GPS Mapping Software

[Guest]

I just bought a GPS Map 76 and would like to get some software that shows smaller lakes on it, as well as more roads. My base map has the major roads and lakes but not the small ones. Just wondering what everyone else recommends? I am new to this mapping stuff? But, I know there is something out there because one of my fishing partners had it on his. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, any thoughts on the Lakemaster Software would be appreciated. I have never used it but I am anxious to. Thanks ScottS

[Guest]

Back to the top!!! There has to be someone who knows a little something

[Guest]

The Lakemaster is really the only mapping software you'll need. Unless your fishing offshore waters.

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MILLE LACS AREA GUIDE SERVICE
651-271-5459 http://fishingminnesota.com/millelacsguide/

[Guest]

Scott,

Garmin units can only have Garmin maps downloaded to them (lame, I know). I have the Garmin MapSource Metroguide CD (make sure it's the latest version which mentions "PC auto routing" on the jewel case, some retailers may have old versions on the shelf). I've downloaded these maps to my GPSMap 76 and they work well enough. The shoreline and road detail is much better than the basemap but not anywhere near the shoreline detail in the 1:24,000 USGS topo maps. However, some lakes I fish are only 200 acres and they are included. Garmin has a map viewer so you can see if your favorite lake or area is covered to your satisfaction.

There is a lot of discussion over which Garmin CD to use since they make a number of them that cover similar data with differing accuracies (MetroGuide, Roads & Recreation, Topo, etc.). Since I don't have all of them I can't give you my opinion on which is better for fishing purposes. The MetroGuide is more than adequate for driving on roads and the shoreline detail seems to be OK. There are a couple reviews on the Internet about the differences between the products but I seem to have misplaced the links.

I also have the Lakemaster Leech Lake Reelbottom map and it is pretty cool. You can't actually download the map outlines to your Garmin (or to any handheld GPS receiver that I'm aware of) but you can certainly transfer waypoints and routes back and forth. Just be careful if you are running Windows 2000 as there are some compatibility issues which cause the program to crash frequently. It is still a valuable tool, IMO.

I haven't had much chance to test the accuracy of the Reelbottom maps but plan on trying it out on Leech numerous times this coming year. I have not tested the non-Reelbottom maps at all.

A good GPS resource is Joe Mehaffey

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 02-27-2002).]

[Guest]

Thanks a lot guys. That is what I was looking for. I have the lakemaster, Mille Lacs and it is great. I just got it and just experienced the "CRASH" that sucks. but, it was working fine before that. I will keep trying. I am running Windows 2000. I may get the Mapsource software since they are offering a deal on it right now.ScottS

[Guest]

I have windows ME my locks up all the time ,I sure wish they would get it worked out. other wise i'll have to buy windows XP and that's another $99.

[Guest]

Mine is constanly locking up now. It really sucks but when it is working it is really nice. I would think they could get a fix for it. I called the company 2 days ago and didn't get a response yet.ScottS

[Seabass77]

Scott,
I had the same problems and spoke to the people at lakemaster about the fixes. They gave me a band-aid fix and said they are still working on the permanent one. I guess they are having problems because the people at microsoft aren't being very cooperative.

Here's what you need to do. Open up your wnnt file and then click on temp, make sure your view is set to list, go in and delete all the files with the white page and microsoft logo on them. They should have a squiggly line right next to them.

This should clear up your problem. Until they have the permanent fix, try not to jump around too fast in the software with the zoom functions

Seabass