Maps & Atlases

Google Maps, Msn Virtual Earth and Yahoo! Maps on the Same Page

Why it’s good to have all three map services in one place? Simply because there are geographical regions on Earth where the three services are complementary. These complementarities come from many points. The first one is geographically. There are regions where MSN Virtual Earth has good road maps  but Google Maps has more accurate image data and with a higher resolution. And also is about the up-dated maps and images.  Once they have not the same sources of  data (Image courteasy of NASA for MSN Virtual Earth , Data Navteq, Teleatlas for Yahoo! Maps and Google Maps) the images have different resolutions and collection date. In some regions Yahoo! Maps has good city maps with clear specification of one way roads and street names. These regions are in Asia, Africa, South America but also in Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine) where the need of all these three maps services together is obviously big. For example in Romania Google Maps shows on the map only the main important cities and some localities situated on the main national routes and  MSN Virtual Earth shows on the map all main cities and a lot of small villages. But the area covered with high resolution images by Google Maps is significant bigger than the area covered with high resolution images by MSN Virtual Earth and Yahoo! Maps. But Yahoo! Maps has better city road maps for the main cities from Romania : Bucharest and Timisoara. In Argentina MSN Virtual Earth comes with geocoding places and addresses, road maps, satellite imagery and photography and traffic incident and flow information (but you have to be careful – data across the country seems very inconsistent : there are floating parallel roads that lead nowhere and locals notice there are incorrect road names). Google Maps and and Yahoo! Maps have not good road maps, and traffic incident and flow information but they have in some regions of Argentina better satellite imagery and photography.   The second complementarity comes from the additional tools they have and how they implemented them. Getting directions, finding addresses, overall speed of loading programs, overall intuitiveness are some of the features where these three programs are complementary. And in the latest service of these software “Reverse Geocoding” service ( which is finding an associated textual location such as a street address, from geographic coordinates ) there are also important differences. In some regions  you can get only the county names for Google Maps and full address at a level of street name and number for MSN Virtual Earth and in other regions you can get nothing from MSN Virtual Earth but something from Google Maps. Also there are differences in the accuracy of data. When you have all these three services together you can have the opportunity to compare them to see what and where you may find better information.  A sample of the implementation of all these three services in one page exists at  www.satelitimobiliare.ro   which is a real estate site. Maybe you may find it interesting. All together are quite useful BUT when you have a good internet connection (if you are lost, didn’t get a map of where you were going ahead of time, and don’t have an internet connection then all of these services are useless) Cojocaru G. http://www.articlesbase.com/web-design-articles/google-maps-msn-virtual-earth-and-yahoo-maps-on-the-same-page-630883.html 

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Good Things About Aerial Photography and More!

Good quality photos greatly depend on the manner of taking them. One popular example of commercial photography is the real estate photography, which many companies with this nature of business utilize in producing promotional materials.

Photo releases are good publicity materials this is why most firms make use of it in introducing their products and services. When it comes to real estates, blimp aerial photography is commonly used. This cost more than the usual photo services but a wise company would not mind taking this as a promotional tool for it promises wonderful returns.

Aerial photography in Utah is a method of photography wherein subjects are taken from great heights. The cameras used for this type of picture-taking cannot be supported by tripods since aerial cameras are used from helicopters, blimps, airplanes, or other aircrafts. The photographer must be skilled at this because framing the picture requires consideration of altitude and picture angle to achieve correct perspective.

Aerial photography has a wide variety of uses. Its outcome can be used for maps or stitched together to produce images of an area’s topography and major elevations. These pictures can also be useful in real estate advertising and brokerage firms to show how neighborhoods are laid out.

High altitude aerial photography is used in land-use planning, commercial advertising, environmental studies, archeology, artistic projects, and many more. Aerial photos of Utah real estate undergo analysis and assessment before they are distributed to the targeted market.

Good thing that real estate firms can make use of advanced radio controlled models to conduct even low-altitude aerial photography. Modern pieces of equipment such as these have been very advantageous especially for advertising purposes. Real estate advertising is conducted for both commercial and residential properties.

Since some potential properties are hard to reach for inspection and assessment, model aircrafts are available to use. Small-scale model aircrafts offer increased photographic access to these previously restricted areas. Miniature vehicles, however, cannot be a substitute for a full-size aircraft since the latter is capable of longer flight times, higher altitudes and greater equipment payload.

