So, back around 1999 or so, I had a whole pile of USGS topo maps, and various gazetteers and local maps, and generally could find my way around places I'd never been with some degree of work. Which is why I usually led outings for the group of guys I off-roaded with....

Then I got a Garmin ColorMap GPS. Small crappy display, required use of a tandem differential mode antenna to work with enough resolution to be useful, but I could download topo maps to it, and manage it from a computer so it would have enough useful stuff to at least help me figure out which sectional map I needed to use...

Have things improved? In this world of in-dash nav systems, what's the state of the art for off-road GPS? Anyone use those things? Or are you all just running the same trails that your friends showed you, not breaking ground into new territory?

 

Seeking out remote undeveloped hot springs is a hobby of mine. Often the nearest semblance of even an unimproved grown over trail doesn't even exist. I have to tread overland up mountains and through brush. A GPS is invaluable since the USGS gives me coordinates for my destination. Without a GPS, it would just be a lot of guesswork (still is) since landmarks are pretty much non existent. MOST of these hot springs are in Idaho and Montana. Many times it requires crossing on private property (even though you don't necessarily know it's private property) A lot of those folks don't care if you're police, or any other govt. All they know is that you are on their property and they don't want you there! Having a GPS let's me always know where a creek is, or even the nearest FS road - in case I need to get back to some semblance of civilisation rather quickly! lol Even a $100 cheapy is good to keep tucked in the glove box.

 

GPS, I dont need no stinking GPS.


I agree, they have come along way since 1999.

 

I use an app on my iPhone for normal on road navigation, but I have also been known to break it out for off road stuff too. There are several apps that do GPS that only need the GPS signal, they are not dependent on a cell signal.

 

I've been using a Delorme GPS with Street Atlas USA and Topo USA on my laptop for about 8 years or so.

 

you have the laptop connect to the internet?

 

I use A nav prog on my Phone for road use, and also have full UK "os" (ordance survey) maps, great when your offroad so you know exactly where you is all the time, helps a lot to make sure you keep on the right track and keep the greenies happy!!

 

Nooooo. I'm not that high-tech. Actually I'm too cheap to pay for that. LOL
I just have the mapping software loaded on the laptop.
You can use google earth too, but my laptop is too old to run it in a useable fashion.

 

Most gps units offer additional cards that have the topo for a particular region on it. Mine is kinda crappy but for like $40 I could get a topo of the south.

 

got ya. im too cheap as well.. have google earth on my laptop.