I recently purchased a Garmin Alpha 100 for bird hunting and dog training. I have been investigating mapping software and I am looking for input on what others have used.

I would really like to be able to overlay satellite imagery over 24k topo maps in the same scale.

I primarily hunt in North Carolina so I would start with the North Carolina chip.

The two biggest contenders right now are Garmin Hunt Maps and OnX maps.

Does anyone have any experience with either software or have knowledge about an alternative?

JD

For clarity, are you wanting to use the desired software on the GPS unit or as a stand alone? Platform of device could determine answer(s).

Cheap alternative that seems to actually outperform most GPS: "BackCountry Nav Topo Maps GPS" app for your Android phone (if you have one).

Free version for evaluation. Free maps. Map purchases and upgrade optional.

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
For clarity, are you wanting to use the desired software on the GPS unit or as a stand alone? Platform of device could determine answer(s).

I will be using the selected software on my Garmin Alpha 100. I picked that unit because it integrates the GPS functions with an e-collar for my bird dog.

quote:

Cheap alternative that seems to actually outperform most GPS: "BackCountry Nav Topo Maps GPS" app for your Android phone (if you have one).

Free version for evaluation. Free maps. Map purchases and upgrade optional.

I want to avoid using my cell phone as my primary GPS. Alot of the areas I hunt have poor cell reception and I don't want to drain the battery. I am also notoriously hard on equipment. I would probably end up dropping my phone off a cliff or in a puddle. The phone will remain safely inside a dry sack in my pack.

JD

Several overlays to include topo, weather, elevation and you can create waypoints and add objects. You can then export files in a couple different formats including Garmin GPS.

http://caltopo.com/map

I use Avenza maps on my cell.

Open Caltopo and generate my own pdf of where I want to explore. Send it to my phone and store it on the microsd.

Put my phone in airplane mode (the battery lasts way longer ya know).

Pull in the map and turn tracking on.

Works excellent for me and several others I know.

Cheers~