Although aerial photography is advisable especially for commercial purposes, it’s not easy to perform. You would need a professional to tackle this job. Every clear real estate shot ensures a step closer to success. With this type of photography, potential clients get more information about the area wherein they plan to purchase a home or put up a business facility.

Professional photographers with exemplary skills, perseverance to achieve quality shots and an eye for details are definitely needed to perform aerial photography.

For additional information, check out this site on real estate photography..

Andrew Beene
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/good-things-about-aerial-photography-and-more-728489.html

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Antique Prints And Maps Auctions

There is something inherently intriguing about ancient maps. As a child, most of us have played games where we have imagined that we had found a map giving the location of hidden treasure. If only it were true! This may be one of the reasons that many people have a fascination for antique maps. The physical characteristics of the world may not have changed remarkably since map making began, but the political aspects most certainly have. Imagine being in possession of a pre-Columbus map that did not show the Americas correctly, now that would be a truly priceless antique. The technology involved in mapmaking is constantly improving but there is still a desire to own some of the earliest examples of cartography.

Unfortunately, just as there are millions of people who yearn to own a genuine antique map of Columbus’s expeditions or of the early astronomers’ guides to the stars there are just as many, if not more, people out to pass off a modern map as a genuine artifact. You do need to be extremely careful about researching the authenticity and provenance of these allegedly antique maps. This is undoubtedly the case if you want to purchase one of the more rare examples of cartography. This can only be achieved by hiring experts in the particular era that the map relates to. Many of the earliest maps were drawn on parchment that requires particular care and conditions to prevent it from being destroyed. Only national museums are lucky enough to house such treasures.

However, the greater majority of us simply want to buy a print of an old map to hang on a wall. We do not want a map because of its financial value but more because of its personal value. This type of print is far more easily obtainable and certainly more affordable. The most popular types of prints are those of maps relating to a city, county or state that family ancestors originated from. These can usually be found relatively easily and are on sale for a reasonable price. Of course, the paper is not going to be ancient parchment or manuscript, but placed in a good frame, they will certainly make conversation pieces at your next dinner party.

Auctions, both online and offline are fast becoming the most popular place to find prints of specific maps. You may also find that there are antique maps for sale if the owner has not sought advice on its genuine value, but that is becoming less common. In summary, you need to decide what price you are prepared to pay for a map, whether it is an original or a print. There is nearly always an option available to suit any budget to enable you to have an interesting piece of history on your wall. By far the best starting point for a new collector is to buy prints of maps, whether regional, global or astral. These can be bought from numerous outlets. Be warned, once you have begun collecting these fascinating pieces of history, you may find it difficult to stop. The only limit to the size and content of your potential collection is the amount of money that you are prepared to spend!

Rachel Paradis
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/antique-prints-and-maps-auctions-64385.html

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GPS and Other Emergency Contact Devices

What is the best kind of GPS system for you? This depends on what you intend to use it for.

Garmin 12 GPS is very good. There are various models of the 12, 12XL etc. They can be found for under $150. The altimeter is usually off but once you find your position, most of the time the map tells me what my altitude is. They have a pretty decent battery life since you rarely ever use your GPS for 12 hours straight.

The vendors selling GPS units are Garmin and Magellan, those are good brands and can meet your requirements quite well. There is a third player, Brunton (compass makers gone hi-tech). They make very reasonably priced GPS units with lots of bells and whistles. Garmin GPS records the distance travelled, speed, average speed, etc. Make sure you get good battery life and enough memory to be useful.

Mitac Mio 168 comes out well for my requirements but is more expensive, especially if you go for the tom tom mapping software too (voice directions when I’m out on my motorbike!)

Most of the functions on GPS of this sort you can get from a map. Maps on pure GPS are not as good as on a GPS/PDA but good maps for these are usually expensive. Some mountain rescue team members use PDAs with 1:25000 OS mapping data for recording search patterns etc.

You really need to look at your own plans – for instance, most backpackers use GPS to “confirm” their position, and they don’t use it to set waypoints, determine compass direction, navigate, etc. Many backpackers use it as an emergency navigation tool in Utah’s deep, narrow canyons, where a map and compass can be almost useless.

One word of warning, take very seriously the statement on the front of all GPS units “Do not rely on this unit as the primary source of your navigation.” It’s always a good idea to have a map and compass with you when engaging in wilderness travel and use them right along with the GPS. It can actually be kind of fun to see how accurate you are with a compass and compare map routes with GPS routes to see why you ended up going the way you did.

