[X4U] GPS requirements clarified

[Stroller]

On 17 Jun 2006, at 16:29, Kevin.Hahn at colorado.edu wrote:
> ...
> My main goal is to be able to load maps of my choosing (with routes  
> programmed
> into the unit if possible) and then go and mark nav points on the  
> GPS (needs to
> have that important LCD on the unit) and then go back, sync the  
> units, and have
> printable maps with my nav points on it.
>
> My main use for this is to go out and map routes and photo op  
> locations for some
> sporting events that I do so that I can give good maps with precise  
> locations to
> my employed shooters so that they don't have to do any scouting on  
> their own
> durring the chaos.
>
> There aren't many GPS units out there that have any sort of good  
> rep for playing
> nice with macs like this (atleast not that I have found hence my  
> looking to this
> list for some help), other features in the GPS can be dealt with  
> later but the
> ability to upload maps, download nav points, and have it all  
> interface nicely
> so I can print them, and have a LCD on the GPS is all that I really  
> need, the
> other features in the specific unit can be compromised if those 4  
> requirements
> are met.
>
> Then again this would all be mute if I could just buy a new MacBook  
> Pro and run
> boot camp ;)

If you just want to print maps for your staff, and if you have a  
laptop, then you might not need a screen on your GPS at all.
I'm sure that Route 66 with a bluetooth GPS would be ideal - Route 66  
can print great maps at whatever scale you like, and directions on a  
turn-by-turn basis.
I think you're maybe photographing cycle races? It would be easy to  
generate & plot a route between GPS points 1 & 2 which avoided roads  
closed for the route, for instance.

If you want to use a hand-held GPS - or distribute several to your  
staff - then IMO you should look at the mapping software and the  
GPS's ease-of-use first and Mac-compatibility last - it makes such a  
difference when you're trying to use a unit like this quickly, or  
when you're lost and trying to pay attention to road-signs and  
driving at the same time. A MacMini or a second-hand Dell isn't such  
a big cost if usability will make your working life easier.

Stroller.