Can anyone reccomend a *simple* easy to use desktop or web application for creating GPX tracks with a mouse?  Doing it on top of a USGS Topo map would be ideal.

I'm aware of Mac GPSPro, Google Maps ability to create and share tracks, Google Earths ability to export KML files which can be converted to GPX files, etc.  What I'm looking for here is something that is designed specifically for GPX files on a Mac using Topo maps from someplace like Microsoft Terraserver.  It will be run online, so it doesn't need to have map packs, GPS Connectivity, etc.

Thanks!

Craig

Craig-

Logged on tonight to see if I could discover if anyone here is running with Mac naviagtion equipment. I see that at least there is this question. I have three priorities for my rig right now, one being my navigation/communication system.

I have grand plans and am excited to roll out my concept...but need some info first. My only hard and fast criteria for my build is it must be Mac based.....I know call me crazy, but I have my reasons.

Is anybody running with Mac GPSPro in the cab of their rig?
If you are, what are you using as the GPS interface? A handheld device such as a Garmin or a simple Globalsat receiver?
If you are, what are you using for the laptop? Macbook, Macbook Pro or Macbook Air?
Do you have the laptop mounted? If so, where did you source the mount?
Lastly, did you install or did you consider any other form of communication tied to the Mac platform such as EVDO, WiFi, Sattelite Phone or other?

PS- Mac GPSPro rocks.

Thanks for the info.

Dustin

Dustin - Nevak Risew and Nate Skate are both running Mac GPSPro. Laptops mounted on RAM mounts.

Nate,

Thanks for the information. I have everything set up and functioning as advertised. The GPS receiver I selected is working great, is simple with regards to install and cheap. My next step is in-cab installation. I will be posting that process on the BLOG.

I am pretty stoked about the iPad. I will be curious to see what can be done with it.

Thanks again for the info.

Dustin

 I too use MacGPS Pro. It does the job without any hesitation. Day to day I have a 17" MacBook Pro, however I use an old G4 12 inch ibook for in the truck as it does get battered around a bit, and the old laptop (running 10.5) does a fine job, even on huge maps. The only problem I've had with it is reading calibration in map files with extremely long file names. I emailed Lawrence James about this and he said the work-around was to shorten the file name, which worked fine.

I generally purchase/download maps I need for various events from DataDoors and they run in beautiful living color on MacGPSPro.

cheers, Dave

Dave,

Nice to see another Mac user. I run mine on a 15" MacBook Pro. I like the idea of having a smaller laptop and someday may go there. For now, I have to use what I have. Have you had any experience with running APRS with the software? That is my next adventure to figure out with the software.

What maps are you getting through DataDoors? Have you run any Aerial or Sattelite imagery on the software? If so, do you place those in the auto open folder along with the rest of your maps or did you make a new folder?

By the way, love the list of Rovers you have in your signature. Someday mine will be similiar.

Dustin

Hi Dustin,

Can't believe I missed your reply and questions! Sorry about that. I still have trouble getting email alerts from this site and my memory isn't as good as it once was.

In the past year I've changed from using my Mac for GPS to an iPad. I use the 3G model, which has the built in GPS chip, but I haven't bothered to enable the 3G, as I have a good data plan on my iphone so when I need connectivity I just turn on the iphone hotspot.

I use the $6.99 GaiaGPS app after trying a half dozen others. This provides me all scales of topos for US and Canada for free, and they either load as needed and are cached, or you pre-download them for an area if you are going into somewhere with no cell/wifi service. I've found this works very well, and I've collected quite a nice library of maps, not to mention a lot less $$ in map purchases. I've likely saved enough in Datadoors purchase to cover most of the cost of the iPad.

I love the screen size. With the RAM mount suctioned to the windshield its just about the perfect size. I did purchase an anti-glare screen for it. The glare wasn't bad except in certain situations, but it also protects the screen against scratching.

I really like Craig's Overland Navigator, but didn't really want to assemble the pieces for a windows machine including touch screen and all, so when the iPad came out using it made sense, and if Craig brings out a universal app version of his, (nudge, nudge) I'll likely switch to it. But for now, Gaia is doing the job very well and has given some good thought into it's product, such as direct connection to your everytrail.com account.

My trips logged to date can be found here:

http://www.everytrail.com/my_trips.php?user_id=163625

cheers, Dave