What are the numbers on a compass for and how do you use a compass? The numbers on the compass are for degrees or headings. They will tell you what direction to proceed on. The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of compass you have, a floating dial or a floating needle.

As to emergency contact, you could buy an expensive Iridium/satellite phone – they can get a signal just like a GPS does. They run over $1,000. It may also be possible to rent one. For real emergencies, not simply a vehicle breakdown, there is a GPS signaling device, much like ONStar (GM trademark), that can send an emergency signal. The final thing to do is to check in at the local ranger station, BLM office, forest service visitor center, etc., and see about leaving your itinerary with them, as well as a promise to check-out with them when leaving. If you don’t check in, they would send someone out to check on you.

Victor Epand
http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/gps-and-other-emergency-contact-devices-86449.html

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All About an Atlas

Children going to school are usually introduced to an atlas when studying geography. They find out much about the world through the use of these types of maps. As the children become adults and start to travel, they may rely more on road maps and city maps to give them the information they need while traveling. There are several differences between a road map and an Atlas, and each one serves their own purposes. A road map is a detailed map that shows most roads available to travel on in any particular location. Along with the roads, they often show items that would be of use to people traveling by automobile, such as rest stops and scenic locations. They can also tell a person traveling how far it is from one point to the next. These road maps either can be found for individual places, such as a state, or can be found in a book that includes maps of all fifty states. An Atlas, like a road map is a book of maps. However, an atlas usually contains maps for many parts of the world, not just the United States. They are meant to give a person a broader understanding and perception of the world, not just the roads within certain destinations. An atlas also gives detail about locations such as the population and climate for a particular area. An atlas will usually also tell the time zone of a particular location. This information may not be of interest to some people planning a trip, but for others it is very useful to know, especially those traveling to more then one location, the time zone information would be particularly useful to know. By looking at an atlas, a person can also find out information about cities and towns, not just where they are located. For those interested in owning an atlas, either in preparation for an upcoming trip, or just for the educational benefits of studying one, there are several places to consider looking. The first place, which may be the most convenient for people is online. There are hundreds of websites that sell a wide variety of atlases. They can be purchased both used and new and there is a large price range depending on the type of atlas bought. Another good place to find and purchase is at an office supply store. There a person can find an atlas similar to those used in schools and other varieties as well. While an atlas is generally in paper form, there are also forms available on CD Rom, perfect for those who spend a lot of time on the internet or computer. Travel maps come in a wide variety of styles. It is up to any person planning a trip, or just wanting to know more about places in general, to decide which information they are seeking and the best source for finding their answers. While road maps and atlases may contain some of the same information, it is clear that they are also unique and a wise person would want to search out the information contained on both of these types of maps. Articel Source : Simple and General Blog Andri Irawan http://www.articlesbase.com/tutoring-articles/all-about-an-atlas-523758.html

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Vital Benefits of Vehicle Tracking System

Vehicle tracking system is a craze of modern time and has taken the market by storm. With the help of vehicle tracking system, one can navigate to any part of the world. This system has made tracking a vehicle as easy as putting a chip on it.  With the help of this system the exact location of the vehicle will appear on the connected computer screen. This connection is made through satellites, which orbit the earth. Vehicle tracking system helps vehicle owners to keep a check on their vehicles, thereby preventing theft or misuse of the vehicles. GPS tracking system consists of a satellite transmitter or cellular unit to track the location of a vehicle. Individuals can view the location and other information about their vehicles on electronic maps through specialized software or through the Internet.    Vehicle Tracking systems are generally installed by various fleet operators, which operate these tracking devices to assist them in routing, dispatching, and many other functions, including on-board gathering information and monitoring security. Tracking systems can also be used to collect driving behaviour, and for reliable prevention of theft and retrieval. Today vehicle tracking system on large scale is being used by shipping industry as ship owners require some coordination to determine the location of their large fleet of ships. This helps them to find the exact location of their ships so that they can administer them accordingly.  Another major benefit of the vehicle tracking system is that it reduces the insurance cost of the vehicle. Installing a vehicle tracking system will automatically reduce its insurance cost as insurance companies are aware of the fact that vehicle tracking system keeps a vehicle more secure and it further ensures that it is driven in a safe manner. Productivity of fleet operators can be closely monitored with a vehicle tracking system, which gives an idea of downtime as well as the breaks taken by drivers. It is also essential in accounting for overtime requests as it does give managers the chance to pick out their most productive drivers and give rewards for their behaviour. Vehicle tracking system is a key component of vehicle security and is strongly recommended by security agencies. Another use of vehicle tracking system is highly found in the field of service management. Companies that provide routine repair service usually have large amount of employees circulating their service. This system helps to plan a schedule in order to operate at high level of efficiency. Vehicle tracking system helps one to make exact travel time estimations to plan his schedule in a better manner. A vehicle tracking system is a must have for every organizations. GPS tracking system consists of a satellite transmitter or cellular unit to track the location of a vehicle. Article Manager http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/vital-benefits-of-vehicle-tracking-system-694499.html

