo USA on it, you'llQuote:
Originally Posted by cameoooooo
STILL be glad you have the Gazetteer! :D
Your right it is Street Atlas for handheld, After I import the txt file that lists all of the waypoints (Cache's) into Street Atlas on my computer I hit the exchange button tab on street atlas, When it asks what to exchange I hit the draw file and all of the waypoints are transfered into my pda, I then run street atlas on my pocket pc and all the waypoints show up on the map. I can route to them and everything right from there. I carry no paper maps or anything, just the pda. I just upgraded to 2005 and still plying around with it, I think 04 was a bit easier but i have accompished the same results with 05Quote:
Originally Posted by Beach Comber
Trackspv
My first challenge is that I can't get the txt file into Street Atlas Handheld.
Can you outline the steps that you take to accomplish that?
Where is the exchange option?
And where do I find the draw file?
I have looked and looked and looked! Haven't found these - perhaps they are staring me in the face. To be honest, once DeLorme told me that it wasn't possible to accomplish this with Street Atlas Hand Held, I tried another software. I'm very interested to see if I can make this happen as you have!!
Thanks!!
You can't do it with SAHH alone - you need either SA for PC or Topo USA to be able to export the draw layer to SAHH on your PDA. Stupid as it sounds...Quote:
Originally Posted by Beach Comber
Don't know why Delorme did it this way. Maybe they wanted to be able to sell 2 versions of software instead of just one! :D
After alot of help from other cachers, Tat and Team Kai. I have decided half of my problem is my laptop. I have decided to take my laptop on the road. I have GSAK and will be installing SA 05 on it this week. Plugged into truck power I will soon be on my way. Thanks to all who have helped, including those encouraging posts.:D Paper, or paperless it's still the adventure. Just look for the white Tahoe with the dish on the roof. LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beach Comber
WhereRwe is right, I forgot that I had already installed street atlas for pc BEFORE I installed street atlas for handheld, When I installed Handheld I only installed the files for the pocket pc. Sorry if I misled you.Quote:
Originally Posted by WhereRWe?
Im not sure if I have ever used SA Handheld by itself on a pc other than when I first got it. I do remember it was missing alot of cool features that came on the pc version thats probably why I kept using it. It does everything by itself you just need to have handheld the device files so it will run on a handheld device.
I don't think I've ever used SAHH on the PC. Once I installed the program on the Palm, all I ever use is SA (PC) or Topo USA, downloading maps/waypoints to the PDA.Quote:
Originally Posted by trackspv
Well, perhaps I am crazy, but that has nothing to do with paperless caching - hehehe
Thanks for all the discussion and direction! This is what I understood the situation to be, but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something along the way.
Bruce - do you use a palm os or ppc? I think it might be different for the two technologies because I know that Brad has been able to get the waypoints plotted into his palm using the SA HH version.