Garmin Topo Review

Since the launch of the first handheld units the big disappointment for most users has been the inability of a GPS to display a map in the screen. One of the big issues holding this up has always been the size of memory required to store the software in the GPS unit. Garmin have solved this problem by using an SD card slot and micro SD cards and topographical mapping. Micro SD cards allow storage of large amounts of data on a small chip and Topo mapping delivers good quality layered mapping that allows you to navigate both on and off road.

We are often asked to explain topographical mapping and what it delivers; we think of it as reduced detail mapping. If you take a 1:25 scale OS Explorer map and take out detail like field boundaries ect the end result is a 1:50 scale Landranger map. Topo is based on OS mapping with reduced detail but leaving enough of the essentials to allow you to orientate yourself easily in the field as a GPS when locked on to satellites will display your location in the center of the map. What's clever about Garmin's Topo package is that it adds Navtec software which can automatically create point to point route calculation in a compatible GPS, allowing you to navigate both on and off road.

Garmin's MapSource Topo isn't a complete solution for those who would like to see a full OS map in the screen, but it is a huge leap forward for the outdoor enthusiast as it delivers a useable map with the full navigation features of a handheld GPS. There are solutions like the use of a handheld Personal Navigation Device like the Road Angel Adventurer that can provide a full OS map on screen, however as yet these devices cannot deliver the full GPS features favored by most walkers and should be treated like a moving map.

You can buy Topo in two ways; firstly on a DVD which contains topographical mapping for the whole country as Topo GB (£149.99). You load the software and maps to your PC which then allows you select either part or all of the maps and copy them to a micro SD card. Topo GB is approx 1.7gb, if you wish to load the whole country to one card we recommend the use of a 2gb micro SD card.

The second method is to purchase your maps on a pre-programmed card allowing you to plug & play, what could be simpler? Garmin have recently re launched these cards with the country split into three large affordable Topo Regions (£69.99) the perfect solution for those who want Topo without the hassle of unlocking maps & licensing software.

       Scotland

       Northern England, the Midlands & North Wales

       Southern England & South Wales

Our customers use Topo as part of an overall navigation package requiring three parts. The central part is the GPS unit which delivers the navigational aspects, Topo puts the map in the screen, and clever software like Memory-Map or Quo allows you to plan routes ect where they can be seen within the map in the GPS.

Topo GB can be used with any of the colour Garmin handheld units, but it's use is restricted with units that offer internal memory such as the eTrex Venture & Summit. With these units the number of map tiles that can be loaded to the unit is limited by the size of the internal memory, however you can load different areas of mapping as the software just erases the loaded maps and replaces them with your new selection.

Both Topo GB and Pre Programmed Regions work best with units that offer SD slots or expandable memory such as the eTrex Legend & Vista HCx. GPS Map 60Cx & CSx, and the new Colorado 300.

All these choices of software can be very confusing, the best way to understand how it all works is to get hands on and see for yourself. If you would like a Topo demonstration & and or a discussion on how this all works then please call us on 01768 885855 and talk to a friendly GPS expert.