[NTLUG:Discuss] GPS and OpenStreetMaps

[Mittelgeek]

I have a Garmin Rino 530HCx that I can offer up for use to bring in map
points if necessary. I also have a OpenStreet Maps Account, but I'm sure
John's account will have had much more use on it than mine. ;-)

Towards your second point, I believe that the Garmins can export to gpx
(maybe they use gpx format; please correct if you know for certain) or there
is a tool on their website to convert to an OpenStreet Maps friendly
version, IIRC.

On Thu, Sep 22, 2011 at 7:32 PM, Val Harris <valwharris at verizon.net> wrote:

> 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
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
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