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Satellite Navigation Positively Affecting Traffic Safety Says Research

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek, or TNO, is a leading Dutch research institute and it recently revealed the result of their research that they did on the effects of satellite navigation to driving and traffic safety. The result shows that satellite navigation has been a great help in keeping drivers responsible and safe. The study found out that just like a Jet Chips cold air intake component that positively affects the engine, satellite navigation also positively affects the behavior and safety of drivers using it. Different companies producing devices which subscribe to satellite navigation commissioned the non-profit organization to make the research. These companies are Aon, Athlon Car Lease, Delta Lloyd, and TomTom. The research found out among other things that satellite navigation has improved the driving behavior of drivers using cars with satellite navigation. The study shows that drivers make stops 25 percent less when guided by satellites. The use of the technology decreases the amount of time they are idling by as much as 35 percent. Usage of satellite navigation systems also decrease the number of turns drivers make while driving to their destination. This shows that this technology is far more superior to conventional navigating methods like using paper maps. The behavior of drivers also changed and this is shown in the 50 percent less instances when inappropriate actions are taken like ignoring traffic signs. This shows that the use of the satellite aided navigation system allows the driver to focus on driving more than finding the way. Another thing that the use of satellite navigation gives to drivers is heightened alertness. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents in the study said that they feel they are on top of things when they are using a satellite aided navigation system. This translates to reduction of stress that is commonly found in drivers who has much trouble finding their way to their destination. The respondents also said that they are more alert with regards to traffic situations when they have a navigation device. The use of satellite navigation was proven also to decrease the workload of the driver. Compared to other methods like using digital Internet route planners, the use of satellite navigation system requires less exertion and effort on the part of the driver. The research also found out that the mileage of a vehicle is reduced by as much as 16 percent when using a satellite navigation device. In connection to that, the time spent on traveling is also reduced by as much as 18 percent. This reduction in time and distance means that less fuel is consumed. Since lesser fuel is consumed, the use of devices such as those manufactured by TomTom helps drivers to save money. This also means that satellite navigation indirectly helps in the protection of the environment. When it comes to insurance claims, the research group found out that those drivers who do not have a satellite navigation device makes 12 percent more damage claims than those who use satellite aided navigation devices. The research was conducted in The Netherlands as commissioned by different companies. Three elements were used to answer the fundamental question “What are the effects of navigation systems on traffic safety?” The three elements used in the analysis of the survey were user survey, damage database analysis, and test drives. User surveys were conducted to determine what the drivers using the technology feel when they are using satellite navigation systems. The damage database analysis was conducted to find out the number of cases of damage claims filed by drivers with satellite navigation systems and those who do not have them. The test drives are conducted to gauge the effectiveness of the system against other navigation methods. Lauren Woods http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/satellite-navigation-positively-affecting-traffic-safety-says-research-105733.html

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Using Satellite Photographs, Topographic Maps, Google Earth 3d for Feng Shui Research

Recently, I came across a software which allows me to access great deal of satellite photos. Then an idea comes to my mind, I can perform some research with these satellite photos. If we have access to topographic maps, aerial photographs, together with the use of satellite photos and maps, we will be to make a great deal of landform research without leaving our homes.

This software which gives me the access to satellite photographs is Google Earth 3D. Although it is a free software, it also provides paid premium services. As a start, the free version is good enough for me as it already allows me to access the satellite images of great deal of cities (New York, London, Beijing, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore, and alot more) and places. I can even locate the house I’m staying in with Google Earth 3D. With the software, we can also tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings, providing even more flexibility for the research.

Besides displaying these satellite photographs, Google Earth 3D also let us find the distances between places, which is another big plus.

