[tahj33]

I want to buy a GPS but I'm trying to figure out if it will meet my expectations.

Does either GPS (305 or 705) contain a map of my local trail for example, maps of all the trails in Patapsco Park? I know one can always map his own trail with a GPS but I want a map that already has my local trails all mapped out. The capability that I want will be akin to the map of a car's navigation system.


I hear people talk about loading a topography (Topofusion) map but isn’t that just an elevation contour mapping of the terrain?


If all the above is possible, will an Edge 305 cut it or would I need the 705? Also, what exactly do I need to get the job done?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wherewolf]

Check Motion Based

Check Motion Based. Somebody may have ridden it and posted their route, which you can download, put on your 705, and follow. Check similar sites, such as MTBGuru too. Otherwise ride the course and you will have it mapped, and you can share it with others.

 

[Harold]

You cannot load topofusion maps onto a GPS. You are limited in large part to the proprietary maps produced by the GPS manufacturer. There are a limited number of free maps available with varying amounts of content for Garmins. Topo maps do have elevation contours, but they also have roads, streams, and other features of note. It's helpful on a backcountry ride where you're not familiar with the terrain.

 

[ExigeS]

I just got a 305 yesterday and have been doing some research. I found this post and I think it answers what you are looking for. Yes, you can download routes and then follow them but only if someone has ridden it before. A park like Patapsco (I ride it every week) probably has hundreds of uploaded rides on Motion Based. Here is the post that tells you how to upload to your Garmin. I am not sure who wrote this so I can't give credit but it was not me.

Go to http://trails.motionbased.com and search for the name of a trail you know, or an area you want to ride. You'll get a list showing the poster's username, the area, distance, altitude gain, etc. Click on any of the "Export" links at the bottom of the "summary data" column. You can download a CRS (Course file for the Edge), GPX (a common standard gps track format that works with google earth and other software), or an HST file (for direct import into Garmin Training Center). It's the CRS file that you want.

You should also grab the Motionbased Agent software to upload tracks to Motionbased, as it also allows you to load CRS files onto your Edge. You may need to open a free account (which you already have) on Motionbased to get the software.

Once you've downloaded your CRS file from Motionbased to your computer, you can fire up the MB Agent software and click on Import Files. Browse to where you saved the CRS file, and "Send to Connected Device" (assuming your Edge is plugged in to the USB).

That's it. When you get to the trailhead, on your edge, click the mode button to go to Training, then Courses, then select the course, and you "Do Course". After that you'll see a timer and click the start button.

 

[tahj33]

Thanks guys!! I guess the edge 305 will do it.

ExigeS, I follow your weekday ride thread of Patapsco but I'm too busy and out of shape to ride with you guys. I don't get to ride that often, couple of sundays every month, due to school and work but my schedule should change after July. But in the interim, I hope to make the best of my time by using the GPS' HRM and cadance.

 

[GEOMAN]

We're posting GPS related links on our site. This page is getting lots of traffic, FWIW, and there's plenty there to occupy your time.

It's on our home page, scroll to the bottom and click on "GeoMan's GPS Links".