GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

170Part III: Digital Mapping on Your ComputerUnderstanding Universal Principlesof GPS Map SoftwareTake a look at some universal GPS map software principles that apply to allmap software offered by GPS receiver manufacturers. I’ll present the importantrules that relate to GPS receivers that display maps and then discuss somecommon features all GPS receiver manufacturer software packages share.Begin with the three rules of GPS receiver mapping software. If you’re consideringpurchasing a GPS receiver or mapping software, pay attention to theserules to avoid hair-pulling frustration before or after shopping. Then I moveon to show you common GPS map software features and how to upload amap to your GPS receiver.Three rules of GPS mapping softwareConsider these three basic tenets before you start to shop for GPS mappingsoftware. Not all GPS receivers can display maps. Lower-cost models (typicallyunder $150) or GPS receivers with very small screens usually don’t supportmaps. If you already own a GPS receiver, make sure that it’s compatiblewith the map software you’re interested in using. Manufacturer Websites are pretty good about listing product compatibility. The sameholds true if you’re shopping for a new GPS receiver. You can use only proprietary products (made by the same companythat manufactures your GPS receiver). For example, you can’t useGarmin maps on a Magellan GPS receiver. Likewise, you can’t use thirdpartymaps produced by DeLorme or Maptech on a Magellan GPSreceiver. Repeat after me, “You can only use Magellan maps on aMagellan GPS receiver” (or whichever brand you happen to be using).Admittedly, I’m belaboring this point, but a fair number of novice GPSusers think that they can load just about any map on their new GPSreceiver, which isn’t the case. Don’t expect the level of detail in a GPS map to match paper maps. Inorder to maximize memory space, GPS receivers use vector maps (createdwith lines and shapes) instead of raster maps (scanned paper maps). Andbecause a GPS receiver has a fairly small screen to display a map, don’texpect the map on your GPS receiver to appear as an identical version ofyour favorite paper map. Until GPS receivers incorporate science-fictionlike,holographic projection systems where a map appears in midair (andI’m not holding my breath), viewing a paper map will always be easierand more effective than staring at a map on a GPS receiver.