gps mapping software

I've owned a StreetPilot B&W for 5 years and have been extremely impressed with the unit and service by Garmin. When the MapSource MetroGuide CD Version 5.0 came out using NavTech I was excited with the change. When I installed it on my StreetPilot the level of detail is very poor compared to the old software. Both versions have similar detail when the zoom is 3/4 mile or below. Above that zoom the old software has the clear edge.

If you factor in traveling at 55 mph you can imagine how quickly the screen image will change at 3/4 mile resolution. No longer can you see if the smaller state highways will be through roads or dead ends. In my opinion the new map, at higher zoom factors, is no better than a base map without the software loaded.

I've removed the Version 5.0 software from my unit and reloaded the old software. Garmin hopes to have an improved version towards the end of 2004, which realistically will probably be in 2005. I'm surprised they released this software with this flaw.

I am using it to upload waypoints and routes to my (Garmin eTrex Vista) and I found it to be very easy to use and does the job! I certainly recommend it for those who own eTrex Vista ...!

I received my Mapsource MetroGuide CDs today from Amazon.com and I have already downloaded some very useful information into my Etrex Legend: maps, waypoints, points of interest, with addresses, and even phone numbers of business establishments (restaurants and the like). Just the time saved from having all of this info at your fingertips makes the price of this software well worth it. And no need to make cell phone calls to directory assistance -- the number is probably in your Garmin! (Be sure your Garmin is compatible with this software, though!)

The software and its use with a Garmin GPS device is very intuitive -- you choose your maps simply by finding cities, making a few clicks to add the maps and waypoints to create a mapset, and you are ready to download it to your device. What could be simpler? My download of six map areas from one state took about 15 minutes -- and I still had more than 1MB to spare (limit of 8MBs can be downloaded at one time, to the Legend at least).

Now a word about the software manual: it seems daunting at first. But if you have ever used any type of streets & maps software, you are already half-way there. You won't need to get bogged down in the manual detail -- use it as a reference and you will be fine.

Yes, you can use your GPS device without this software. But take a quantum leap by ordering this software -- you will be very glad you did, especially the first time it saves you by showing you precisely where you are in relation to a restaurant or ... a restroom! Think about it!