Maps and more Maps

[softpedal]

I'm thinking of treating myself to some digital mapping software with the eventual aim of buying a gps.
Been looking at some demo packages. ie. from Memory map, Anquet and Tracklog. All look fairly similar, although I tend to favour Anquet.
Any opinions on which might be best for cycling application, and are there any others to consider ??

[duncster]

i've been using memory map with garmin etrex successfully for the past couple of years. The etrex is the cheapest gps with a pc link capability (or it was when i bought it). It's also waterproof, although not suitable for scuba

Shop around on the internet for the best price. I got mine from Amazon for about £80.

Memory map is a little quirky, but does the job. it's great plotting routes on the computer and then transfering them in a matter of seconds onto the gps. It's been upgraded since i bought mine so they've probably made some improvements.

I've also bought a handlebar mouted bracket - the etrex clips easily into it.

So my advice is invest! £140ish should be enough!

[piedwagtail91]

i prefer tracklogs because i found it easier to use and at the time it was easier to save all my rides to gps as tracklogs rather than routes using it.i'm using it with a garmin vista c (now cx). at the time i got the gps anquet didn't work with usb, but i beleive all three support that now.
keep using the demos, as you say they're all pretty much the same. i think it's down to which one feels best for you.

[andrew_s]

There's also Fugawi (as in Where the Fugawi?)

I use Memorymap, but I'm sure that they are all pretty much the same.

I'd look at where the region boundaries are - you may find that you are close to a boundary on one, but not another.
Another possible consideration is the availability of foreign data - Memory Map do IGN 1:25,000 and 1:100,000 if you feel you may want to plan your holidays.

[softpedal]

Thanks for your advice guys. I've gone for the tracklogs, they do an all england cover for £89.95, which pretty well covers all that I'll want.
Looking forward to playing with it.

[sm-h]

There is a seller on E Bay from whom I got coverage pf GB [1:50] on Memory Map for around £20 [and 1:25 on 4 DVD's for around £30]. I have used it to plan a trip to Ben Nevis from Garstang via Arran, and it has been very useful for gradients and distances. A very good bit of kit I think.
Have fun,
SMH