[NTLUG:Discuss] GPS and OpenStreetMaps

[Val Harris]

On 09/17/2011 12:41 AM, Ralph Green wrote:
> Howdy,
>    I don't know if this is a long shot or not.  I have been looking at
> getting a used GPS unit to use with OpenStreetMap map data.  So far, I
> see two options.
>   1. There are a few TomoTom unit where the firmware can be replace with
> OpenTom and the OpenStreetMap data can be used.
>   2.  Many Garmin units seem to be able to use user supplied maps and
> they can be created from OpenStreetMap data.
>
>   Has anyone in the group tried either of these approaches.  Option 2
> might not work for me, if I understand how Garmin units work.  I think
> they put up a license agreement that you have to agree to every time you
> use the unit and the agreement is not one I would ever accept.  Plus, it
> is annoying and that is a bad start to using the units.  I may be wrong
> about the license, since I have only briefly looked at one of the Garmin
> units.
>    The OpenTom website is pretty poorly done and I can't really tell what
> units are well supported.  There are references to a lot of models, but
> they don't say wheher any are actually working with OpenTom.  I suspect
> I'd be happier with a TomTom, but I really don't want to spend time
> tracking down a good cheap used one without some pretty good hope of
> success.
>
>    If you have a GPS working with OpenStreetMap data, bring it to the
> meeting.  I bet I am not the only one who would like to see it.
>
>   In case you are wondering why I focus on OpenStreetMap, I'll say a bit.
> The data is freely available.  It is likely to stay that way and keep
> getting better.  With most GPS units, they expect you to buy expensive
> map updates after a year or two, or just buy a new GPS.  That seems very
> wasteful to me, and if that were my only option, I would just continue
> to do without.  I also want to be able to get a GPS unit where you don't
> have to accept some noxious license every time you turn it on.  Going
> with an open solution seems much likelier to get me there.  Some people
> use a phone for this job.  I want a device for this job that does not
> spy on me and report my movements.  A stand alone GPS is much more
> likely to not violate my privacy.
> Good day,
> Ralph
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>


I've installed OpenStreetMap data on a Garmin Etrex Legend HCx, but it's 
a handheld for hikers or bikers.  I don't know about larger routeing 
guide-me-there units.

-- 
Val W. Harris            valwharris at verizon.net

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the
sweetness of meeting the schedule has been forgotten.