Affordable trail mapping software/hardware

[Mojoman]

What is a reasonably (read: cheapest!) priced piece of hardware to map trails with? I would like to be able to ride a route, download it onto my PC and then have it superimposed or something onto a normal map so it could be printed out and given to riders.

[Stretch]

What is a reasonably (read: cheapest!) priced piece of hardware to map trails with? I would like to be able to ride a route, download it onto my PC and then have it superimposed or something onto a normal map so it could be printed out and given to riders.

 

your phone?

[silvertemplar]

Errr. you mean like Endomondo or Strava? That's exactly what they do and it's free? You download the app to your phone, you turn it on (assuming your phone have a GPS) and it will plot your movement, it is uploaded to the website (this can even happen while you ride , turning it into a "live" map which others can follow) and superimposed on a map which you can print...

 

If you got a Garmin GPS watch, you can do the same thing and upload it to Endomondo/Strava too.

Edited November 25, 2013 by silvertemplar

[Mojoman]

your phone?

Blackberry Bold but the battery life is stupendously bad so I would rather use a separate device if possible rather than risk losing the 'plot'!!

[Mojoman]

Errr. you mean like Endomondo or Strava? That's exactly what they do and it's free? You download the app to your phone, you turn it on (assuming your phone have a GPS) and it will plot your movement, it is uploaded to the website (this can even happen while you ride , turning it into a "live" map which others can follow) and superimposed on a map which you can print...

 

If you got a Garmin GPS watch, you can do the same thing and upload it to Endomondo/Strava too.

But would this make for a readable map for riders in an unfamiliar area? Or is the detail too low?

[Madlight]

My iphone with Strava app lasts 6 hours plus without a hitch

[Madlight]

But would this make for a readable map for riders in an unfamiliar area? Or is the detail too low?

 

the app maps the route onto Google Maps so detail is great

[silvertemplar]

But would this make for a readable map for riders in an unfamiliar area? Or is the detail too low?

 

It's imposed on Google Maps with ability to switch between satellite/street views and zooming in and out (exactly like maps.google.com with a route impose on it) , so i don't think you can get more details than that can you?

Edited November 25, 2013 by silvertemplar

[Cellar]

What is a reasonably (read: cheapest!) priced piece of hardware to map trails with? I would like to be able to ride a route, download it onto my PC and then have it superimposed or something onto a normal map so it could be printed out and given to riders.

 

Your best would be a cheap android phone, and an app called Backcountry Navigator. The license is like $4.00 or something. I use it a fair amount to map out new hiking trails. Its benefit over something like strava or endomondo, is that it maps off road or where there are no roads rather, and then you can superimpose that route onto google earth or openmaps.

[Cellar]

But would this make for a readable map for riders in an unfamiliar area? Or is the detail too low?

 

Backcountry navigator also has the benefit of routing according to a route map uploaded to it via compass waypoints. So if they have a compatible device, they can load the map directly, and use the divice compass to navigate even in unfamiliar terrain. Otherwise, you can select any topographical map from openmaps, superimpose your route, and print to whatever scale you find feasible.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Cellar

[silvertemplar]

Blackberry Bold but the battery life is stupendously bad so I would rather use a separate device if possible rather than risk losing the 'plot'!!

 

Well most cheap phones got some sort of GPS these days, so you can consider buying another one, but do research their respective battery lives. You can always get a spare battery pack for the phone, or ride with a these solar chargers (like a mini solar panel the size of a credit card) that can charge a cellphone.

 

Alternative, and its my personal preference too, get a Garmin GPS watch (much easier to handle while you are riding) . You can get them for like R2000 these days. My watch lasts about 8 hours when the GPS is active (weeks if it's not)

 

Like these (Garmin ForeRunner 110 or 210) : http://shop.fittrack...runner 110.aspx

 

So with that, you just upload your activity to either Garmin's own website or Endomondo/Strava and voila you got it on top of a map.

 

Otherwise can consider cycle mounted garmins like the EDGE series, however in my case i don't only ride , i run too, so the watch has more uses.

Edited November 25, 2013 by silvertemplar

[Cellar]

It's imposed on Google Maps with ability to switch between satellite/street views and zooming in and out (exactly like maps.google.com with a route impose on it) , so i don't think you can get more details than that can you?

 

Unless the route is an mtb trail, in which case, street view is completely pointless...

[craig82]

Blackberry Bold but the battery life is stupendously bad so I would rather use a separate device if possible rather than risk losing the 'plot'!!

 

Then use a friend's phone, cheap cheap (read: free)

[akneethling]

You can use any Smartphone or GPS device. Also you can use a free, local application on your desktop, with no requirement for an internet connection. It's called SportTracks from Zone Five Software.

[Mojoman]

Unless the route is an mtb trail, in which case, street view is completely pointless...

The routes would follow certain roads and then head off into the veld.

[Cellar]

The routes would follow certain roads and then head off into the veld.

 

And then google maps/street view will leave you stranded.