Recommend Me a GPS

[Daboo]

I observe the general misconception of " *.gpx being a universal/global standard "...
Not quite, as every provider, programmer and manufacturer adds and alters "his/her" *.gpx with additional data; routing info, road classes, average speed info, etc...
And then you've the issue that all work with different map-set/projections, where way-point positions and road layouts differ... (thus always check/recalculate on your map-plotter prior transfer...)

Apparently, Garmin recalculates the route unless you create tracks. I used the tracks conversion feature on the Garmin, but since I didn't create tracks, it recalculated based on start and end.

ST1100Y has a good point. GPX is a file extension and what constitutes a GPX file is ...like the Pirate's Code...a suggestion.

And now you understand why I program my routes in the GPS itself instead of transferring them from something else. I've used Kurviger in the past. I like it very much. But even with as simple as it makes to create a route or a track...it is easier not to deal with the variances of how each program or device treats routes/tracks.

I hesitate on letting my GPS recalculate the route. From Brave's search results:

Key routing options and management techniques include:

• Routing Preferences: Select Faster Time (default), Shorter Distance, or Adventurous (prefers curvy roads and hills) via the Trip Planner or Route Planner.
• Avoidances: Configure preferences for toll roads, tolls and fees, environmental zones, and unpaved roads in the Navigation Settings, though these may not transfer from imported GPX files.

The point being that if I want the same results in the computer program as within the GPS itself, the routing preferences must be the same, and the avoidances too. For instance, let's say I use Basecamp to plan my route with the default "Faster Time" route preference. And my GPS is set to the same routing preference -- but I have in my Avoidances to avoid "Highways" ...I'll get a different route.

Each program defines "route" and "track" and "shaping points" it seems differently. I would pick one, and then stick with it till you work out what works and what doesn't for you.

Chris

 

[Uncle Phil]

I guess I'm just an old GPS 'troglodyte' since I still create my routes in MS Streets & Trips (best routing software ever IMHO).
My simple program I wrote manages the routes and uses GPSBabel to convert them to KML and downloads them to the Chinese GPS.
Other than an occasional waypoint being slightly off (throw it away easy enough with the icon) the GPS takes me where I've told it to go.
A few clicks in my program and everything is converted/copied from the desktop to the GPS and all is well.
I built in an option so I can do that to an entire folder (like for a long trip) with a few clicks.
I have also converted GPX routes into MS Streets & Trips (it has a GPX import function) to look at them.
Then down to the GPS using my program and that seems to work well also.
It has worked for me in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe and New Zealand so far.
To me, the purpose of a GPS is to get you where you want to go in the path that you want to go with the least amount of effort and hassle.
That is not necessarily a function of money spent but of how well does the software and hardware work.

 

[Daboo]

That was a point I wanted to make and forgot to. Use whatever works for you. Find one method that works and stick with it.

Chris

 

[irunamok]

I use my previous generation iPhone with no SIM, the GPS works perfectly, with Apple Maps and downloaded offline maps. The camera OIS was already ruined so I can put on the Xgrip and not worry about that. It B/T to my helmet, runs offline Spotify, and the only thing I'm missing is live traffic updates. If I need that, then i just use my current iPhone and keep in my pocket. I prefer Apple Maps to Google Maps, which have frequently had issues for me..."Unable to load map". Very frustrating. Apple doesn't do that to me and they have greatly improved their product in recent years. Offline maps work perfectly.

But I'm also still a Garmin guy, they just happen to be in storage ATM. I have a number of them that I bought so cheap and downloaded OSM to replace the no longer updating Garmin maps. OSM works perfectly on the old units and they are highly detailed maps.

 

[MidLife]

I use my previous generation iPhone with no SIM, the GPS works perfectly, with Apple Maps and downloaded offline maps. The camera OIS was already ruined so I can put on the Xgrip and not worry about that. It B/T to my helmet, runs offline Spotify, and the only thing I'm missing is live traffic updates. If I need that, then i just use my current iPhone and keep in my pocket. I prefer Apple Maps to Google Maps, which have frequently had issues for me..."Unable to load map". Very frustrating. Apple doesn't do that to me and they have greatly improved their product in recent years. Offline maps work perfectly.

But I'm also still a Garmin guy, they just happen to be in storage ATM. I have a number of them that I bought so cheap and downloaded OSM to replace the no longer updating Garmin maps. OSM works perfectly on the old units and they are highly detailed maps.

Can you get turn by turn voice from OSM on Garmin?