GPS software for Garmin GPSMap 60CSx

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Level 1

9 points

GPS software for Garmin GPSMap 60CSx

I just purchased a Garmin mapping GPS unit, the GPSMap 60 CSx. I've also purchased the Garmin topo maps for my area of interest.

I've also downloaded and installed the Base Camp software for the Mac from Garmin, although I've not had the time to experiment with it.

Ultimately, I want to be able to print topo maps with my various pieces of data collected on the unit.

Does anyone know where I can find information and/or discussion groups for software for the Mac that will do this? I've a passing knowledge of ArcView from the Windows world, but that's way too sophisticated for what I want to do. And I'd prefer to have native Mac software rather than run a program using Parallels Desktop.

Thanks.

Ken

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Sep 13, 2009 6:03 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Sep 14, 2009 1:52 PM in response to snowshed

There is MacGPS Pro. I have used it for years.

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Answer 2

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 14, 2009 2:54 PM in response to Duane

Thanks for the information, Duane.

Have you ever compared this software to other products out there? What do you like and don't like about MacGPS Pro?

I'm checking out their website as I write this.

Ken

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Sep 14, 2009 3:37 PM in response to snowshed

I also have GPSy but that hasn't been updated in a while.

Hereis some information that I put together several years ago when I first got my GPS.

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Answer 4

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,816 points

Sep 14, 2009 5:19 PM in response to snowshed

Ken, If you were considering the option of using Parallels, it sounds like you have an Intel-based iMac. If that is the case, the Intel iMacs forums are here:

http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=189

Due to very poor labeling choices on Apple's part, you, like many others, have found the G4 iMac forums.

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Answer 5

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 14, 2009 5:50 PM in response to Duane

I'll check out GPSy too.

When you said "that hasn't been updated for awhile", did you mean the software hadn't been updated, or your copy hadn't been updated?

Was there supposed to be some sort of file attached to your post? I'll look again for some kind of link or attachment after posting this reply, but I didn't see any.

Ken

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Answer 6

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 14, 2009 5:59 PM in response to Allan Jones

Hi, Allan,

AAaaaaahhhhhhh, poor command of the English language. ::grinning::

Yea, Intel based Imac here, bought it before the summer when the eMachine with Win XP's motherboard crashed. Tired of the updates, viruses, bugs, etc. so ponied over the bucks for this Mac. But, unfortunately, the summer job has prevented me from getting to know the Mac like I wish.

The job? Steam locomotive engineer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWP12CK7ee4 If it's the "Thomas the Tank Engine" imitator, it's me at the throttle or breaking up coal in the tender.

Will the difference in forums be truly applicable to the discussion of current GPS software for Macs? I don't want to waste anyone's time by repeating and/or cross-posting.

Using Parallels is not the long term plan, it's a "bridge", if you will, since I can't afford to replace all my Windows software with equivalent Macintosh software all at once.

Ken

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Answer 7

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Sep 14, 2009 8:43 PM in response to snowshed

The GPSy application hasn't been updated by the developer in a while.

The word " Here" in my previous post is a link to this page.

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Answer 8

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,816 points

Sep 15, 2009 8:21 AM in response to snowshed

Locomotive engineer! COOL! Glad you found the Discussions!

Although not the complete train enthusiast, I traveled to Portland OR last summer for the 50th anniversary of the steam train (wood-fired) that traverses the Zoo and the adjacent park. Took a loooong ride. The small cab was filled to bulging with large grown men who were qualified engineers--too many came to be able to have a "one-on-one" with the lovely old steamer. Here's a poor pict from a zoo website:

!http://www.oregonzoo.org/AboutZoo/images/train.steamer.jpg!

T'was a sweet day to enjoy with Dear Daughter and Dear Grandson!

Will the difference in forums be truly applicable to the discussion of current GPS software for Macs? I don't want to waste anyone's time by repeating and/or cross-posting.

It will if there are hardware issues involved (ex., PPC v Intel coding). Otherwise--naw. Just a heads up in case you have a question about hardware issues down the ~~road~~ oops-- I mean "track."

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Answer 9

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 15, 2009 7:16 PM in response to Duane

Hi, Duane,

Got it!!! It never occurred to me the bolded "Here" was a link to a webpage. Too used to seeing external links underlined. LOL

I'll be checking out GPWSBabel too.

Ken

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Answer 10

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 15, 2009 7:24 PM in response to Allan Jones

Watching out for the hardware and OS differences is already ingrained in my mind. My computing days go back to the time when Macs were based on the Motorola 68000 chips, along with Atari's ST/TT computing line. I still own a couple of those.

FWIW, both MacGPSPro and GPSy now have native OS X versions of their software.

Ken

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Answer 11

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 15, 2009 9:45 PM in response to snowshed

Duane and Allen,

I've just stumbled upon a GPS app called RouteBuddy.

Have either of you heard of it?

Ken

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Answer 12

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Sep 16, 2009 8:56 AM in response to snowshed

I hadn't heard of it before.

Here is a Macworld review of it.

The last sentence of the review states

But Garmin owners and travelers concerned with detailed track logging should also consider MacGPS Pro and RoadTrip.

Here is a Macworld review of RoadTrip. You can download it from this link. I just started playing with it.

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Answer 13

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 18, 2009 8:22 PM in response to Duane

Thanks for the information, I read it earlier today but can't remember what I read now!!!! LMAO!!!!!! It's possible there is some effect from the "Admiral Nelson and Coke"!

I'm experimenting with Base Camp from Garmin, at the moment. One thing that's nice about the Base Camp is the map matches the one in the GPS unit. I need to figure out if there's an easy way to add waypoints to Base Camp, as that's one of the things I want to be able to do.

I think Road Trip will be the next program for testing, but based solely on the name, it might not do what I want, the same with Route Buddy.

Ken

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Answer 14

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 11, 2009 9:27 AM in response to snowshed

Very helpful info for a GPS newbie

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Answer 15

snowshed Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 12, 2009 8:14 AM in response to Duane

Duane,

I don't know if you will see this or not, but I got an email from GPSy, and an update is in the works. My conversations with them have involved GPSy X and X Pro.

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