We can perform research on things like incoming roads, incoming water, outgoing water, incoming mountains around the places of our interests. These satellite photographs should provide us with great deal of information and idea of the places before we personally going down to perform even more refine research. The terrain feature and the ability to zoom in and out also allow us to perform analysis from the town aspect, or even from the city aspect. We can trace the rivers which run over a great deal of distances, the great mountains which link to the smaller mountains. There is some much we can do with this free resource.

Today’s high tech resources have enable us to carry out even more research, and the access to these satellite photographs is definitely one of the fantastic resources out there.

Ray Liew
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/using-satellite-photographs-topographic-maps-google-earth-3d-for-feng-shui-research-102796.html

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TomTom GPS: The Navigation System to Go!

Aberrations when we travel make us sick and pretty annoyed. It might result to a lost career opportunity or lost chance of enjoying a privilege. Chances are, you have experienced a terrible aberration that makes you wish you have all the advantages of a TomTom GPS.

If you are unfamiliar with this stuff, the presumption is that navigation is causing you much trouble. What therefore is a Tom Tom GPS system? Well, it is a navigation system available including and excluding maps preloaded to them. Viewing maps and finding your destination is made the very essence of this navigation system..

TomTom GPS device can be mounted on top of dashboard or anywhere near the driver seat. It can provide a 3-dimensional image of streets where you are going. It also gives voice directions and text information. This navigation system, as it develops, creates the smallest GPS for vehicle in order for it to be more accessible and mobile.

It also offers multimedia features such as video playback. Even when you are driving, you definitely need something to soothe your mental muscles and make them relax. Listening to music or watching videos may be the cure.

Most units of this navigation system are sleek, stylish and user-friendly. Most are portable enough to carry with you while you are away from your vehicle. The lighter cable meanwhile, can recharge it.

TomTom GPS device is offered in variety of styles and colors. They come in varying units and outstanding features. They can be wired into a typical car audio by an discretionary “car kit”. With it comes audio in, audio out, power supply audio mute and the “disconnection signals.” The receivers may be accompanied by a built-in antenna to have a good signal. The screens are also made wider and can even accommodate an “all-in-view” tracking.

It also has an integrated GPS receiver that is functional through satellite navigation. This feature attempts to know the direction of the vehicles whether it is on between tall buildings, tunnels, and in places where it is hard to get satellites signals.

Another great hting is that it comes with regional maps that give the drivers a good 3D image of the location.

Users can also request, the TomTom GPS unit, for a re-routing direction in case of road closures or other obstacles blocking the route it originally chose.

It is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Danish, and Swedish. Its spoken instructions also have Belgian Dutch and Norwegian languages. In addition, more and more languages are still in consideration.

Nowadays, going somewhere unfamiliar may sound more of a thrilling escapade rather than a frightening one. The excitement can never be altered by navigation aberrations because you are guided by a powerful and entertaining device.

TomTom GPS answers all your queries for directions. It eliminates the need of road maps that are sometimes very incomprehensible and dangerous to use especially if you are driving alone. While maps give you good sense of directions, It gives you the better navigation for it allows you to concentrate on your driving without the need to keep your eyes on the road and map simultaneously. This navigation system will send you to your destination fast, safe, and fun.

Sandra Stammberger
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/tomtom-gps-the-navigation-system-to-go-14178.html

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What My Satellite GPS Can Do That your Road Atlas Can’t

Television is not the only “cool” thing using satellites these days. For anyone who likes to travel or wander, the GPS satellite navigation systems that have been on the market for a few years are handy on-the-road companions. Some automotive manufacturers offer GPS in select car models however GPS can also be purchased after market and can be operated outside of the car as well. Satellite GPS navigates through signals received from the myriad of satellites orbiting earth and is extremely accurate using the maps that are loaded into its memory.

So what does a satellite GPS device offer that a road atlas doesn’t? GPS satellite systems provide directions while traveling, generally through voice instructions which allow the person to keep their eyes on the road. No more pulling off to the side of the road to study a map, struggling to read illegible print, or trying to find just the right spot with only a dome light for illumination.

Satellite GPS devices are also “smart” as many can also provide updates on weather and traffic information and then assist in mapping an alternate route when barriers exist in the pre-planned route. This flexibility and problem solving make it an invaluable tool when traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Satellite GPS devices are also great to use when hiking, camping, cross country skiing, and participating in similar outdoor activities. Their small size and light weight make them a great tool outside of the car and are often recommended by outdoor enthusiasts and organizations for safety purposes.

