Maps & apps for GPS

What sotware do i need to create my own custom map from a .gdb file i downloaded? I am planning to climb Peak Formosa, at 1675m the highest in the Tsitsikamma mountains, but can't find a detailed map. I've loaded the .gdb file into google earth, but i need to overlay it onto a contour map. Is there no way to import the file into google maps perhaps?

hi Guys
i have a Garmin GPSmap62 and i was wondering which are the best maps to buy for it? i have downloaded all the available waypoints off the VE site for caves and passes,
any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Fitness,

The best maps i can think of off hand is the SA Topo & Recreation.
it probably has the most detail around the berg as it does have the contour lines and such on it. as for trails and paths there doesn't seem to be much on any of the Garmin maps. You could also take a look at tracks4africa, but i think they have more 4x4 tracks than hiking trails.

There are programs you get to create your own maps and then use data from google and simmilar, but i have not played with them at all so i cant tell you if it works well.

I'm currently using my android to do all my mapping in the berg.

Cheers

Hi Fitness
I use Oziexplorer with the digital 1:50 000 maps of RSA. I find it incredibly useful and easy to use. Once You have plotted waypoints and route data on your computer you just transfer to GPS.
Ozi is also coming out with an App for iPad soon too. Cannot wait.

Regards
Selous

Hey Guys

After much deliberation over whether to get a dedicated gps or an android phone, I eventually settled on a Garmin etrex 20(mostly because of battery power). I'm pretty stoked with it and have already downloaded all the awesome free waypoints and tracks off ve.

My question is this: Does anyone know where I can get a free topo map for a garmin?

I know with an android phone you can get it so it must be possible for a standard gps.

Not really prepared to pay garmin R1300 for their one. Otherwise what really is the point in buying a gps over an android phone -other than battery longevity.

I have found one site that offers topo maps for every state in the US plus a whole lot of countries all for free download. Just no SA.

Or are we just the suckers of the world?

Hi Justin

One of our related Government Dept. in Cape Town will download the 1:50 000 topo maps for the whole of SA for you digitally for free. They also have the 1:10000 aerial maps too. You need to go there or send a friend/ relative with an external hard drive with lists of space. It takes a bit of time to do the download. For the life of me I can't think of the Dept name.

Regards
Selous

Hey Selous thanks for that but alas I just bit the bullet and ordered the R300 disc from Madmappers.

Hi Justin

It really goes to show how valuable this forum can be. You have put me in touch with a company that I did not know existed as I was trying to get 3-D maps of SA for my Oziexplorer Looks like I will also be buying some maps from them and the prices are very reasonable compared to Garmin

Thanks a mil.
Regards
Selous