[pct-l] Route trace for Topo! Software

[Ken Roberts]

This winter I gathered up 3 sets of GPS / Mapping Software to check them 
out and convert some waypoint and track data. Delorme Topo USA 6.0, Garmin 
MapSource 4.09, National Geographic Back Roads Explorer TOPO Ver 3.4.

I found the MapSource software interesting because you can actually load 
topographic maps into your Garmin GPS.   My Garmin has a about 1 1/4 inch 
by 2 1/4 inch screen and you can scroll the topo map on the screen.  A 
track and waypoints of the trail could by uploaded to a GPS to be displayed 
against the topomap. The map scale looks about 50,000:1. which is about as 
much detail as you can use on the small screen. It would help a great deal 
to have a color display.  It does provide you with additional orientation 
in a convinent package.

Anyway if your interested in downloading my tracks and waypoints of the 
PCT, I have them in four different software formats You can download from a 
link at the bottom of this page. http://www.morethanamile.com/pctcd/support.htm





>There are a few different software programs out there that are specifically
>for using / mapping / GPS exchanging / etc. for outdoor recreation.  The two
>most common are TOPO!, now owned by National Geographic www.topo.com and
>Delorme Topo USA.
>
>You can trace trails, make notes, print various sizes and scales, etc.  You
>can dump your information (waypoints, points of interest) to a hand held
>GPS.
>
>Once you have a map layed out, you can save it by name as a file to recall
>later.  This is also very nice because you can share these files with
>others.  For example, someone just gave me an excellent file that has all of
>So Cal traced, many very useful waypoints, and side trails marked.
>
>I hope that helps.
>
>BillB (YTNH)