Garmin Edge 705 and Mapping Software

Resurrection from hell time.

In case Edge 705 users didn't know (or other devices, for that matter), there is a free alternative to using Garmin's maps. The bonus is that the maps are updated frequently. Also the font used for road names is a whole lot more readable than topo maps from GPSfiledepot.

NJ can be had here.

Simply get the garmin .img zipped file and copy it in the Garmin folder. Always back up the old one, you never know.

One can join several .img files with mkgmap.

The only downside I see is that it includes "noname" roads, and they're displayed as red blotches. Not a big deal IMO. I'll try to play with the source OSM files see if we can get no-noname maps. Otherwise the map is routable as far as I can tell.
 
I've read through this whole thread and still unsure, so i am going to ask.

Is this worth getting for me?

What I am looking for:

Something to fall back on so i am not lost out on the trails. I would like something to get me back to my car safely. I am color blind, so sometimes, depending on the trail, and how well they are marked, i get lost until i know the trails well enough.

I am not too concerned about, but are plusses:
the training features, heart rate monitor, etc....


Will this do the job? is there something better for what i am looking for?
 
Got mine last year for the exact same purpose as I wanted to ride trails that I've never ridden and not have to worry about getting lost. This device is so worth it. With it, you can ride pretty much anywhere that's worth riding.
 
Interesting. I've been doing this hack myself. I'm actually the one that put a lot of the mountain bike trails in the OSM project. I should get back to putting more in. I like how they compile them for you, pretty sweet. It's annoying to remember the steps to get them on your garmin.
 
gtluke said:
Interesting. I've been doing this hack myself. I'm actually the one that put a lot of the mountain bike trails in the OSM project. I should get back to putting more in. I like how they compile them for you, pretty sweet. It's annoying to remember the steps to get them on your garmin.
Click to expand...

Not only that but the OSM API only lets you download a fairly limited area.

CloudMade maps are definitely very sweet for the road. Off-road gpx works just fine for me. Just as long as I don't choose white as the color of the track.

FWIW the mapping ability is what got me hooked, although the HRM and possibility of hooking up a powermeter are a big +.
 
Yeah good point Maurice, I'm trying to get mapsource working on my new computer here now so I can check these out in it. I really like the OSM project. Don't forget the http://www.opencyclemap.org/ too, it's the same info put on a topo map. I wish I could get those on my garmin but I'm not smart enough.
 
gtluke said:
Yeah good point Maurice, I'm trying to get mapsource working on my new computer here now so I can check these out in it. I really like the OSM project. Don't forget the http://www.opencyclemap.org/ too, it's the same info put on a topo map. I wish I could get those on my garmin but I'm not smart enough.
Click to expand...

Topo can be useful. I checked out opencyclemap but in my area it places Mountainville and Cokesbury under water... And the zoom level is too wide.
 
qsilvr99 said:
Since I have access to Autodesk Civil 3D, Map, and Land Desktop, I had hoped to use them to create good detailed maps. However, my background is mechanical not civil and really know nothing about the functionality of these programs.

Ben, do you guys use these for mapping at all or just construction detailing? I know from my one civil client that the GPS data is the heart and soul of an civil engineering firm and they DO NOT share it.

All in all, I gave up and bought Topo 2008 and will probably buy the 24K version of the North East if and when they make it available.
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I work in civil/environmental and we use GPS/GIS/Autocad. GIS data that works in autocad and arcgis for NJ is free. You can find topo maps, aerials, streams, roads etc from the NJDEP's GIS page. These are all coordinately correct, just make sure your gps is set to NAD 83 and state plan coordinates as that is NJ's standard. I haven't used the garmin edge, but have used the delorme earthmate PN-40. It kicks ass and you can map trails. there is delorme software needed to bridge the gap between delorme and autodesk/esri (GIS).
 
Wow this thread is very long.

Ok Just would like an update on all you who are using this G705.
You all know I have an iPhone. How is the GPS to lets say the iphone?
Is the mile you ride accurate or is it off a mile or so?
How is the GPS functions?
How do you like the unit in total?
Thanks for your time on this....😀
 
RonC said:
Wow this thread is very long.

Ok Just would like an update on all you who are using this G705.
You all know I have an iPhone. How is the GPS to lets say the iphone?
Is the mile you ride accurate or is it off a mile or so?
How is the GPS functions?
How do you like the unit in total?
Thanks for your time on this....😀
Click to expand...

I have a 705 and its an awesome tool. If you want to track your rides and monitor your fitness level then a garmin is great.

If your just looking to map your rides and want an improvement in GPS sensitivity, im not sure how much better it is than a phone.

If you wanted to take a gps file and use it to follow a loop somewhere, can you do that with an iphone?
That is one feature I like on a garmin. Plus you can add peripherals like the heart rate, cadence, and power.

As for the device, the 705 is a solid piece of equipment. I have had it fly off and land in rocks once or twice, and its held up nicely.
When I busted a few handlebar mounts, the service is top notch.
 
njsideshowbob said:
I work in civil/environmental and we use GPS/GIS/Autocad. GIS data that works in autocad and arcgis for NJ is free. You can find topo maps, aerials, streams, roads etc from the NJDEP's GIS page. These are all coordinately correct, just make sure your gps is set to NAD 83 and state plan coordinates as that is NJ's standard. I haven't used the garmin edge, but have used the delorme earthmate PN-40. It kicks ass and you can map trails. there is delorme software needed to bridge the gap between delorme and autodesk/esri (GIS).
Click to expand...

All you really need is some trail data. The GPS units typically provide basemaps for you. Getting the trail data into your GPS is the process that requires you to go around your ass to get to your elbow, since most consumer units use proprietary data formats.

I save KMLs from garmin connect, convert to shapefile, trace over the "average" trail location in ArcMap, then export as kml, convert to GPX, then import the GPX into Delorme Topo USA. This process doesn't preserve any attributes, so I need to re-encode the trail colors etc if I want to see more than a single colored line on my GPS. It would be cool if there was a consumer grade GPS that could read KMLs directly.
 
jShort said:
I have a 705 and its an awesome tool. If you want to track your rides and monitor your fitness level then a garmin is great.

If your just looking to map your rides and want an improvement in GPS sensitivity, im not sure how much better it is than a phone.

If you wanted to take a gps file and use it to follow a loop somewhere, can you do that with an iphone?
That is one feature I like on a garmin. Plus you can add peripherals like the heart rate, cadence, and power.

As for the device, the 705 is a solid piece of equipment. I have had it fly off and land in rocks once or twice, and its held up nicely.
When I busted a few handlebar mounts, the service is top notch.
Click to expand...

From what I understand no you can not import files like the garmin does.
But i could be wrong. What about getting wet? Or getting caught out in the rain, how does it been holding up?\\
Is there a sensor that goes on the spokes?
 
RonC said:
From what I understand no you can not import files like the garmin does.
But i could be wrong. What about getting wet? Or getting caught out in the rain, how does it been holding up?\\
Is there a sensor that goes on the spokes?
Click to expand...

Importing gpx file and following them is possible on an iPhone. Following GPS tracks is a good experience as long as you have a good cell signal. You will need to get an app that allows this like MotionX GPS. Some things to remember about the iPhone:

1) no cell phone signal = no gps
2) it's more fragile .. having said that i mount it on my bike even in sub-freezing and drizzling weather and it hasn't broken
3) it's much less accurate in terms of mph, distance & elevation
4) no cadence or heart rate
 
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