Mapping Software – Memory Map/Anquet/Tracklogs/Quo

I’ve had a Garmin Edge for ages now but my usage has always been just a case of looking at routes after I’ve done them in the Garmin Training Centre/Google Earth. Now I’ve got a Suunto Ambit3 I figured some mapping software could be quite handy. The 2 things I am thinking of using it for are:
– planning routes
– working out the elevation gain/lost from my Edge routes! (the altimeter doesn’t work very well, I’ve lots of 20km high rides apparently)

I’ve been trying to work through free trials to get familiar with each as I’ve seen people suggest on stw. So far I’ve only looked at memory map. One thing I’ve noticed is the distinction between routes and tracks which I’ve seen mentioned elsewhere.

This doesn’t help with working out elevations from previous rides on my Edge as these come in as tracks, whilst I can see a profile I don’t seem to be able to get a total vert stat anywhere.

I’m a bit unsure what the process is in terms of route planning too, say for instance you were following some forestry track snaking its way up a valley you’d only put way points every so often at junctions/navigational areas but the amount of straightlining you’d do would mean that the distance/height gain on your route card might not truly reflect what you’re actually going to walk/run/ride. If you were to religously plot tortuous tracks you’re going to end up with tons of way points which will be a pain to follow! What do people do for this? I’m struggling to find any workflows as opposed to just instructions on what each button does!

Any help/suggestions much appreciated!

Mat

For accurate off-road route planning you will always have to create tracks.

I’ve used Anquet since it was first launched but now use Garmin Basecamp and/or OS Getamap. The former was free and uses the maps in my Garmin GPS. The latter is an annual ssubscription but it gives uk-wide 50k and 25k mapping for less than £20 per year, making the likes of Anquet and Memory Map look a bit expensive.

Wow ok that seems considerably cheaper! I’ve already spent £20 on MM downloading bits of map, for that much for a year I’ll give Getamap a punt! Glad I asked now!

Thanks
Mat

Getamap v2 is currently undergoing beta testing so it’s worth sticking with it.

Another vote for OS Getamap. I use it to map all my routes these days then I can export as a gpx which I can import to my Ambit. The Getamap interface is a bit clunky which can be frustrating at times but if they’re beta testing V2 that’s interesting news!

Ive had a go with the OS get a map V2 beta, its ok. Still not quite a replacement for a dedicated offline package.

Still I think that Quo is good, for a dedicated mapping system. Lots of options that I find useful and use often.

I’ve been playing with the new GetaMap, so far so good. Quite a few features missing so been sending feedback. Currently no ability upload/download GPX tracks. Suggest people do the same so we get what we want.

OP I also use Basecamp and bikehike (planning)

sort of PSA – keep an eye on fleabuy, as MM seem to sell off old stock there every so very occasionally.

I’d recommend bikeroutetoaster[/url]. You can differentiate between waypoints (normal markers) and coursepoints (direction instructions). It also works well for paths from open source maps.

I like memory map for it’s ease of use compared to garmin basecamp. but it’s expensive now needing licenses for this that and the other? There is no real difference to route and track in MM except track does not show the waypoints and can be freely drawn in like using a pen. You should be able to get all sorts of useful information out of the MM. There is no issue with swapping gpx between the MM and garmin, and both should give information from the same file – if not somethings not working (maybe a licensing issue?!). I have a garmin edge but prefer the pda with MM v5.0 on. The garmin IMOP is slow, awkward and expensive. But if OS have finally sorted out getamap for the prices suggested then great..selling individual maps via MM seems crackers

how do you get access to the newer version of getamap?

Scratch that – found it.

at least with garmin micro sd card once you bought it its yours and basecamp is free which I find, having used it for a few years in UK and aboard, is pretty good. No annual fees or subs etc.

(the altimeter doesn’t work very well, I’ve lots of 20km high rides apparently)

It does. I’d suggest resetting your altimeter.

Stand outside
Menu
System
GPS
View Satellites
2 figures on the right of the screen, top one is you current elevation, bottom one accuracy
Go back
Set elevation
(Here I suspect you will find your 20k elevation data that has been put in manually)
Delete all the data
It should auto populate once you close it

Altimeter isn’t in the GPS it’s using satellite data

I use ViewRanger. Find it very good for planning and managing routes (previously used Tracklogs).

I have the V5 memory map discs which I’m not using – worth selling?

Anyone tried Mapometer? Seems pretty good for mapping routes quickly and simply. I used to use MM but it’s too clunky and expensive now.

Thanks for all the suggestions people, plenty there for me to look into.

Pawsy_Bear – the Edge 305 doesn’t allow you to manually callibrate the altitude unfortunately!

It seems it’s been an issue for others too. I must have had it for something like 10 years now. I think it happened a couple of years in, I probably should’ve sorted it before now!

If you have a gpx file or similar from a route you have covered importing it into bikehike will give you height gain info from is mapping for free.

It will automatically plot accurate tracks on road (some forest roads; so long as they are drawn on google maps too) failing that you can ‘draw’ straight lines on the mapping