Anyone use Mapsource or another product? How are the charts?
I’m looking for a PC based map system that will let me transfer my tracks, routes and waypoints from my Garmin 440s. From there I want to manage the gps data on the PC and transfer back to the unit. It is a pain to do this on the unit. Although, I bought an additional power connector and wired it to a 12v converter so I can ‘mess with’ the gps at my desk.
Here’s what I’ve found so far.
Garmin is discontinuing BlueChart. This is the $150 map used with the mapsource software. A Garmin rep couldn’t tell me what if anything will replace BlueChart.
Mapsource software is free. To install on the PC you must have a mapsource map. There is a workaround to get the install completed without a map installed.
Check out this web site, you can download a free version of a program called GPS Utility. It is not mapping software, it just manages the information from the mapping software or from your gps. You can upload information from the gps, open files from all mapping software programs and manipulate the data. With just a few keystrokes I recently captured all of my garmin 440s info (waypoints, tracks, routes, etc.) and loaded it onto a lowrance unit.
“Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard, grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em!” …
I’ve used Mapsource and NRoute from Garmin and now pretty much exclusively use Google Earth to download, store and manipulate gps data with a nautical chart overlay on it that can be turned on and off. Can down/upload right from Garmin, Magellean or NMEA files. Can put free NOAA charts overlays on it for the whole country basically.
Russ B.
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