I recently picked up a Garmin Rino 650 and also got the HuntingGps Washington micro SD card. After messing around with the unit over the last few days I can see that the map clarity leaves a bit to be desired still. I guess I got spoiled this year using the iPhone with the Trimble Hunt GPS app but I was severely limited by battery life which is why I bit the bullet and picked up a handheld gps. I got the rino because my elk hunting partners are getting them as well.

Anyways, I'd like to know what custom map programs you guys are using to design and load high quality maps on your GPS units. I know you can make custom layered maps in google earth and then import them to the gps. I may give something like that a shot but I'd like to hear what has worked for some of you.

Thanks.

update:

I decided to try and make a map. Went on google maps and pulled up a topo of the drainage I hunt elk in. cropped out the area I wanted and saved as a JPEG file. Then went into google earth and zoomed in on said drainage. then clicked the "add image overlay" button. Matched up the overlay image with the google earth map below it and saved it as a Kmz file. I then connected my rino to the computer and drug that file into the "custom maps" folder on the garmin drive.

To make sure it was calibrated I marked a waypoint on the custom map and took a coordinates reading. Then I closed out of the map and disabled my custom map. Then I enabled the huntinggps maps and went to that waypoint and came up with the same coordinates on that map. Seems like it worked out. might have to try and do a custom map for a local blacktail spot so I can truly cross check the coordinates on foot.

I'd still like to hear how you guys are making custom maps and if so what programs you're running.

Avenza PDF maps on my iPhone, Google earth, and a back-up charger. Only need to use the maps a lot when exploring. Once I have the area down, I review maps a lot less.

That would be my suggestion too, Drew. For less than $20, there are all sorts of iPhone batteries and battery-cases that would give you plenty of power to keep using your iPhone. Check eBay.

I'm pretty set on holding onto the rino 650. I've wanted one for 2 years now. After making that overlay map last night i'm pretty happy since the google maps topo has way more detail than the huntinggps one it seems. I've just barely scratched the surface on making maps for these things.

Andy,

I agree that once an area is learned, a gps is not really needed but I love having topos at my fingertips. It's really nice being able to go straight to a bench or saddle or picking the best route to a ridge. Or what I'm excited for this fall, getting to and from my stand site in the dark.

Drew, I have the Garmin Mapsource Topo Maps for the entire US on CD-ROM...they are loaded on my Map 60 CSx and they are pretty good.

I think they are compatible with your RINO just fine, you are welcome to borrow them.

This is the one I have: http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topo.jsp

It is 1:100,000 ratio, which is the same as USGS topo maps.

Fish on...

Todd

Also, if this isn't immediately obvious...you can save stuff on your GPS using these maps and then transfer them to the maps on your computer...or you can save things on the maps on your computer and transfer them to your handheld.

It's pretty slick.

Fish on...

Todd

I must just be an old fart but I much prefer an $8.00 USGS map which after ten years of penciled notes is worth several grand

I just don't like looking at that tiny screen for data.

Lets sit on a mountaintop and see who can name all the nearby creeks and peaks the guy with the GPS or the one with the paper maps.

I hardly even carry my GPS anymore.

Helluva offer Todd. Might have to take you up on that. I anticipate needing to stock up on some 2/5's spoons too at some point this summer so maybe we'll kill two birds with one stone.

I just bought one of the 62stc on sale. I have used my cell phone to this point but am really waffling between the two I like the detail and clarity I have on the cell screen the gps can see the stars better.

I also carry a Rino, our whole elk camp uses them. The chargers are pretty cheap. Brood buster, the Avenza ap lets you download the usgs maps. I also have a bunch of those maps, and a few atlas and gazzetteer's. Good to have options.

Any time, Drew, just let me know.

Fish on...

Todd