Let me try this again!

The first sample map, below, is based on material that started out with the line of products available through Garmin.  The software used is Garmin's MapSource, the base maps (topo's) are from Garmin's Topo Canada, and my particular GPS unit is a (no longer in production) eTrex Vista Cx (color + MicroSD memory card).  (The unit is pocket sized and is generally mounted to the foot rail in my Wenonah Prism.)

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Legend:

Black line (with dots): established canoe route (for this year's trip)
Small green dot:  campsite
Small red square:  beginning/ending of portage (length removed to eliminate map clutter ... I retained this for my hardcopy versions)
Fish symbol: species of fish found in lake
Small yellow inverted triangle: commercial boat caches (which probably means a fly-in lake)
Small orange dot: location name (not otherwise provided in MapSource)
Small black + symbol:  reef or navigation obstruction

For those famaliar with Mapsource, few of these symbols are from the standard set.  I found the standard symbols excessively large when downloaded to my GPS, so I created a series of customer waypoint symbols which dramatically reduces the visible clutter (in both Mapsource and on my GPS).  Other custom symbols (not shown in the sample), pictograph (stylized thunderbird) and note (pencil & pad).

The image (above) has been downsized and the details are a bit hard to pick out.  However, you might be able to pick out a bit more detail from:

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and perhaps using the zoom feature of your browser.  (Of course, with the Garmin map software you can zoom and out at will and the actual images are not as grainy as this.)

Keep in mind that MapSource/Topo Canada provides few of the details shown beyond the basic topography and location names of significant landmarks.  The other material is source from a number of available web resources.  (I'll provide a comprehensive list later.)

So ... to do these maps, you are talking about a substantial time investment to pull these resources together (and in some cases convert them into a format MapSource is capable of manipulating).

dd

Why 2 different set of maps.

I carry the GPS map only in my GPS?

The Memory Maps are printed and serves as my primary source for navigation.  Of course, I've tweeked the colors so that they taken on an appearance very much like Fisher maps (yellow land mass, blue water).

My printed maps are on 13 X 19 inch waterproof paper, which fit my map case near perfectly once folded in half.  Of course, I print on both sides of the paper to save weight and space (and to same on paper ... its a bit pricy).

dd

marlin55388 wrote on Apr 19^th, 2009 at 6:32pm:

I started out using National Geographic Adventure Paper, but I've only been able to find it up to Legal (8 1/2 X 14") size.  A very similar product is made by (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) in sheet sizes up to 13 X 19 inch.  I found a pretty descent price for this on Amazon.  The once printed (lazer or ink jet), the ink becomes permanent (it doesn't come off even in very warm tap water submerged for 5 minutes).

The printer used is an (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links), which lists here for $299 less a $50 dollar rebate.  When I bought it, it had a $120 rebate.  (I've also seen them on Amazon for under $200.)  This printer handles stock up to 13 inches wide.  It also uses 6 different ink cartridges (about $20 each).

dd

Marlin -

Sorry.  Since I purchased my first Garmin unit when the model number was "12," so I've kind of stuck with that manufacturer.  I've not spent much time evaluating units from other manufacturers.  (My last two Garmin units have had mapping capabilities.)

However, a quick check of Lowrance web sites shows that they support software (MapCreate) and it looks like they have a Topo CD for Canada.  This is more or less where I started with the Garmin products.

dd

d. doc: thanks for the sample map: looks like the portages on the route marked are fairly short, what I'm trying to put together is  :question..if I wanted to do this same route with a 19' Grumman and 9.9 hp motor....is that legel, legal or however ya spell it :question.