Customer Reviews

GPS Mapping

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Rich went to a lot of effort, detailing each of the GPS mapping programs in his book. Better than a book of tutorials, Rich goes through each GPS map making program step-by-step, then steps back and makes comparisons to other programs. His book will save you a lot of time and money when making decisions on which program is right for you. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because some of the material is already out of date. Such is the way things go for cutting edge. However, Rich claims that his web site will keep up with the changes... but that's another subject.
- Doug
www.travelbygps.com
Travel by GPS Maps Waypoints and Tracks to Adventure

This book is entitled "GPS Mapping, Make your own maps" I see little in the book that tells you in any kind of clear or concise way how to do that. The book is little more than a review of various mapping softwares, which can easily be found just searching the internet.

To the Author; Rich Owings:
I am now half way through your book and I must say that it is a masterpiece. It is extremely well organized, clearly written, and very interesting to read. Well done! You may now give up your day job; although you are probably an equally excellent arborist and horticulturist. I am a sport fisherman using a small boat in small and shallow waters, Texas creeks, rivers, bays, and bayous. Most are within 6 feet of sea level and are poorly represented on raster maps (I use Magellan MapSend Topo 3D). You have taught me how to locate navigable paths in waterways as narrow as 6 feet (2 meters) and find a lot of 'secret' fishin' spots.
I hold you personally responsible for my sleep loss due to staying up late at night checking out software and viewing aerials and maps. You can pay me from that barrel of midnight oil you got to burn writing this book. Put me on your list for the Second Edition!

This book does offer a wealth of information about a number of the most popular software titles for GPS mapping. It would be particularly useful for those who haven't already chosen the software they want to use as these tutorials will allow a reader to get the feel of the software before making a choice. There are a few very good pieces of mapping software that aren't covered in the book, however. Still, it is worth the price just to compare.

As my review title shows: I expected more from this book than I got finally. I will explain my impressions based on the chapters of the book

Ch1 Making your own Maps
A global overview on choosing software for maps

Ch2 GPS: A Short Course
A small gossary of GPS

Ch3 Hardware and Software Matters
Some know information in prited form. Naming Yahoo groups, some links to GPS related websites, MAC and PC dependencies

Ch4 Maps 101
Technical information overview of map related thinsg (Datum etc.)

Ch5 Free Software: USAPhotoMaps
Some useful information for me as I am not a US resident and does not know anything about USGS

Ch6 Waypoint and Route Management: EasyGPS
only interesting for beginners

Ch7 National Geographic TOPO
Some useful information if you are not familiar with these digital maps from NG

Ch8 Maptech Terrain Navigator
Some basic information about this software. Information is based on version 6.03

Ch8 Maptech Terrain Navigator Pro
Like before, only some basic information about this software. Information is based on version 6.03

Ch 10 DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads
Again some basic information based on software version 2.0.0

Ch11 A Different Kind of Map: DeLormo Topo USA
Software review based on Topo USA 5.0

The next section is about Downloading Maps: More Microsoft TerraServer-Based Propgrams

Ch 12 TopopFusion
Software review based on version 2.1

Ch 13 ExpertGPS
Another software review. Based on version 1.3.7

The next section is about Downloading Maps: Free Maps from USGS and Other Sources

Ch 14 Maps 201: Downloading free maps
General descrition if images, raster and vector map and some sources

Ch 15 OziExplorer
Again only a software review of version 3.95.4
The first part where some practical tips are found on "how to make maps". Beginner level only

Ch 16 Fugawi GPS Mapping Software
A review of version 3.1.4.635

Ch 17 Garmin MapSouce United States Topo
Small review for those who does not know about these maps

Ch 18 Magellan MapSend Topo for the U.S.
Small review for those who does not know about these maps

Ch 19 Lowrance MapCreate USA Topo
Small review for those who does not know about these maps

Ch 20 Aerial Photos and Satelite Imagery
Global information, only 2 pages

Ch 21 Viewing Maps and Aerial Imageriy in 3-D
Three pages of information you already know

Ch 22 Moving Maps for PDAs
Description: which software above does support PDAs

Ch 23 Geographic Information System (GIS) and Vector Maps
only some global information

Ch 24 Make Your Own Maps: Creating Custom Vector Maps for Your GPS
Usage samples of OziExplorer, naming some other softwars not review in detail, Map Authoring resources in the internet

Ch 25 Make Your Own Maps: Transfering Custom Vector Maps to Your GPS
mostly things you already know when using maps from your GPS manufactor

Ch 26 Transfering Data between Programs: Utilities and Compatibility
Lot of tables and overview

For me, this book does not fulfill what I expected. A few software reviews on software I know something. But the main book title was not shown by the printed contend

If you are interested in making or modifying maps and using a GPS to do, this is a great resource.

Not for the average user, this book is way beyond what the average person with a GPS needs or could even use. I gave mine to a graduate student in the Geography Dept at our local University.

This book is very well thought out and written. I have purchased and downloaded several of the programs that he recommends and his instructions were enormously helpful to me. The author not only really knows the programs backwards and forwards but he has laid out the chapters and software tutorials in a detailed and easy to follow fashion. I am really glad I bought this book and though I am still working on my learning curve,I know I can refer to this book for quite awhile.

Every month more than 200,000 GPS units are sold to the general public and while learning to use a GPS is quite easy, choosing which software to use can be quite complicated and confusing. Very highly recommended, GPS Mapping: Make Your Own Maps by conservationist and outdoorsman Rich Owings informatively guides readers through all the diverse choices they face and explains just how to combine the fun of high-tech with the security of paper maps for their outdoors, wilderness, and travel activities. GPS Mapping covers all of the major brands of mapping software (including sources of free software and maps), and explains how to use aerial photos, satellite imagery, and viewing backcountry locations in 3-D. Thoroughly "user friendly", GPS Mapping significantly expedites the learning curve and will speed the outdoor recreation enthusiasts into a rapid expertise in the use of their GPS units.