Most satellite GPS devices sold in the US contain maps and points of interest such as airports, hospitals, and so forth to the tune of over one million locations. However, these devices aren’t limited to the boundaries of the US obviously. For those who wish to use the device when traveling outside the country, many devices have flash cards which can be used to download the appropriate maps corresponding with their destination making satellite GPS a great travel companion.

For many potential users an important consideration is ease of use. Many satellite GPS devices, such as the portable Sony Nav-U, are ready to use right out of the box. It has maps and over 1.6 million points of interest loaded into its memory. It offers a full color 3.5″ touch screen display and 2-way speaker system. Cost of an average satellite GPS device is in the range of $400 to $600 dollars but given years of good service and flexibility of use it would seem an excellent investment.

In the world of navigation or route finding, it seems that satellite GPS devices will eventually put basic road maps and compasses into the same realm as typewriters and carbon paper.

Christine Peppler
http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/what-my-satellite-gps-can-do-that-your-road-atlas-cant-87379.html

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How To Generate Custom Maps For Garmin GPS Units

Garmin is one of the top brands of GPS Units, which are available. One of the best features of Garmin GPS Units is the fact that the units have the ability to receive and download custom-made maps. You will need a specific computer program in order to create maps for Garmin GPS Units. This program is called cGPSmapper.

You can purchase cGPSmapper at its website: http://www.cgpsmapper.com. cGPSmapper is available for purchase in both professional and standard versions. You will have to purchase a registration key in order for the program to work. However, you can use cGPSmapper for thirty days without a registration key, in order to test the program out.

This program is available specifically for Garmin products. However, it should be noted that the cGPSmapper system was developed independently from Garmin. It was developed, in order to fill a gap where other GPS programs leave off, and it works quite well, if you know how to use it properly.

You need to make sure that you have a few necessary items or programs. These will be used to help you generate your map and download it to your GPS device. What you need will include cGPSmapper, geographical information on the generated area, a way to download the map to your GPS once it has been created, a program to generate and manipulate graphics (think Adobe or Paintshop), a Garmin GPS Unit, and if you want to add photographs to the mapping, then a program called OziExplorer is necessary.

To generate the map, you can use geographical photographs, maps from your Garmin GPS Unit, other maps, and aerials. Once you have found the images you want to use, you need to install your cGPSmapper program. You will be guided through the installation, so you should not have any problems with this step at all.

You are going to want to generate the map photographs. This may mean you are scanning them so the area can be mapped out or downloading them. Once you have done this, you can calibrate any images you have with OziExplorer. This is only if you want actual photographs of the area as opposed to a map.

Your map will need several points of reference on it. You can map these points and they will be imported specifically into your cGPSmapper program. The points of interest will give you the ability to generate the details of the map. Both waypoints and tracks can be saved in OziExplorer.

You will need to edit multiple txt files in order for the map generation to work properly. You can find out exactly what to put in these txt files by doing a search for custom map generation on Garmin GPS devices in your favorite search engine. These txt files should be placed in your cGPSmapper folder. You also need to modify another file called GenerateMaps.bat. You will be modifying your registry and can find out more information on this as well as a template you can use at the cGPSmapper website.

Once you have modified the batch file and the registry file you will find that two images have been created. You can navigate through MapSource or another similar program to find these images. You can navigate for maps with MapSource, and unlike other GPS programs, you do not need to use a CD to do this.

Your map should map the information that is listed in the registry. It may take you a little while for you to make certain that the image can be uploaded. If it cannot or there is a problem, then your MapSourcce will not even start. You will not have to worry about trying to download the file until you know it will load. Common problems include a wrong location where the file is stored and problems with the registry so check those two things first if you are having trouble with MapSource.

Once MapSource is up and running you can do little things like play with the zoom on the image to make things easier to see, tweak the image itself, and prepare the image to be downloaded. Now, comes the moment you have been waiting to complete.

The area on the map, which should be downloaded, needs to be highlighted. You should connect your PC to your GPS device or you can connect the two through Bluetooth technology. Once you are connected, use your GPS system to navigate on your PC to where you stored your map. Then you can click File >>> Send to Device.

When your map is loaded, you can use it on your Garmin handheld unit or Portable GPS system. The best part is that your custom maps will be stored so you can use them later, when you need them the most.

Catherine Tower
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/how-to-generate-custom-maps-for-garmin-gps-units-88409.html

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