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I've got a Garmin 605 and I'm wondering which mapping is actually better - I've heard that Topo isn't that complete/accurate in some areas, particularly for footpaths/bridleways - in theory, I guess that OSM could be better.
I have both already (well, been given Topo) so cost isn't an issue.
Experiences?
Depends on the are IME. The OSM for around here is pretty patchy. If you ride in more populated or popular areas, OSM may be better.
OS Maps
Pieface - Member
OS Maps
Well there's a classic STW answer 🙄
Bristol area - anyone got experience of both around here?
Is there anywhere online that I can look at Topo to compare without having to actually load it all?
There is a map viewer on the Garmin website, so you can check the detail in your area: [url] https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=255&pID=1359 [/url]
IME the Topo GB is not very good. It has some paths and tracks, but others missing. There doesn't seem to be much logic to which are there or not.
Whereas I know that OSM is rather good in my area, but that's because I mapped most of the tracks and paths myself.
Also, if using the maps on a GPS, IME the Topo GB is too cluttered, things like roads and paths are just thin lines, so can be obscured by forests or contour lines etc. OSM maps are usually much clearer on my eTrex.
Also, Topo GB can not do autorouting along paths/tracks, OSM maps can.
Hmmm... interesting then - might have to check out OSM locally and add in anything nearby that's missing. Anyone know how long they take to update?
The online map at openstreetmap.org is usually updated within a few minutes.
But things like downloadable maps in Garmin format are less often. Most of them seem to be updated weekly or so (eg Openmtbmap is).
Looking locally, the garmin map seems to have lots of detail on the contours but is very cluttered compared to OSM (though it is more complete in terms of bridleways) and also doesn't show woods/etc in a lot of places.
On OSM, I added a bridleway a couple of nights ago but it doesn't seem to show on the map yet.
This is from the 'history' for the area:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/browse/changeset/5782177
So has that been actioned yet?
I use Dakota 450 for road and MTB. OS 1:50k is perfect for all areas and for road and mtb riding. I do plenty of riding in Wales using gps. In my experience the OSM stuff is pretty patchy in the mountains for trails paths etc. I find the combination of satellite and OS from these sites to be perfect for what I want.
http://www.bikely.com/
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php
Pawsy - unless I'm missing something, how do those sites help with mapping on the GPS itself?
For creating a route, bikehike does look good though ( I usually use bikely)
I have the Topo maps on my 705 (and am in the Bristol area) and they're pretty shite (compared with OS maps at least), not helped by the small low-res 705 screen. Just about good enough to follow a route off-road (worked OK at the HONC) but I wouldn't hold out much hope of using them to navigate if I got lost. The City Navigator maps are worth the extra cost for road rides (much less cluttered) but obviously of little use off-road :p
On OSM, I added a bridleway a couple of nights ago but it doesn't seem to show on the map yet.This is from the 'history' for the area:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/browse/changeset/5782177So has that been actioned yet?
You don't seem to have tagged that bridleway with anything. In OSM, all objects need tags to say what they are. If it doesn't have any tags, it won't appear on any OSM maps.
Basically, open that area of the map, and click on the edit tab. Select that way, then click on the little car icon down the bottom to change it to a person. Then choose bridleway from the drop down list for presets. Then save that, and your bridleway should appear on the map soon.
See [url] http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Potlatch/Primer#Editing_tags [/url]
Great - thanks, done that now - should have RTFM I guess 😳
Just looking at that OSM page you linked clubber, and moving the map about a bit, there is LOADS of stuff missing. I wouldn't trust that at all!
But have a look at Topo and it's also missing loads...
(long time, btw. Nice tomatos. Shame about the chillis though 😉 )
Been a while huh? We need a vegas meet-up 🙂
whats the easiest way to update OSM? is there an incredibly easy to use iphone app yet?
Have you looked at 'mobile atlas creator'?
It allows you to create & upload OS maps from the likes of Multimap onto your Garmin
Not sure if the 605 works with it or not though
It's not particularly intuative but there's loads of youtube tutorials for it
If your fav. mtb tracks are not on OSM, just upload your tracks and put them on. I have done this in all the areas I ride, in much more detail than you can find on any other map.