[dubthang]

I got an Etrex Venture HC for X-mas. It's still boxed w/ receipt so I can exchange it if needed. Can this gps make maps on my computer from tracking my previous outings? That's what I wanted a gps for, to map out trails and whatnot. I've been searching for the answer, but haven't found it yet.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[johnnyspoke]

Yes, it can. There's a thread down the page here about websites for sharing gps info. Check that thread out for places to upload your data to show your trip on a map. I like Trimble outdoors pretty well. Did you get maps with your gps? If not, you can get free maps from here: www.gpsfiledepot.com These maps can be transferred to your gps so you can see where you are while on the ride, with much better detail than the basemap. The only real issue with the Venture HC is if you plan to load very much map data to the unit. There is no provision to use a chip and the internal memory is only 24mb. That should be enough to cover mapping for any reasonable day ride, but if you're doing any kind of multiple state road trip, you'll run out of mapping memory quick. But that's only if you want to put maps on the unit. Tracking your rides, especially if you upload your data reasonably often, you'll be fine.

 

[dubthang]

Thanks for the response. I don't really plan to use it for directions on multi day trips all that much so I guess the memory thing isn't a big deal. I really want it for mapping out existing trails at the current places we ride. This way we can find out what trails are legal/illegal, where fixes need to be made, new trails blazed, trail maps shared, etc.

Google maps has been a nice asset in helping us work on local trails. The gps will make things a whole lot easier.