Garmin 24K National Parks East
I bought the Garmin 24k TOPO National Parks East last week. I have the DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads too. I bought the Garmin software because I can upload the maps into the GPS, and I hike mostly in the WMNF. This version is similar to USGS Topo’s. I use these in addition to the AMC maps hiking and planning hikes. The Garmin software covers the entire AT, the AKK’s, Vermont’s GMNF and other areas I most likely won’t venture to
Coverage Area The maps don’t show some of the newer trails and does show older abandoned trails i.e. Osseo Trial. I find the level of detail quite impressive although some man made features such as power lines are not shown. I think most of the mapping programs I’ve seen are created using one source. The maps show attractions and features in the wrong locations. This happens with DeLorme, National Geographic, and Garmin. For instance Garmin shows “White Mountain Motor Sports Park” in my back yard. It’s down the road a bit. I can hear it on Saturday evenings but it’s not in my yard. National Geographic tells me my house is in the next town when I type in the Address in the search function. So I won’t use these as the final solution to anything for hiking. The AMC Guide and maps are still the best source for planning and attacking.
These guys seemed to have the best price.
Marine Electronics Unlimited
I ordered by phone and was delivered in 2 days by UPS, it shipped standard 3 day ground.
I haven’t used the GPS for hiking yet mostly for driving directions and other fun stuff. The computer keeps track of your maximum speed, fun while alpine skiing (55mph so far.)
The Garmin software is better for creating waypoints and hiking trip routes. The DeLorme does this too, but I find that when I upload the trips and waypoints to the GPS from DeLorme the waypoint names are truncated and hard to decipher.
What can I say I love maps. It’s what I do at work. I haven’t had the opportunity to use Maptech products, I’ve only seen demo’s.
Jim
